Girl Born With a Facial Growth Watches It Become the Size of a Cantaloupe — Until Surgeons Change Her Life

When Negalem was born in a small Ethiopian village, she had a relatively small vascular growth on her face. At first, her family could not have imagined how dramatically it would change during her childhood.

As the little girl grew, the mass continued expanding. By the time she was six years old, it had become approximately the size of a cantaloupe, covering nearly half her face.

What began as a visible medical difference had developed into a potentially life-threatening condition.

A Growth That Became Impossible to Ignore

Doctors identified Negalem’s condition as a cavernous venous malformation, an abnormal formation of blood vessels.

Although benign, the enormous growth created serious medical risks.

Its expansion threatened her ability to swallow and breathe. Specialists also warned that the fragile blood vessels within the mass could rupture and cause dangerous bleeding.

Without specialized treatment, Negalem’s future was becoming increasingly uncertain.

Help Arrived From Thousands of Miles Away

Negalem lived in a remote community with limited access to advanced medical care.

Her circumstances changed when an American government official working in Ethiopia learned about her condition and began searching for specialists who might help.

His search eventually led to Dr. Milton Waner and Dr. Teresa O, surgeons experienced in treating complex pediatric vascular malformations.

The doctors agreed to evaluate Negalem and undertake the exceptionally difficult operation.

Lenox Hill Hospital and Northwell Health also agreed to cover her hospital treatment and postoperative care.

Surgeons Faced a Life-Threatening Challenge

Removing the mass would not be a straightforward procedure.

The abnormal blood vessels extended deep into Negalem’s facial tissues and affected surrounding structures, including portions of her jaw and cheekbone.

Before the main operation, specialists performed procedures to reduce blood flow within the malformation and limit the danger of excessive bleeding.

The surgical team then carefully planned how to remove the growth while protecting important nerves, muscles and blood vessels.

A 12-Hour Operation Changed Everything

On June 23, 2021, Negalem underwent major surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

During the approximately 12-hour procedure, doctors carefully removed the enormous vascular mass section by section.

They also addressed the overgrown facial bones and reconstructed affected areas of her jaw.

The operation was exceptionally demanding, but the surgical team successfully removed the major portion of the growth.

For Negalem and her family, it was a remarkable turning point after years of uncertainty.

Two Weeks Later, Her Transformation Was Extraordinary

Just two weeks after surgery, Negalem’s appearance had changed dramatically.

Her father expressed gratitude to the medical professionals who had helped his daughter receive treatment that had previously seemed beyond reach.

Doctors explained that a small remaining portion beneath her tongue would require another procedure, while residual swelling was expected to decrease during recovery.

Negalem’s journey was not simply about changing her appearance. The surgery addressed a dangerous condition that had threatened her ability to eat, breathe and live safely.

Her story demonstrates what can become possible when specialized medical expertise and compassionate support reach a child who urgently needs them.

Sources: ABC7 New York, July 7, 2021; CBS New York, July 6, 2021.