At the age of 3 weeks old, Laura Ann was diagnosed with Desmoid-Infantile Fibromatosis. These are very rare tumors, only effecting about two to five cases per million people every year. The cause of desmoid tumors is unknown. In some patients, desmoids can occur as part of an inherited syndrome called Gardner Syndrome, in which patients also have colon polyps or colon cancer. Desmoid tumors are neither a truly benign nor a truly malignant cancer. Also they can become aggressive, painful, and even life -threatening. Laura's first tumor was located in her left thigh and recently the tumor has spread and a new mass was found in her left knee. At the current age of 6 years old Laura Ann has undergone 6 MRI's, 3 biopsy's. 1 ultra sound and 3 x-rays. Laura Ann's tumor has become larger and it is now hard, not soft like it was at the time of one of her biopsies. It is causing her headaches and stomachaches, as well as limiting her range of motion (she can not bend down). Due to the size and location of her tumors surgery is not an option and she is beginning her first round of treatment injections.
Medical bills can become quite expensive, even with insurance... It is said that every family is only one major illness away from bankruptcy.
Laura Ann attends Kim's Kids Inc. Before & After school center. Kim's Kids Inc. is accepting donations to help pay for Laura Ann's medical related expenses. We will be kicking off our fund raiser at the Strawberry Festival on April 26th, 2008 and raising money all summer long. We are also selling raffle tickets to raffle off a new lawn mower on behalf of Laura Ann and all people suffering from Desmoid-Infantile Fibromatosis.
To make a donation get in touch with Kim Stephenson at Kim's Kids Inc. 919-934-1833 or at 919-625-0038 or First Citizens bank located at 40/42 in the name of Laura Ann (a special account has been set up for her).
On behalf of Laura Ann's family and all of us at Kim's Kids Inc. Thank-you so much for your love, generosity and kindness. "Beloved, let us love on another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God...for God is love." 1 John 4:7-8 Please continue to pray for Laura Ann and her family daily. Thank-you and God Bless, Kim Stephenson
