A more detailed update from Mphatso's greatest state-side advocate, Ali!
I'm writing with the great news that Mphatso had his first surgery this past Wednesday and all went well!
As a reminder, Mphatso has arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which happen when a group of blood vessels form incorrectly. They have found that there are two major feeding veins that connect to the mass and the surgery done on Wednesday served to close off one of these veins. Mphatso will stay in the hospital a few days to be observed post surgery, and then will recover at home for two months. Because his tumor is fluid-based due to the abnormal overgrowth of blood vessels, they anticipate that some of the swelling in his face will go down over the coming months. If so, they will reassess him and do another operation to close the second vein, to further shrink the swelling. After another few months, Mphatso would come back to the hospital, likely to have reconstructive surgery with a plastic surgeon to further address any abnormalities to the lips, cheeks, etc.
Angela and Christina in Malawi opted to not send along photos at this time as Mphatso is still very swollen post-op, but the hope is that his father Alick can send some update/ progress photos in the coming weeks or months as his face is healing a bit more.
I also received an update on the budget thus far. We have raised an amazing $4,480, and to date $2,067 has been spent, with $2,413 remaining. Funds have been used for transportation several times between Tete, Mozambique and Blantyre, Malawi, food, nursing care and coordination, and a phone for Alick.
Thank you so much to everyone for your support to help make this happen!
I will send more updates when I have them.
warm wishes,
Ali Pinschmidt
