After 12 years of suffering from an illness that caused a massive tumor to grow on his face, a 14-year-old boy will finally have it removed by doctors at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
The 10-pound benign tumor grew on Emanuel Zayas’ face as a result from a condition called polyostotic fibrous dysplacia. The medical condition occurs when developmentally certain bones become soft.
The condition began affecting his left arm and leg when he was 2 years old, but it got worse when he turned 9.
Zayas’ parents tried for years to get help. Now, Dr. Robert Marx and four surgeons are stepping in. But, doctors say there’s a lot of work ahead of them. Zayas’ surgery could take between 8 to 12 hours.
“His deformity should be improved upon, but like I said underneath it his face will have a collapse. We need to reconstruct and rebuild that with time,” Marx said.
Doctors were able to get a temporary visa for the boy and his family to come to Miami from Cuba to have the surgery.
Zayas’ surgery is scheduled to take place in January.
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The surgery could cost as high as $200,000. If you would like to donate, click here.
