On November 10, 2010, I sat in a hospital room watching brave, 14-year-old Megan. She had just had a walnut-sized piece of her brain removed because nevus cells were there, causing her seizures. She rested comfortably, even with wires and tubes connected everywhere and a huge, crescent shaped scar marring the beauty of her luxurious, auburn hair. Megan had no idea that she just ROCKED THE NEVUS WORLD!
Throughout this process, she and her parents received compassionate calls, notes, cards and emails from people around the world. From people connected to them through Nevus Outreach, Inc.
How did she rock the world? Megan’s is the first brain tissue from a living patient going to several locations for study and analysis--because Nevus Outreach had the vision and made the connections with expert scientists and educational institutions to put in place a tissue bank and worldwide research networks.
“Nevus Outreach is dedicated to improving awareness and providing support for people affected by congenital pigmented nevi, and finding a cure.”
Am I affected by congenital pigmented nevi? You BET I am.
Because of Nevus Outreach, I am affected by hundreds of people I have met at Nevus Outreach conferences. Kids and adults who show me what it means to be courageous when facing their medical challenges, who model grace in difficult social situations and who define perseverance as they face the world every day. Parents who fight for their children for medical treatment and social acceptance. Siblings who fiercely stand with hands on their hips on the playground confronting the name callers and bullies. Children who frequently must respond, “It’s not dirt, it’s just a birthmark.”
This is why I give to Nevus Outreach.
Because Nevus Outreach changes the lives of all these people. I urge you to join me NOW with your generous investment that will help support the 2012 Nevus Outreach Conference and Reunion. Because of the steady growth of Nevus Outreach and the ability of more people than ever to connect through social media, this conference attendance is going to be HUGE! Visit our 2012 Nevus Outreach Conference and Reunion page for a few more facts about the upcoming conference and the benefits of attending. Please also visit our Power of Community page to learn how you can help make the 2012 Nevus Outreach Conference and Reunion better than ever. If it doesn’t answer all your questions, please call Mark at 918-331-0595. He will be happy to tell you more.
At the 2010 conference, the Nevus Outreach Board of Directors reminded those in the room: “If we don’t do it, it won’t get done.” I say… “Let’s do it!”
With warm regards,
Kathy Wright
Friend of Nevus Outreach, attended Conferences 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and planning 2012
P.S. I’m happy to report that Megan’s surgery was successful and her seizures have disappeared!