Have You Heard Of Nevus?

When I first met Clare I had never heard of "Nevus". I remember my eyes being drawn to the large birth mark on her 4th child's face and trying not to stare. I remember another child on the playground asking Clare what was wrong with her child's face and being amazed at how patient and honest she was with the child's questions about her son's condition. And then we became close friends and in all honesty I forgot about his birth mark because it disappears behind his personality.

Clare and her family, however, do not have the luxury of forgetting about 4th's birth mark, because it is more than just a freckle or discolouration. Clare's son has a condition called Congenital Melanocytic Nevus and in his short life has had many surgeries because of it. I know very little about Nevus except that it increases a person's risk of melanoma (and from following Clare's journey I also appreciate what a roller coaster of emotion having a young child who requires multiple surgeries can be for the whole family). Clare has blogged about her familiy's journey here, here and here.

Every two years Australia hosts a conference and camp where families like Clare's meet with other families who understand their journey. They learn more about Nevus, network with specialist care-providers and just generally enjoy a supportive environment. The support group is small and everyone working within it works on a volunteer basis. Presently Clare and family are preparing for the January 2011 conference and are reaching our for donations. This is where you and I come in.

Clare says:

"To donate there are several options. You can visit Nevus Support Australia and donate via cheque, Money Order or Direct Deposit. The lovely Michelle Sibbons started and runs the group. If you are able to donate let her know I sent you.

You can also donate through paypal by clicking on the link on this blog on the top right hand side.

I would also really appreciate it if you could link back to this post, on your blog, to spread the word about our goal to make this happen!"

One of Clare's friends made the image above and Clare has invited others to copy the image and share (with a link to the relevant blog post) on your own blogs and websites.

I urge readers to take a moment to head over to Clare's blog and get an insight into the life of one family living with nevus. And to donate what you can to ensure the support they receive remains ongoing.