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From the moment Cambree Hensley was born three years ago, a large, port wine stain already covered most of her left leg.
While her mother initially didn’t think much of it, the doctors were quick to correct her. The stain could be an indicator of underlying health problems – and indeed, it was.
In the days following, Cambree was seen by numerous doctors until she was finally diagnosed with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS). In this condition, a person’s blood vessels don’t form properly, thereby affecting the development of the bone and soft tissue in the surrounding area.
Patients with KTS have a higher risk of developing fatal blood clots because their blood vessels haven’t formed properly.
For Cambree, her KTS was located in her left leg, causing this leg to be two-and-a-half inches wider and one inch longer than her right leg. She loses balance a lot because of this asymmetry, and wears special orthopedic shoes to help compensate for this difference.
As of now, there is no clear, direct treatment for KTS.
Cambree’s parents are, however, taking their daughter to various doctors and hospitals in Boston in hopes of at least alleviating some of the symptoms.
At the Boston’s Children Hospital in Massachusetts, Cambree had an ultrasound done on her leg, which allowed doctors to determine that they could close off some of Cambree’s extra blood vessels to lessen the blood flow in the area.
This specialized treatment has been slow, but ongoing. Cambree has also had some of her larger blood vessels minimized, as well as had unnecessary small vessels and blood clots removed.
The Hensley family have set up a Facebook page to share Cambree’s story with the world, hoping that by boosting awareness they can help other families who might be affected by KTS or can encourage doctors to search in earnest for a cure.
You can also donate to their medical fundraising page here.
