OKtober was born July 2007, shortly after birth she developed a large facial hemangioma.  Her family, like many families whose children have hemangioma are told that the lesion is a "simple birthmark", that it will grow but it will eventually go away on its own.  It was only after seeing a opthamologist because the eyelid was so heavy the eye closed that they learned that he hemangioma was not just on the outside but on the inside too.  Oktober has been in and out of the hospital since September.  She is taking Oral steroids to inhibit the growth of the hemangiomas.  The steroid is causing some serious complications.   Vincristine a chemotherapy medication is now being used along with the oral steroids.  Oktober developed a serious staph infection at the cardiac catheter site which is used to administer the chemotherapy. 

Oktober's hemangioma is understood to be part of the PHACES association. A little known disorder associated with larger hemangiomas of the head & neck.  The association is diagnosed in infants where there is a hemangioma present and one or more of the other symptoms:  Posterior Fossa Malformations - involving the brain, Arterial Anomalies, Co-Arctation of the Aorta and or other cardiac defects, eye abnormalities and sternal cleft defects.  The associated symptoms vary in incidence and severity greatly.

NOVA is the leading organization providing information and assistance for individual affected by

PHACES and Vascular Anomalies.

Oktober's family found doctors nearly 10 hours away from their home in Northern Michigan and will be traveling down to the Hemangioma and Vascular Malformation Clinic at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in early November.  While the family does have insurance many of the expenses of out of state care will not be covered.  Friends of Oktober's parents will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner and Auction as a benefit for Oktober on November 3, 2007 at the Pine river High School. 

If you live near Leroy Michigan and are interested in helping this family dinner begins at 5pm and the Auction starts at 7pm. 

Link to Benefit

If you just want to send a donation to help this family, you tax deductible donation can be made to the LeRoy Evangelical Church 201 Cherry Street, Leroy, Michigan 49655.  Be sure to note on the memo line of the check that this is for Oktober.

Follow Oktobers story at www.carepages.com  Care Page name:  Oktoberstieg

This benefit is not directly sponsored by NOVA.  Please do not send donations for this benefit to NOVA directly.  NOVA has a general assistance fund for PHACES affected families call the Caitlin Rose Moncrief Memorial this fund provides grant money to families for emergency needs while the patient is undergoing medical care.  If you are interested in supporting the Caitlin Rose Moncrief Memorial contact NOVA for more information.

NOVA PROVIDES THIS INFORMATION TO FAMILIES AS A RESOURCE. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE OR TO REPLACE THE PHYSICIAN. NOVA DOES NOT CLAIM TO HAVE MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE. NOVA DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY PARTICULAR PHYSICIAN, TREATING FACILITY OR TREATMENT PROTOCAL. IN ALL CASES NOVA AND ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU SEEK THE OPINION OF A PHYSICIAN EXPERIENCED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEMANGIOMAS AND VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS. 

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