Luna Tavares-Fenner from Florida gained fame on Instagram for her distinctive Batman-shaped birthmark. Thanks to her mother’s dedication in sharing her story, Luna has now begun the process of having it removed. You won’t believe how the now two-year-old looks without it!

The Little Girl Born With The Batman Birthmark

When Carol Fenner was pregnant with Luna, everything seemed perfectly normal. All of her ultrasounds and scans indicated no cause for concern. However, when Luna was born, Carol and her husband were shocked to discover a large birthmark covering part of Luna’s forehead, nose, eyelids, and cheeks, resembling a Batman mask.

What Is Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus?

Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (GCMN) is essentially a large mole present at birth. The skin is dark, raised, and often has a different texture than normal skin. GCMN occurs when pigment-producing cells cluster together in one area during fetal development instead of dispersing evenly throughout the skin. GCMN affects about one in every 20,000 births. These nevi start forming between five and 24 weeks of gestation, and the earlier they develop, the larger they become. While most congenital nevi are harmless, they carry a higher risk of becoming cancerous, especially the giant ones. Removing the nevus doesn’t completely eliminate the cancer risk, but it can help reduce it. “Besides looking unusual, they pose a risk of malignant degeneration. The skin cells in those areas are abnormal and can turn into a malignant melanoma, which is a very lethal type of skin cancer,” said Dr. Anthony Wolfe, a pediatric plastic surgeon with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Instagram Came Through

Luna’s story quickly attracted a large following on Instagram. One day, a Russian doctor named Pavel Popov, a laser and cancer specialist with over 20 years of experience, reached out to the family. Dr. Popov informed them about a new procedure available in Russia called photodynamic therapy, which is not yet available in the United States. This procedure would require fewer surgeries and less time compared to options in the U.S. The couple decided to pursue this opportunity, but they needed significant funds to cover the expenses. They organized a fundraising event and launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising nearly $70,000 with a goal of $150,000. This amount was enough for Luna to begin her treatment.

The Results

Over the past couple of years, Luna has undergone multiple surgeries, often leaving her in full-face bandages. Despite the challenges, Luna has continued to grow into a happy and spirited child. Dr. Popov has successfully removed the birthmark from her face. “Luna has already started speaking and she says herself: ‘My black spot has gone. I am a princess’,” said Dr. Popov. Carol and Luna will return to the United States to complete Luna’s treatment with cosmetic surgery in the new year. If you want to support Luna’s family with the costs of her surgeries and recovery, you can still donate to their GoFundMe campaign.