- J
Caring for Courageous Caroline
“Though she be but little, she is fierce.” --William Shakespeare
At 3 ½ years old, Caroline was diagnosed with Vein of Galen Malformation, an extremely rare abnormality in the brain. It’s so rare that it only occurs in 1 in 3,000,000 babies. Despite the struggles, Caroline continues to exude joy and happiness on a daily basis.
Caroline is about to have her 6th brain surgery (embolization) on April 28th in 2 years in New York. Caroline was an extremely late diagnosis, and thus, has had many complications. Brian and Megan have used up all of their sick days to care for Caroline--pre and post surgery, therapies, and travel.
Caroline’s first surgery resulted in an ischemic stroke of her thalamus. This led to a cerebral palsy diagnosis as well, and having to go to intensive neuro-rehabilitation which continues to this day to recover and do her best to keep up with her peers.
On April 28th Caroline has her 6th brain surgery. Caroline’s team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists have been incredible--truly heroes--watching Caroline endure multiple procedures and rounds of recovery has taken much strength and faith. To make the situation even more heartbreaking in this trying time, due to COVID-19 restrictions only one parent can stay with Caroline in the hospital. COVID-19 also made Ronald McDonald House not an option for the Gross family in New York.
On top of that, Dr. Bernstein is one of a few doctors to treat Vein of Galen Malformation. This world renowned surgeon is out of their insurance network and does not accept the insurance through Brian and Megan’s schools. Insurance has denied each of the previous surgeries and doesn’t pay the $103,000 doctor bill each surgery. Brian and Megan have spent two years appealing the first surgery to only lose all of the appeals.
The donations will go towards Caroline’s 6th surgery hotel stay, travel, ubers to the hospital, and food. Also future items, further surgeries or yearly checkups. As well as hospital, doctor, anesthesia bills, therapies and adaptive equipment to support Caroline.
A true warrior, Caroline has been through so much in her young years. There is something about her that makes this world a better place. When you hear Caroline’s story it's heartbreaking but when you meet Caroline it's heartwarming. This girl will love you with her whole heart. She’ll be the one to comfort you when you're sad. She’ll be the one to make you laugh when you need it the most. Instead of thinking about her tough challenges she faces, she's thinking about how she can help you. I truly think if everyone could meet Caroline and spend the day with her, their heart would be filled with little more love and kindness. Please help us to support Caroline in her fight for her life.
https://www.mountsinai.org/care/neurosurgery/services/pediatric-cerebrovascular-disorders/vein-galen-malformations
Please help the Gross family with as much as you can.
Love,
The family of Brian and Megan
“Though she be but little, she is fierce.” --William Shakespeare
At 3 ½ years old, Caroline was diagnosed with Vein of Galen Malformation, an extremely rare abnormality in the brain. It’s so rare that it only occurs in 1 in 3,000,000 babies. Despite the struggles, Caroline continues to exude joy and happiness on a daily basis.
Caroline is about to have her 6th brain surgery (embolization) on April 28th in 2 years in New York. Caroline was an extremely late diagnosis, and thus, has had many complications. Brian and Megan have used up all of their sick days to care for Caroline--pre and post surgery, therapies, and travel.
Caroline’s first surgery resulted in an ischemic stroke of her thalamus. This led to a cerebral palsy diagnosis as well, and having to go to intensive neuro-rehabilitation which continues to this day to recover and do her best to keep up with her peers.
On April 28th Caroline has her 6th brain surgery. Caroline’s team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists have been incredible--truly heroes--watching Caroline endure multiple procedures and rounds of recovery has taken much strength and faith. To make the situation even more heartbreaking in this trying time, due to COVID-19 restrictions only one parent can stay with Caroline in the hospital. COVID-19 also made Ronald McDonald House not an option for the Gross family in New York.
On top of that, Dr. Bernstein is one of a few doctors to treat Vein of Galen Malformation. This world renowned surgeon is out of their insurance network and does not accept the insurance through Brian and Megan’s schools. Insurance has denied each of the previous surgeries and doesn’t pay the $103,000 doctor bill each surgery. Brian and Megan have spent two years appealing the first surgery to only lose all of the appeals.
The donations will go towards Caroline’s 6th surgery hotel stay, travel, ubers to the hospital, and food. Also future items, further surgeries or yearly checkups. As well as hospital, doctor, anesthesia bills, therapies and adaptive equipment to support Caroline.
A true warrior, Caroline has been through so much in her young years. There is something about her that makes this world a better place. When you hear Caroline’s story it's heartbreaking but when you meet Caroline it's heartwarming. This girl will love you with her whole heart. She’ll be the one to comfort you when you're sad. She’ll be the one to make you laugh when you need it the most. Instead of thinking about her tough challenges she faces, she's thinking about how she can help you. I truly think if everyone could meet Caroline and spend the day with her, their heart would be filled with little more love and kindness. Please help us to support Caroline in her fight for her life.
https://www.mountsinai.org/care/neurosurgery/services/pediatric-cerebrovascular-disorders/vein-galen-malformations
Please help the Gross family with as much as you can.
Love,
The family of Brian and Megan
Organizer and beneficiary
Gross Family
Beneficiary