Myla Going to Italy For Treatment!

Hello, my name is Catherine Young, and I am raising funds on behalf of my sister, Samantha, and her husband, Tyler. Their soon-to-be 2-year-old daughter (my niece), Myla, was born with an extremely rare vascular condition on the left side of her face, called Capillary Malformation-Arteriovenous Malformation or CM-AVM.

This is a very complex and life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention. In simple terms, the vascular system in Myla’s cheek, mouth, nose, eye, and ear did not form correctly due to a genetic mutation called RASA1. Because of this, blood does not flow normally and instead rushes through these areas, causing strain and damage. Myla experiences daily bleeds of varying severity, along with many additional complications that impact her health and quality of life.

The Short Version For Treatment

Myla has been accepted into the care of Dr. Colletti, a world-renowned specialist based in Milan, Italy. This fall, she will meet with him in New York to finalize her treatment plan, with procedures expected to begin in early 2026. My hope is to raise funds to help cover the significant costs associated with her treatment, travel, and living expenses, as well as the wages they will miss during this time.

The Slightly Longer Story

In the early months of Myla’s life, her parents explored treatment options at many Canadian hospitals. However, given the rarity and severity of her condition, Canada does not have the medical resources to provide the care she needs.

Through social media, Sam was able to connect with the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation, which led to their introduction to Dr. Colletti. In 2024, just before Myla’s first birthday, they were able to meet Dr. Colletti in New York during the VBF Super Clinic. Sam and Ty covered the costs themselves, hoping to finally find a doctor who could help their little girl. Thankfully, Dr. Colletti took a keen interest in Myla’s case and believes he can treat her using his new, ground-breaking technique.

Dr. Colletti recommended waiting one year to allow Myla to grow stronger so that her body could better handle the interventions and treatments ahead. During this time, she has been on an experimental chemotherapy medication, which has helped prevent her condition from worsening. This fall, Dr. Colletti will meet with her once again in New York, before beginning treatment in early 2026 in Italy.

At this time, the total cost of treatment and international travel is unknown. What is certain is that each trip to New York costs approximately $5,000 for just three days, covering flights, hotels, consultations, and transportation. The trips to Italy will be even more substantial, lasting anywhere from six weeks to several months, as Myla will require multiple treatments and surgeries.

Sam and Ty have applied for out-of-country funding to hopefully assist with treatment fees and flights to Italy. However, even if approved, they will still face many additional expenses, including accommodations, daily living costs, and the loss of income while taking an extended leave from work to care for Myla. Due to the high risk and severity of Myla’s condition, Sam has not been able to return to full-time work, as Myla requires round-the-clock care from a parent.

Sam, Ty and Myla are beautiful souls and have taken on this challenge with poise, determination, and love. My hope is to help ease their financial burden as they continue down this tough road ahead.

I am deeply grateful for any support, big or small, that will help Myla receive the life-saving treatment she deserves. Thank you for supporting our contagiously happy Myla Ann!