Caring Matters Now is part hosting Didier and his mother Luz to experience a week in the UK's capital city, London.  During the week, Caring Matters Now will be introducing Didier to other children who also suffer from CMN syndrome.  This will be the first time Didier has left his home country and come into contact with another CMN patient.  Caring Matters Now will also be funding Didier to participate in the crucial CMN research at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), as well as receiving medical care at the CMN clinic in GOSH. 

Didier became a very popular little boy after the documentary 'Turtle Boy' was aired on Channel 4 in 2013.  Since the showing of Turtle Boy, Caring Matters Now has received a number of requests from the general public asking if they can support Didier by donating money towards his well-being and towards the work that is being done to support those with Congenital Melanocytic Naevus syndrome.   

This justgiving page has been set up for all those who would like to support Didier and the Caring Matters Now charity.  All doantions given will be split 50/50.  50% of all donations will go directly to Didier and his mother Luz.  The money will be used to better thier lives in Columbia.  The further 50% will go towards the work of Caring Matters Now.

CARING MATTERS NOW IS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THOSE AFFECTED BY CMN SYNDROME AND FUNDING RESEARCH TO FIND THE CURE.

To find out more about Caring Matters Now, please go to www.caringmattersnow.co.uk

 

WHAT IS CMN SYNDROME?

Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN) syndrome is the association of brown or black moles present at birth, neurological problems including brain tumours, characteristic facial features, and an increased risk of malignant melanoma (skin cancer).   The more of the skin covered in CMN at birth, the more likely that there are brain problems, and the higher the risk of melanoma. 

 

 

THE CAUSE OF CMN SYNDROME

ØCMN syndrome is caused by a mutation in the gene NRAS that occurs when the baby is developing in the womb. 

 

ØDuring development in the womb the mutation changes how those cells are supposed to develop, leading to the birthmarks and/or the brain changes.  These changes are permanent.

 

ØAfter the baby is born the mutation is still present in the cells, and it is this that increases the chance of developing melanoma.

 

ØMelanoma in CMN syndrome is at highest risk during childhood. The melanoma in CMN syndrome is a particularly aggressive tumour and resistant to treatments. 

 

ØAll cases of melanoma in CMN syndrome which have been seen at Great Ormond Street Hospital in the last 15 years have proven fatal.

 

ØCaring Matters Now works in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital, by funding the CMN research.

 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.