Harper

 

          This cutie-patootie is Harper. She’s just shy of three years old. She’s the grandniece and goddaughter of Kevin, our youngest son.

          Harper was born with a large port wine stain birthmark on her bottom and private area. She also has a heart-shaped birthmark on her arm. The port wine stain birthmark on her bottom was getting larger and larger so her parents took her to St. Louis to see a doctor about treatment for it. The doctors in St. Louis told her she had a rare condition called Capillary Malformation–Arteriovenous Malformation syndrome or CM-AVM for short.

          “What’s that?” I know you wanna know.

          CM-AVM is a rare, genetic vascular condition that causes abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the body. For Harper, this doesn’t just mean a diagnosis—it means daily pain, swelling, and the constant risk of complications that can impact her muscles, nerves, and overall quality of life.

          The doctors said nothing could be done about it but they needed to monitor her because it could spread to her spine or her brain so they do yearly CAT scans. Harpers mom, Michaela, started doing research about this syndrome and connected with others who are dealing with the same condition and that led her to a doctor in Italy that has a treatment for CM-AVM. Unfortunately, they have to go to Italy for the treatment, after first meeting with them in NYC.

          Some of the families that have been there told Michaela that just the procedure and the first night stay would run around $38,000. Harper will likely need to stay ten days. And guess what?

          It’ll all be out of pocket.

          If you feel led to pray, give, or share Harper’s story, the family is deeply grateful. Your support brings them one step closer to securing the care she needs.

          The family has set up a Go Fund Me page as well as a Venmo account for her.

Please continue to lift up Harper and her family before the Lord.