Finnley Merchant
Learning early in her pregnancy that she could face serious challenges, Ashley Merchant knew she had to find the best care available. Her search brought her to NewYork-Presbyterian and Dr. Julianne Lauring, MD. After reviewing the ultrasound and a fetal MRI in November 2023, Dr. Lauring told Ashley and her husband, Mark, that their baby had a large and complex lymphatic malformation, which is a rare, non-cancerous mass that forms from abnormal lymphatic vessels.
Because one of the masses was located in Finnley’s neck, the care teams at NewYork-Presbyterian decided they would have to perform a rare procedure to help ensure the baby can breathe after birth—a procedure that could pose a risk to both Finnley and Ashley.
Today Ashley and her family are settled into a new home near her family. When Finnley had his first birthday, they were able have their long-awaited celebration surrounded by many of their loved ones.
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