After 18-Pound Tumor and Haiti Earthquake, Teen Needs One More Miracle

Marlie Cassues, before and after a 18-pound tumor was removed from her face in 2005. (Courtesy of IKF's Wonderfund)

(CBS/WFOR) After having an 18-pound tumor removed from her face and losing family members in the Haitian earthquake, one brave teen is not giving up.

In 2005, Marlie Casseus was brought from Haiti to Miami to undergo a series of facial reconstructive surgeries that removed a massive tumor that covered most of her face.

The tumor was a result of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, a genetic bone disease that can affect any bone in the body. Before surgery, Caseus' mouth and nasal passages were blocked, she could not speak and was only able to eat and breathe through one narrow passage, according to CBS affiliate WFOR.

Her surgeries were funded by the International Kids Fund (IKF), a charity which shuttles children in need to the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center for live-saving treatments.

Marlie's amazing story of medical intervention should have had a happy ending. The surgeries restored much of face and allowed her to breathe normally.

But the January 2010 earthquake that rocked Haiti rocked her family as well. Several died. Marlie and her mother survived to find themselves homeless and in need of another life-saving surgery for Marlie.

"Tissue is obliterating the nasal passages. That means that the lesion is growing and expanding from inside the mouth and the palate is pretty much invading the nasal cavity," Dr. Jesus Gomez with UM/Jackson Hospital told WFOR.

Doctors say she will need another surgery to make room in her nasal passages so she can breathe freely.

"She has come so far and has overcome so much - we will not let her die and we are appealing to the community for help," Janelle Prieto, Director of IKFs Wonderfund, told WFOR.

If you would like to help Marlie Casseus, click here to visit her donation page or call 305-585-5888.

Reported contributed by CBS' Miami affiliate WFOR.

[FACTORFICTION55]

Alhamdolillah, this beatiful young lady is receiving the help she needs. I can not even imagine how this young ladyl found the courage to deal with the obvious medical hardships the tumor caused. May the "International Kids Fund" continue to help those in need.

I agree with "LONGKAT," This IS what plastic surgery should be about.

I also agree with "MADSEL," we all have so many Blessing we should take stock of them and appreciate all the many Blessing we have.

Even Marlie, with this horrible disease and loss of family members to the earthquake in Haiti has Blessing to be thankful for. May ALLAH continue to Bless you Marlie and give you success in all that you face now and in the future. Amaan.

[longkat]

Indeed, madsei has pointed out something that is very important here, gratitude for our own blessings. I hope that there will be funds for her stay and surgery. This is what medical, plastic surgery is for... helping those who have these serious problems. I also hope that the surgeons can be skilled enough to give her a beautiful new face.

[madsel]

I saw Marlies story on Discovery Health last year, what a strong young woman. When I think I am having a bad day because I didn't get something done that I wanted to or because something didn't go my way I remember how strong this young woman is and get my priorities straight. How blessed I am to have been born without this horrible disease. If we could all learn to be a little more thankful for our blessings the world could be a better place. God bless you Marlie!