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152
This 4-Year-Old Girl Has Undergone Multiple Surgeries To Get A Dangerous Birthmark Removed From Her Face
Interview
Luna Tavares-Fenner was born on the 7th of March, 2019, and her story quickly went viral. The media around the world named her the girl with the “Batman face” because of the characteristic birthmark Luna was born with. An extensive dark mark covering most of the girl’s little face was a huge surprise for the parents and the medical team assisting during labor. As doctors soon discovered, the birthmark was an unusual facial feature and a dangerous threat to the girl’s life. It turned out to be an extremely rare skin condition called congenital melanocytic nevi.
Immediate action was necessary, leading Luna to undergo multiple surgeries to remove the mark. Since the procedure was quite innovative and unavailable in local clinics at the time, Luna’s parents, Carolina and Thiago, decided to travel all the way to Russia to start the treatment promptly. The doctors carefully planned the entire treatment for Luna, though the duration and full recovery remained uncertain. By age 2, Luna had already undergone six surgeries, with breaks given for healing and rest. The medical treatment proved successful in preventing possible skin cancer for the young toddler. However, the journey was not yet over as the last stage of treatment involved ongoing aesthetic surgeries.
More info: Instagram | ajudealuna.com.br
RELATED:
Meet Luna, a girl who came into this world with a distinctive facial feature
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Bored Panda reached out to Carolina Fenner, Luna’s mother, to get more information about the girl and her story. We first asked her to give us more details about the rare condition Luna was affected by as a newborn. Fenner told us: “Her disease is called congenital melanocytic nevus and is characterized by a birthmark that can be harmful, with the potential for cancer development. Due to concerns about her health, we sought advice from various doctors but received conflicting prognoses. As time passed, our worries only grew stronger.
This continued until we made the decision to travel to Russia, where a renowned physician specializing in this field proposed a less aggressive surgery. During our time there, further tests were conducted, revealing cancers that had gone undetected while we were living in the United States. This underscored the severity of Luna’s illness, which has always deeply affected both her and us.”
An extensive dark mark covering the majority of the girl’s little face was a huge surprise, both for the parents and the medical team assisting during the labor
Image credits: luna.love.hope
As doctors soon discovered, the birthmark was not only an unusual facial feature but also a dangerous threat to the girl’s life
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Asked how the decision about the treatment was made, Carolina explained: “The decision was indeed made when the doctor in Russia discovered the presence of three cancers associated with her condition. Prior to that, we were uncertain about proceeding with surgery since we had no knowledge of the existence of these three melanomas.”
It turned out to be an extremely rare skin condition called congenital melanocytic nevi
Image credits: luna.love.hope
The media around the world named her the girl with the “Batman face” because of the characteristic birthmark
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Next, we wanted to know what steps the parents had to take in order to start the necessary treatment and more in-depth information about Luna’s life. Carolina shared with us: “For three years, while we stayed in Russia for her necessary surgery, Luna had limited contact with others, only interacting with a few individuals when necessary. It is evident that her illness greatly affected her ability to connect with the outside world, which is not healthy for a developing child. The challenges posed by her illness were particularly difficult for her, mainly due to the prejudice she encountered.”
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Luna’s parents, Carolina and Thiago, decided to travel all the way to Russia to start the treatment there
Image credits: luna.love.hope
The mother continued: “Since she was a young girl, Luna has had to cope with prejudice and bullying due to her physical condition. This made socialization challenging for her and had a significant impact on her well-being. As a result, we sought psychological treatments to support her. It became apparent that her condition consistently hindered her social development and greatly influenced the way she was treated.
When we left Russia a year and a half ago due to the war, we enrolled Luna in a school. Unfortunately, she experienced instances of violence and exclusion, further highlighting the hardships she faced due to her illness.”
The doctors carefully planned the entire treatment for Luna
Image credits: luna.love.hope
They could not estimate how long all the procedures would take or when the girl would fully recover
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Then, we were wondering if the results the doctors were aiming to achieve were satisfying. We found out that: “The surgery, being minimally invasive, did not debilitate Luna or disrupt her regular life. As a result, the outcome has been highly satisfactory and comforting for me. However, she will require ongoing treatments in the future. Since returning to Russia is not feasible, we have opted for alternative monthly treatments to assist with the scarring process.”
By the age of 2, Luna had already undergone six surgeries
Image credits: luna.love.hope
First, all the wounds needed time to heal, and then the toddler was given a break from the surgeries she had undergone
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Asked how Luna perceives the process of her face changing and her birthmark gradually disappearing from her face, Carolina said: “These days, Luna often finds herself pleasantly surprised when she looks in the mirror and notices that the birthmark is now significantly smaller compared to its preoperative state. This transformation has had a profound impact on her self-esteem, as she has begun to perceive herself as more acceptable. Consequently, her mood has gradually improved, providing clear evidence that Luna is responding positively to the fading of the birthmark.”
Carolina and Thiago created a website where anyone could make a donation for their daughter
Image credits: luna.love.hope
In addition to directly donating money, the website features a special collection of rag dolls that have similar facial features to Luna
Image credits: luna.love.hope
We wanted to find out the estimated time the treatment will still take. Luna’s mother told us: “According to the doctor’s expectations, there are approximately six months remaining for the completion of the ongoing treatment.”
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Lastly, we asked Carolina if she had any additional words she would like to share with our readers. Fenner said: “It is crucial to take measures to assess the progression of the disease, as early detection can facilitate prompt treatment. Additionally, I firmly believe that it is essential to support the child in developing resilience to the potential prejudice they may face. Therefore, it is necessary to prioritize both the psychological and physical aspects of their well-being, as maintaining a balance between the two is vital for the child’s overall health.”
This little girl is a shining example of immense strength, inspiring everyone around her
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Image credits: luna.love.hope
All the money spent on the website dedicated to Luna contributes to helping the family cover their daughter’s medical expenses
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Since the girl’s story was widely spread online and in other media, people from around the world supported the family
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Strangers sent gifts to Luna, all aimed at making the girl smile and be happy
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Recently, Luna celebrated her 4th birthday
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Thanks to the support of the community, the parents were able to organize a beautiful birthday party with all the friends that the girl had always dreamed about
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Carolina mentioned in one of her recent Instagram posts that they were preparing for the final series of surgeries in Krasnodar
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Image credits: luna.love.hope
However, due to the tense situation caused by the war Russia started against Ukraine, the parents decided to postpone their journey to the clinic
Image credits: luna.love.hope
The book written by Luna’s mother had its premiere in Brazil and will soon be translated into English and released in other countries
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Hopefully, the situation in the world will allow Luna to continue her treatment very soon
Image credits: luna.love.hope
Then, she will recover and fully enjoy the joys of childhood and live a beautiful life with her loved ones
Image credits: luna.love.hope
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What do you think ?
That Goth Demon (zey/zem) 2 years ago
Her story is amazing! <3 I hope she gets all the fun in her childhood she deserves!
AspieGirl88 2 years ago (edited)
I understand they said the birthmark is a threat to her life, but; as far as appearances go, I think it looks just beautiful … almost like she has a midnight-coloured winged animal perched atop her cute little button nose! I only hope that this sweet little cherry-blossom is loved & treated well by all who meet her, including other children of her age group. 🥹💖👧🏻🌸
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
There is a high chance that this condition could degenerate into melanoma, which is why these marks are removed if possible. But I agree she is beautiful, both before and after :)
Load More Replies...
RageHivewing 2 years ago
The birth mark honestly looked pretty cool, sad it was life threatening
pebs 2 years ago
Please don't be hypocritical: what you call "cool" would have been constant psychological and physical torture in the life of that little girl and later woman. Would you call it "cool" even if it happened to your daughter?
Load More Replies...
Angelique 2 years ago
I definitely don't want to be rude, the parents of this little girl are doing their best, but the result is pretty awful compared to what can be done nowadays. The poor girl has scar tissue all over her face. In better treatments, doctors use a method called skin extension to graft instead of the nevus and there is much less scarring! I don't see how this poor little girl is going to get LESS bullied. They replaced the nevus with scar tissue...
Ekaterina Myers 2 years ago
I absolutely agree. Also she got complications like she couldn’t close her eye to sleep. And the Russian doctor involved said it could become dangerous(literally like any birthmark) under certain circumstances but at the moment of the surgeries it was fine. The girl didn’t have to suffer that much.
Load More Replies...
Ekaterina Myers 2 years ago
I don’t want to spoil the cool story. But. They never posted any proof that the girl’s condition was dangerous. Actually the Russian doctor said it was safe in his interview about it. And any birthmark can become cancer, you have to be cautious. So it seems to me that the whole thing was done because it is parents who couldn’t accept the situation and the way their child looks. I don’t see how scar tissue is better. And all the pain and complications coming from it. I think it should have been the girl’s choice. By the time she would be grown up there could be better technology to remove it if she would want.
Chez2202 2 years ago
My mother thought nothing of my facial birthmark which was getting progressively bigger, darker, lumpy and hairy. Our family doctor told her to get it sorted when I was 3. If she had left me with it until I could make the choice of having it removed I would never have forgiven her. You don’t remember much of the pain when you’re really young. My surgeries lasted until I was 15. Starting at 3. I remember the pain of the last 4 surgeries even now at 48. Younger is better. Suggesting that her parents couldn’t accept her and put her through this for themselves is awful. I still resent the fact that mine were happy to leave me with a huge facial birthmark until my doctor stepped in and told them it wasn’t ok.
Load More Replies...
Random Girl 2 years ago
Can someone please explain to me why the birthmark was dangerous? Just curious, not trying to be rude.
Chez2202 2 years ago
There is a high risk of dark, fast growing birthmarks becoming cancerous. They are similar to moles. At least mine was. If a mole grows, changes shape or becomes lumpy or hairy people go to a doctor. They generally have them removed and a biopsy is performed. Imagine this birthmark compared to a mole.
Load More Replies...
Roan The Demon Kitty 2 years ago
so you're telling me.. RUSSIA could do this treatment, when the US couldn't? o.O Anyway, I hope she recovers well :)
ginny weasley 2 years ago
Russia actually has decent healthcare and its far more affordable than the US
Load More Replies...
Nitka Tsar 2 years ago
What was that again about the US having the best Doctors, best hospitals and most advanced treatments? lol
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
Luna's mother and father created an entire website about their sweet daughter and her rare condition. The website is in Portuguese and in the "Sobre Luna" (About Luna) page, her parents explained that they already visited several doctors based in the United States, however, the procedures were expensive and too aggressive. Russia proved to have the most affordable and less aggressive procedures that would be best for their daughter. These treatments help protect Luna against the possibility of melanoma and skin cancer and also help her to retain facial and muscle movements: https://www.ajudealuna.com.br/sobre-luna-pg-80b88
Load More Replies...
MiriPanda 2 years ago
From Wikipedia :"Large and especially giant congenital nevi are at higher risk for malignancy degeneration into melanoma." This is also not a nice prospect, even if it was purely a cosmetic issue: "Melanocytic nevi often grow proportionally to the body size as the child matures. As they mature, they often develop thickness, and become elevated, although these features can also be present from birth. Prominent terminal hairs often form, especially after puberty. With maturity, the nevus can have variation in color, and the surface might be textured with proliferative growths."
Load More Replies... That Goth Demon (zey/zem) 2 years ago
Her story is amazing! <3 I hope she gets all the fun in her childhood she deserves!
AspieGirl88 2 years ago (edited)
I understand they said the birthmark is a threat to her life, but; as far as appearances go, I think it looks just beautiful … almost like she has a midnight-coloured winged animal perched atop her cute little button nose! I only hope that this sweet little cherry-blossom is loved & treated well by all who meet her, including other children of her age group. 🥹💖👧🏻🌸
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
There is a high chance that this condition could degenerate into melanoma, which is why these marks are removed if possible. But I agree she is beautiful, both before and after :)
Load More Replies... RageHivewing 2 years ago
The birth mark honestly looked pretty cool, sad it was life threatening
pebs 2 years ago
Please don't be hypocritical: what you call "cool" would have been constant psychological and physical torture in the life of that little girl and later woman. Would you call it "cool" even if it happened to your daughter?
Load More Replies... Angelique 2 years ago
I definitely don't want to be rude, the parents of this little girl are doing their best, but the result is pretty awful compared to what can be done nowadays. The poor girl has scar tissue all over her face. In better treatments, doctors use a method called skin extension to graft instead of the nevus and there is much less scarring! I don't see how this poor little girl is going to get LESS bullied. They replaced the nevus with scar tissue...
Ekaterina Myers 2 years ago
I absolutely agree. Also she got complications like she couldn’t close her eye to sleep. And the Russian doctor involved said it could become dangerous(literally like any birthmark) under certain circumstances but at the moment of the surgeries it was fine. The girl didn’t have to suffer that much.
Load More Replies... Ekaterina Myers 2 years ago
I don’t want to spoil the cool story. But. They never posted any proof that the girl’s condition was dangerous. Actually the Russian doctor said it was safe in his interview about it. And any birthmark can become cancer, you have to be cautious. So it seems to me that the whole thing was done because it is parents who couldn’t accept the situation and the way their child looks. I don’t see how scar tissue is better. And all the pain and complications coming from it. I think it should have been the girl’s choice. By the time she would be grown up there could be better technology to remove it if she would want.
Chez2202 2 years ago
My mother thought nothing of my facial birthmark which was getting progressively bigger, darker, lumpy and hairy. Our family doctor told her to get it sorted when I was 3. If she had left me with it until I could make the choice of having it removed I would never have forgiven her. You don’t remember much of the pain when you’re really young. My surgeries lasted until I was 15. Starting at 3. I remember the pain of the last 4 surgeries even now at 48. Younger is better. Suggesting that her parents couldn’t accept her and put her through this for themselves is awful. I still resent the fact that mine were happy to leave me with a huge facial birthmark until my doctor stepped in and told them it wasn’t ok.
Load More Replies... Random Girl 2 years ago
Can someone please explain to me why the birthmark was dangerous? Just curious, not trying to be rude.
Chez2202 2 years ago
There is a high risk of dark, fast growing birthmarks becoming cancerous. They are similar to moles. At least mine was. If a mole grows, changes shape or becomes lumpy or hairy people go to a doctor. They generally have them removed and a biopsy is performed. Imagine this birthmark compared to a mole.
Load More Replies... Roan The Demon Kitty 2 years ago
so you're telling me.. RUSSIA could do this treatment, when the US couldn't? o.O Anyway, I hope she recovers well :)
ginny weasley 2 years ago
Russia actually has decent healthcare and its far more affordable than the US
Load More Replies... Nitka Tsar 2 years ago
What was that again about the US having the best Doctors, best hospitals and most advanced treatments? lol
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
Luna's mother and father created an entire website about their sweet daughter and her rare condition. The website is in Portuguese and in the "Sobre Luna" (About Luna) page, her parents explained that they already visited several doctors based in the United States, however, the procedures were expensive and too aggressive. Russia proved to have the most affordable and less aggressive procedures that would be best for their daughter. These treatments help protect Luna against the possibility of melanoma and skin cancer and also help her to retain facial and muscle movements: https://www.ajudealuna.com.br/sobre-luna-pg-80b88
Load More Replies... MiriPanda 2 years ago
From Wikipedia :"Large and especially giant congenital nevi are at higher risk for malignancy degeneration into melanoma." This is also not a nice prospect, even if it was purely a cosmetic issue: "Melanocytic nevi often grow proportionally to the body size as the child matures. As they mature, they often develop thickness, and become elevated, although these features can also be present from birth. Prominent terminal hairs often form, especially after puberty. With maturity, the nevus can have variation in color, and the surface might be textured with proliferative growths."
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