Today is June 19, 2013. I just did a second photo shoot with Abigail this past weekend but this time, we got the whole family involved! She has endured her first round of surgery and is anticipating her second round later this month.
It’s been a long time since I released any more images from Abigail’s 1 year photo shoot and since I’ve had a second shoot with Abigail and her family that you are surely eager to see….here’s something to tide you over, a 2nd release of new images from Abigail’s 1 year photo shoot! I’ll post a set of new images over the next several days while I edit the new photos, so keep an eye on the blog looking out for the images and then for the most recent shoot, too!
As you view these images please keep in mind that this sweet baby girl still has numerous surgeries ahead of her, as long as these venous malformations insist on growing. And it’s all so very expensive. Despite insurance assistance, Abigail’s first round of treatments exceeded $10,000! Can you imagine receiving THAT bill in the mail? But would you allow your child to suffer when something can be done to allow them to have a full life?
Please understand, Abigail’s parents would not be pursuing this line of treatment if these malformations were not actually impeding Abigail’s normal and healthy development. They are not pursuing these surgeries for cosmetic purposes. The venous malformations actually have the potential to grow (similarly to cancer), and the one on Abigail’s cheek was. And was very painful for her. It made eating clumsy, difficult and painful. She also has one on her lip and the back of her tongue, each making (or having the potential for making) eating, breathing and speech development difficult or even impossible.
You can see the venous malformation on Abigail’s cheek quite visibly in several images from her 1 year photo shoot, and in the image I posted at the beginning of this article, the ‘before’ picture shows it as it was starting to grow. For the second shoot, the VM on her cheek was nearly invisible, and the ‘after’ picture above shows the difference the surgery has made!
Many people have come together to assist the Haynes family afford the necessary trips to NY to see Dr. Waner, who enthusiastically insists that the VM’s on Abigail’s cheek, lip and tongue are ALL operable while others have declared otherwise. And there is reason to believe Dr. Waner can help Abigail, as he has done so for many before her!
There are so many ways you can help. First and foremost, be sure to share with all of your friends about Abigail’s plight. To make it super easy, she has a facebook page that you can like and share. If you personally know the Haynes’, add a note when you share her page to let your other friends know this is “close to home” for you. There is also a fund raiser page that has been set up for Abigail to make giving super easy. The Haynes’ need so much help. Aside from medical costs, they must make a trip to NY for each and every surgery Abigial has so there are traveling expenses and dining expenses that go along with each trip! Also, if you live in the Columbia, SC area (or are interested in making a trip) and want some family photos, I encourage you to contact me for information on Abigail’s Collection which was designed specifically to assist the Haynes’ family financially. For your convenience I have provided direct links below the gallery.
I hope you enjoy the images and will keep coming back for new images this week and next. And I’ll be looking forward to hearing your questions and understanding of Venous Malformations and seeing the Haynes’ family receive all the help they need. Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this blog and I hope you visit the links, especially the ones with information on Venous Malformations and Dr. Waner.
~Katie
To find out more about Venous Malformations, click here.
To find our more about Dr. Waner, click here.
To like and share Abigial’s Facebook page, click here.
To make a financial donation, click here.
To find out about Abigail’s Collection, click here.