Breaking news about Marina LeBlanc

According to Star magazine, former Friends star Matt LeBlanc and wife Melissa McKnight’s 10 month old daughter Marina has been diagnosed with a form of dysplasia. The article does not specify which type of dysplasia but said it affects the brain, bones and motor skills. A source is quoted saying that the dysplasia is on the left side of her brain, causing Marina to have seizures. It is also affecting her vocal cords and her ability to crawl and walk. 

The couple first noticed symptoms of the dysplasia in September but Marina wasn’t diagnosed for several weeks later. Her doctors believe that her development will improve as she gets older, and once she’s strong enough to receive specialized treatment at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Source: Star magazine, January 10, 2005 issue, pp.52-53

If you know anything about dysplasia or have an idea what type of dysplasia Marina may have, please post a comment.

Comments

Oh my Gosh. That is so sad.

- Magda on January 4th, 2005

Oh no!

- Sarah on January 4th, 2005

well, according to the definition of dyplasia [abnormal growth or development (as of organs or cells); broadly : abnormal anatomic structure due to such growth] I’m assuming that she either has a growth in her brain that is not allowing her temporal lobe to develop properly and the temporal lobes controls basic motor skill such as walking and talking. I feel so bad for them…I almost cried when I was reading the article

- Alex on January 4th, 2005

It may be untrue, since Star and the Enquirer tend to lie a lot and it is a common media tactic to lie about a star’s illeness in a very negative way so that they have to come out and refute it. They media (particurly the tabloids) have done it recently to both Roy Horn and Julia Roberts.

- Patty on January 4th, 2005

Well I it is in People magazine as well. But I really really hope it’s untrue…and if it is, how could people be so cold-hearted to make up a lie like that

- Alex on January 4th, 2005

Here’s what Contact Music says about Marina: “focal cortical dysplasia, which affects the tot’s motor neurone skills and leaves her unable to crawl like normal babies. Instead, when the baby tries she falls to one side.”
I have a 14 month old son,I feel for them if this is true. As a parent we always worry something may be wrong or something like this might happen. It must be like their worst fears realized.

- Tammy on January 5th, 2005

I have learned about different types of dyplasia. Im not certain of all symptoms of marina but i hope the best wishes to the family and hope god blesses the leblancs to have marina be safe and live a happy life.

- ashley on January 25th, 2005

My 2 year old daughter has cortical dysplasia. It is a rare (1 and 20,000 children)and devastating condition but can be treated with surgery to remove the affected area. My daughter suffered from uncontrollable seizures and she underwent surgery to remove a significant portion of her brain. She is seizure free now and doing fabulous. Cortical dysplasia can affect any area of the brain. Other than saying it affects the left side and what is occurring, it is probably her left temporal lobe and possibly other areas. I can absolutely sympathize with what they are going through. i wish I could talk to them to let them know what we have dealt with but that is highly unlikely.

- Sandy on January 30th, 2005

Wow, Sandy, that’s wonderful that your daughter was able to recover from them. Are you anticipating any issues later on from the partial brain portion removal…? Or should everything be over and done with?

- Sarah, CBB Editor on January 30th, 2005

awww thats real sad, it’s not fair that things likethis happen to such good people, i am a huge fan of matt le blanc and hope every thing turns out alright for him and his family

- matty on March 6th, 2005

My daughter is 11 months old and she has cortical dysplasia with damage to the right side of her brain, which causes seizures. So far she is developing well with no delays, but it is unclear what we will see a few years down the road. Her seizures are being controlled with medication, but she has had break through seizures. I can sympathize with the Leblancs and wish them well. If anyone has a similar circumstance or any information to share please email me at [e-mail]

- Lisa on August 28th, 2007