Scarlett's fund
Donation protected
This event is to raise funds to pay for the treatment of a LARGE CONGENITAL MELANOCYTIC NEVUS on Scarlett’s left forearm.
Scarlett McKayla M., Age 4 yr.
Scarlett was born with a rare form of birth defect called a Large Congenital Melanocytic Nevus. In simple terms it is an abnormally large mole that increases her risk of skin cancer. The Nevus takes up roughly 1/3 of her left forearm and extends onto her hand. Since she was a week old Scarlett has been seen routinely by a dermatology specialist at Riley Children’s Hospital to monitor the area for any changes in appearance and texture.
On a daily basis it is a struggle to properly care for and treat the skin. The Nevus skin is more sensitive, easily damaged and irritated, making it crucial to properly care for this area. Scarlett’s arm has an abnormal amount of long thick hair growing from the nevus that must be kept trimmed to help decrease sensitivity and irritation. Recently some spots have appeared, the dermatologist says they are folliculitis, we now have a special antibiotic cream to apply. Her arm must be kept moisturized as the area is also prone to eczema and cracking. Sunscreen and long sleeves are part of our daily routine, she is not allowed out, even on the cloudiest of days, without one or both. Being a toddler Scarlett does not allow any of this to happen easily, if at all…
Until recently Scarlett has paid little mind to her arm. She now notices it has more hair and is different. This area is more painful when contact occurs. She prefers it not be touched, even to be cleaned. She notices the physical, she is still too young for this to affect her emotionally or physiologically. Yes, other people notice it, especially kids. I wish we could say everyone has been kind and respectful but some, even children, have not. The day Scarlett takes those words and odd looks to heart is most dreaded and quickly approaching.
Scarlett has state insurance (Medicaid for children). It covers her visits to Riley, pediatrician, and any referred specialist as needed. But, we are seeking further medical treatment to improve Scarlett’s quality of life. Decreasing the risks associate with her condition and lessoning the impact it will likely have on her emotionally and mentally. Our search has included doctors, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons… anyone who has seen a Large Congenital Nevus, or would possibly treat one. Those who have seen them are few and far between, one that has actually treated a patient is practically non-existent. Throughout our countless trips all over Indiana and out of state, no one felt they could adequately provide the treatment Scarlett deserved. Many admittedly did not believe they could give her the best results, but had heard of a name that could. That same name was all over the research we were given from Scarlett’s primary physician explaining her condition, Dr. Bruce S. Bauer MD .
We met with Dr. Bauer when Scarlett was about 6 months old. He and his team were the most impressive, knowledgeable, helpful and reassuring group off medical professionals we had met with and still remain to be. Dr. Bauer had proposed using tissue expansion w/ flap to completely remove the Nevus from Scarlett’s arm and have it replaced with her own healthy skin (no, not at all like skin grafting). The procedure would consist of roughly 3-4 outpatient operations, spanning over a six month period. Being performed by Dr. Bauer and his team in Chicago, IL. We have yet to find a procedure/treatment that produces such promising results. The pros of this operation out weigh any of the cons. Please keep in mind… We are her parents. We deal with this on a daily basis. We only want what is best for Scarlett. We wish more than anyone that our baby girl would not have to deal with any of this. But that is not our reality. This is our best attempt at giving her the life and future she deserves. We have exhausted all other options.
That brings us here… asking for help.
Scarlett’s insurance is not accepted at the hospital Dr. Bauer operates out of. If we have insurance cover what they will, our portion of the bill starts at $30,000. That is with insurance! So our best option is to approach this as a private paying party, we take on all medical responsibility. All said and done... medical/surgical costs, unexpected expenses, and travel included should bring us in around $17,000.
Our goal of fundraising is in hopes to raise enough money to pay for the medical treatment that will allow one of the most skilled and specialized surgeons in Nevus treatment/removal in the country to treat her, giving Scarlett the best outcome for her condition.
A FEW FACTS ON CMN :
>Linked to MELANOMA.
>Occurs approximately once in every 20,000 births.
>They appear in either sex, in all races, and on any areas of the skin.
>No known cause or prevention.
>Large or Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus are not hereditary.
>Having a large nevus can impact one’s mental health and well-being.
>Benefits of surgery remove the risk of melanoma and improve the physical appearance of affected area.
*All funds raised will be gifted to Scarlett for the treatment and research of Scarlett’s Nevus.*
If you have any questions or just wish to know more about our situation please feel free to private message us.
God Bless!
Scarlett McKayla M., Age 4 yr.
Scarlett was born with a rare form of birth defect called a Large Congenital Melanocytic Nevus. In simple terms it is an abnormally large mole that increases her risk of skin cancer. The Nevus takes up roughly 1/3 of her left forearm and extends onto her hand. Since she was a week old Scarlett has been seen routinely by a dermatology specialist at Riley Children’s Hospital to monitor the area for any changes in appearance and texture.
On a daily basis it is a struggle to properly care for and treat the skin. The Nevus skin is more sensitive, easily damaged and irritated, making it crucial to properly care for this area. Scarlett’s arm has an abnormal amount of long thick hair growing from the nevus that must be kept trimmed to help decrease sensitivity and irritation. Recently some spots have appeared, the dermatologist says they are folliculitis, we now have a special antibiotic cream to apply. Her arm must be kept moisturized as the area is also prone to eczema and cracking. Sunscreen and long sleeves are part of our daily routine, she is not allowed out, even on the cloudiest of days, without one or both. Being a toddler Scarlett does not allow any of this to happen easily, if at all…
Until recently Scarlett has paid little mind to her arm. She now notices it has more hair and is different. This area is more painful when contact occurs. She prefers it not be touched, even to be cleaned. She notices the physical, she is still too young for this to affect her emotionally or physiologically. Yes, other people notice it, especially kids. I wish we could say everyone has been kind and respectful but some, even children, have not. The day Scarlett takes those words and odd looks to heart is most dreaded and quickly approaching.
Scarlett has state insurance (Medicaid for children). It covers her visits to Riley, pediatrician, and any referred specialist as needed. But, we are seeking further medical treatment to improve Scarlett’s quality of life. Decreasing the risks associate with her condition and lessoning the impact it will likely have on her emotionally and mentally. Our search has included doctors, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons… anyone who has seen a Large Congenital Nevus, or would possibly treat one. Those who have seen them are few and far between, one that has actually treated a patient is practically non-existent. Throughout our countless trips all over Indiana and out of state, no one felt they could adequately provide the treatment Scarlett deserved. Many admittedly did not believe they could give her the best results, but had heard of a name that could. That same name was all over the research we were given from Scarlett’s primary physician explaining her condition, Dr. Bruce S. Bauer MD .
We met with Dr. Bauer when Scarlett was about 6 months old. He and his team were the most impressive, knowledgeable, helpful and reassuring group off medical professionals we had met with and still remain to be. Dr. Bauer had proposed using tissue expansion w/ flap to completely remove the Nevus from Scarlett’s arm and have it replaced with her own healthy skin (no, not at all like skin grafting). The procedure would consist of roughly 3-4 outpatient operations, spanning over a six month period. Being performed by Dr. Bauer and his team in Chicago, IL. We have yet to find a procedure/treatment that produces such promising results. The pros of this operation out weigh any of the cons. Please keep in mind… We are her parents. We deal with this on a daily basis. We only want what is best for Scarlett. We wish more than anyone that our baby girl would not have to deal with any of this. But that is not our reality. This is our best attempt at giving her the life and future she deserves. We have exhausted all other options.
That brings us here… asking for help.
Scarlett’s insurance is not accepted at the hospital Dr. Bauer operates out of. If we have insurance cover what they will, our portion of the bill starts at $30,000. That is with insurance! So our best option is to approach this as a private paying party, we take on all medical responsibility. All said and done... medical/surgical costs, unexpected expenses, and travel included should bring us in around $17,000.
Our goal of fundraising is in hopes to raise enough money to pay for the medical treatment that will allow one of the most skilled and specialized surgeons in Nevus treatment/removal in the country to treat her, giving Scarlett the best outcome for her condition.
A FEW FACTS ON CMN :
>Linked to MELANOMA.
>Occurs approximately once in every 20,000 births.
>They appear in either sex, in all races, and on any areas of the skin.
>No known cause or prevention.
>Large or Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus are not hereditary.
>Having a large nevus can impact one’s mental health and well-being.
>Benefits of surgery remove the risk of melanoma and improve the physical appearance of affected area.
*All funds raised will be gifted to Scarlett for the treatment and research of Scarlett’s Nevus.*
If you have any questions or just wish to know more about our situation please feel free to private message us.
God Bless!
Organizer
Shelby N. May
Organizer
Bloomington, IN
