Lillian Cherie Hopkins was born via c section on April 18, 2014 at Marietta Memorial in Marietta, OH. She was a full term baby, weighing 6 lbs 10 oz. Doctors knew something was wrong after they pulled her out and noticed her skin had torn and she had lesions and open wounds on her legs and bottom. 5 hours after being born, she was flown to Children's Hospital in Columbus. She was later diagnosed with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa.
Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder that causes painful blistering of the skin and the mucous membranes. It affects one in every 50,000 live births and can often times be fatal within the first year.
Those affected lack the proteins that prevent the skin layers from acting independently from one another resulting in extreme fragility of the skin. This means that the slightest of touches, even a hug can cause excruciatingly painful blisters and wounds. These wounds are very susceptible to infections which can often times be lethal.
In order to protect the skin from infections and additional wounds, one must be wrapped in special bandages that do not adhere to the skin. These bandages must be changed frequently…a tedious and painful process. However since there is no cure, this is the only effective treatment.
EB comes with numerous challenges aside from dressing changes. Despite any amount of care, wounds still occur and with the wounds comes scarring. This scarring can cause deformities in the hands and feet as the skin begins to fuse together often resulting in a clubbing effect. Another complication as a result of the chronic damage to the skin is cancer, which it typically fatal in these cases.
As you can see, caring for Lily will be an ongoing battle filled with countless hours of dressing changes and feeding complications. Medical supplies and special clothing are her primary needs right now. Anything will help, small or large. All donations will be used in caring for our little flower and helping find a cure for this disorder.
