A GoFundMe page has been set up for two-year-old boy Kaiden, who was recently diagnosed with a rare vascular condition known as Moyamoya disease.
His family is trying to raise $200,000 to afford a surgery that could save Kaiden’s life.
What is Moyamoya Disease?
Moyamoya disease is a rare, progressive blood vessel disorder in which the carotid artery in the skull becomes blocked or narrowed, reducing blood flow to the brain. Tiny blood vessels then open up at the base of the brain in an attempt to supply the brain with blood.
The word “moyamoya” means “puff of smoke” in Japanese, a term describing the appearance of this cluster of tiny blood vessels.
The first symptom of moyamoya disease is usually stroke or recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), especially in children.
Accompanying signs and symptoms of moyamoya disease related to reduced blood flow to the brain include:
- Headache
- Seizures
- Weakness, numbness or paralysis in your face, arm or leg, typically on one side of your body
- Visual disturbances
- Difficulties with speaking or understanding others (aphasia)
- Developmental delays
- Involuntary movements
- Cognitive decline
Shortly after Kaiden’s first birthday, his parents Kyle and Aiza took him to the doctor to have his lazy eye checked out. It was there where the doctor confirmed Kaiden had what is known as a morning glory anomaly or syndrome, which can be a symptom of more serious health issues.
What is Morning Glory Anomaly?
Morning glory syndrome (MGS) is a birth defect of the nerve of the eye (optic nerve) that resembles a flower known as “morning glory”. It is characterized by an enlarged, funnel-shaped cavity of the optic disc – the point in the eye where the optic nerve fibers leave the retina.
Symptoms include very poor vision in the affected eye with poor visual acuity. MGS may occur by itself or along with other eye abnormalities or non-ocular problems like brain disorders, which was the case for Kaiden.
Shortly after, he was diagnosed with Moyamoya.
‘Saving Kaiden’
With surgery, the prognosis tends to be positive. However if left untreated, the disease will progress, potentially causing irreversible neurological damage over time. Kaiden’s parents are aiming for a mid-January 2019 surgery date, but obstacles stand in the way.
“In some ways our prayers have been answered, but now we are pressed for time. Without emergency surgery we can lose Kaiden, we may lose our little boy,” the family writes in their GoFundMe page.
The surgery is estimated to cost $200,000. As of this writing, they have raised a little for $70,000.
Want to lend a hand?
To see Kaiden’s GoFundMe page, click here!
To see his Facebook page, click here!
