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Girl's Rare Condition Defied by Groundbreaking Italy Treatment
15 Nov
Summary
- Seven-year-old Kinley Gluch has undergone over 22 surgeries for a rare vascular condition.
- A risky surgery removed a large malformation, saving her life from catastrophic complications.
- Family seeks experimental treatment in Italy for her persistent vascular malformations.
Kinley Gluch, now seven years old, was diagnosed with extensive venous malformations shortly after birth. This rare condition involves abnormally formed blood vessels that have caused significant health issues impacting her face, lip, neck, mouth, and airway. Her journey has been marked by over 22 surgeries and procedures.
When Kinley was just one year old, doctors discovered her malformation was far larger and more complex than initially thought, posing immediate risks. A critical eight-hour surgery at age three successfully removed the main malformation, a procedure that carried significant risks of uncontrollable bleeding. Surgeons even prepared for the possibility of sacrificing her jugular vein.
Despite this major success, Kinley continues to require treatments every few months to manage remaining malformations. She also suffers from severe obstructive sleep apnea and uses a CPAP machine nightly. Her family is now preparing to travel to Italy for a novel treatment they believe could dramatically improve her future, as conventional treatments have limitations and carry risks.
While Kinley's medical needs strain her family's insurance annually, the upcoming Italian treatment is not covered. To fund this potentially life-changing therapy, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign. Kinley, however, remains remarkably positive, participating in activities like football and dance, often with a simple explanation for her visible differences.
