Marlie Casseus, a 14 year old girl from Haiti, underwent Wednesday an extremely difficult surgical intervention aimed at removing a 7.25 kilogram tumor, which had affected her breathing functions.
The 16 hour long operation was carried out at the Holtz Children's Hospital in Miami by a team of doctors consisting of Jesus Gomez, the maxillofacial surgeon who is spearheading Marlie's medical care; Juan Sola, a pediatric surgeon, and Wendy Lee and Kami Parsa, oculo-plastic surgeons.
"I am truly at a loss
of words; I do not know how I will be able to repay the generosity of everyone who contributed to my child's healthcare," said Marlie's mother, Maleine Antoine, in Creole. "When we got to this country, we prayed for a miracle, and we got one; we got the miracle of compassion."
Marlie's tumor-like growth is thought to have been caused by a rare condition named Polysostotic Fibrous Dysplasia, which is characterized by uneven growth, pain, brittleness and deformity of the affected bones.
The growth first became evident five years ago and has overcome Marlie's nose and mouth, rendering her unable to eat, breathe or speak on her own. Only her eyes, nostrils and a tooth can be recognized from her severely swollen face.
One of the most dangerous consequences of the tumor was the pressure applied on the left eye, which threatened her eyesight.
"It is important to note the first surgery will not be cosmetic; she will not come out of the operation without traces of the growth," said Dr. Gomez.
The maxillofacial surgeon emphasized that at least two other interventions will be necessary in order to repair the damages caused by the tumor.
The International Kids Foundation, which raised the necessary funds ($95,000) for the intervention, will also be in charge of the following operations.
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