Every baby is born unique, yet some stand out so much that they capture everyone’s attention in the delivery room. One such child is Luna Tavares-Fenner, who, since her birth in 2019, has intrigued many with her “Batman birthmark.”
Recently, Luna has been the center of attention once more, and for a good reason. With the help of innovative surgical procedures, she has been able to remove her famous birthmark. Now, looking at this delightful 4-year-old girl, it’s almost impossible not to smile at her captivating transformation.
Luna Tavares-Fenne, hailing from Florida, is a bubbly 4-year-old who loves to laugh, eat, and be lively, just like any other child her age. However, Luna was born with a unique skin condition called congenital melanocytic nevus, which significantly impacted her and her family’s life.
Her mother, Carol Fenner, was taken aback when Luna was born in 2019. She noticed a dark patch covering most of Luna’s face, which left her stunned and worried. Luna’s birthmark, resembling a Batman mask, covered a large portion of her face. Carol confessed to WPLG in 2019, “I’m used to it now, but then I was just shocked.”
Carol was stunned and deeply worried, as her joy at becoming a mother swiftly transformed into intense anxiety. She was taken by surprise when her daughter, Luna, was born with an unexpected abnormality – a dark patch, which went unnoticed in the final ultrasound before Luna’s birth.
The doctors were initially unsure about the nature of this dark patch and admitted Luna to the hospital for six days for testing. Following extensive investigation, they determined that Luna’s birthmark had a high risk of developing into skin cancer in the future. Multiple surgeries, at least six, were suggested as the best course of action to remove Luna’s “Batman mask,” as Carol referred to it. However, a significant hurdle stood in the way: each procedure carried a hefty price tag of around $40,000.
In her desperate quest for a cure, Luna’s mother, Carol, explored every possible avenue for treatment. It was undoubtedly a challenging period for the entire family. Carol recounted, “We consulted numerous doctors and visited various cities including Boston, Chicago, and New York, seeking a more favorable outcome.”
Carol’s goal was to arrange the surgeries before Luna began school, to shield her from potential teasing. Regrettably, even at her tender age, Luna and her family had to endure remarks from individuals who couldn’t come to terms with her unique appearance. Rather than shying away from public scrutiny, Carol boldly chose to raise awareness about her daughter’s condition. She created an Instagram page to give the world a glimpse into their day-to-day life, demonstrating courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
As Luna’s story gained global exposure, it came to the attention of medical professionals across the world, including renowned Russian surgeon-oncologist Dr. Pavel Borisovich Popov. Moved by Luna’s unusual case, Dr. Popov reached out to Carol and offered a specialized treatment not accessible in the United States.
However, this alternative procedure, known as photodynamic therapy, carried a significant cost. In response, the family appealed to the public for financial assistance, setting up a fundraiser that amassed $70,000 from generous well-wishers eager to aid Luna.“Everybody thinks I’m crazy to go to Russia, but I have done a lot of research and gained advice from several doctors and I really think that this is the best option for Luna right now,” Carol admitted in a 2019 interview with SWNS.
Over the past few years, Carol and Luna embarked on multiple trips to Russia to undergo tests and initiate her treatment. Even amidst the pandemic, they managed to consistently visit the clinic in Krasnodar, with each procedure proving successful.
Dr. Pavel Borisovich Popov expressed immense satisfaction with the outcomes. He’s confident that Luna’s risk of developing cancer has been substantially reduced. Sharing his optimism with East2West News, Dr. Popov revealed, ”We only had six operations to remove the nevus and have succeeded in making it disappear. Luna has already started speaking and she says herself: ‘My black spot has gone. I am a princess’.”
Dr. Popov has confirmed that the major medical phase of Luna’s treatment is complete. However, this doesn’t signify the end of her therapeutic journey. “We are letting Luna rest from the treatment she has undergone and then we will undertake the aesthetic surgeries. Later we aim to make sure Luna will not have any complexes when she comes to the age where she is concerned about her appearance,” elaborated Dr. Popov.
This positive trajectory has undoubtedly been a source of solace for Luna’s family. Luna herself has displayed remarkable resilience throughout the process, facing each treatment phase with infectious positivity and unwavering courage. In her brief two-year existence, Luna has faced immense challenges, yet she never fails to greet the world with a heartwarming smile.
Carol, reflecting on their journey and decisions made, confidently stated, “I don’t regret at all having the treatment here. Luna doesn’t feel the pain. She dances a few hours after the surgery,” as reported by The Daily Mail.
The family is now eager to present the transformed Luna to the world. Observing Luna’s cheerful demeanor, there’s a consensus on the striking transformation she has undergone, and much credit goes to her relentless mother and the skilled surgical team. Recent photographs of Luna showcase outstanding results, offering relief in a world where individuals can sometimes be unnecessarily cruel.
In a joyous turn of events, the family decided to travel to Brazil for Christmas celebrations last year. Even though Carol resides in the U.S., her roots trace back to Brazil.
During their visit to Brazil, Luna had the opportunity to connect with family members and recuperate from her exhaustive treatments. Her mother shared that 2022 marked the first year Luna didn’t undergo any medical procedures.
Sending heartfelt wishes to this brave little girl: May Luna’s days be filled with love, health, and boundless joy! Blessings to her as she continues her remarkable journey. For those reading this, consider sharing her story on social platforms like Facebook to spread awareness and send your support.