You have to hear Melyssa's story...
Warning: Some of the images in this article may be disturbing to some readers.
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Meet Carol, 21, Manassés, 25, and three-year-old Melyssa from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
At this point in time, it was already apparent that some form of growth was beginning to take over young Melyssa's face.
When doctors at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital in São Paulo were able to inspect the tumor, they discovered that it was one of the largest myxoma tumors they had ever seen. Luckily, these tumors are usually benign and are not considered cancerous.
"It was almost like another head attached to her jaw," said a surgeon.
Her parents looked high and low for care that would relieve their daughter of this considerable burden.
"We were desperate to save our daughter’s life. Surgeons in Brazil told us our Melyssa was going to die because the treatment they wanted to give her would be too much for her weakened immune system," said her mother.
The family realized that the United States may be their only option to get the help Melyssa needed.
"We were told her only chance of survival was by seeking help in the United States. We knew the costs were going to be huge so we started the Ajudem a Melyssa campaign to raise money for flight tickets and for staying in the country," explained her mother Carol. At this point, the tumor had destroyed most of her right jaw.
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Centre in Shreveport heard about Melyssa's condition and offered their expertise at no charge to the family.
This facility offered to compile a team of doctors and nurses that would be responsible for ultimately removing the roughly five-pound tumor from Melyssa's face.
So generous!
After a grueling eight-hour surgery. Melyssa's tumor was successfully removed.
She looks incredible!
Here is the young girl after her successful surgery with her doctors. "Melyssa’s case was particularly special because of the size of the tumor. This one was by far the largest we have ever seen," said Dr. Palmieri.
Melyssa has already regained use of her tongue now that the tumor is gone. She can now eat much more easily.
While she is doing well after her surgery, she will need follow-up procedures...
A titanium insert was used to rebuild portions of her jaw and will need to be replaced with larger ones as she grows.
Carol is loving life with her daughter on a clear road to recovery.
"We can’t believe how generous doctors in America and the charity have been. We are so grateful for everything that has been done for our daughter and all within less than a month," she said.
You can see the relief that has already come over Melyssa's parents. Kudos to the team of doctors at the LSU Health Sciences Centre for giving this young girl another shot at life.
If you wish to donate to Melyssa's recovery, you can go here.
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