Maddox Flynn blew a kiss to family members at the Edmonton International Airport this morning as the toddler and his parents prepared to board a flight for New York.

The two-and-a-half year old will undergo a five-hour operation on Monday to remove another part of the lymphatic malformation on the left side of his face. It's the second surgery for the youngster. Back in May, Dr. Milton Waner and his surgical team operated on the growth around his left eye. The second surgery involves the removal of a large mass on the lower portion of Maddox's face.

"I'm nervous," said Maddox's mom, Nicole Champagne, as the family waited to board their 7:40 am flight. "I'm excited because this is life-changing. I just want everything to go well."

"After two-and-a-half years waiting, we're just so excited Monday afternoon to see Maddox looking normal finally," added Mike Flynn, Maddox's dad.

Late Friday afternoon, CTV news learned the provincial government has decided to fund the second surgery and travel costs. Monday's operation comes with a $90,000 price tag.

The province still hasn't made a decision on whether it will reimburse the $50,000 cost of the first operation. The funds were raised for that operation through a mass appeal for donations from the public. Provincial documents show some information on the first application was incomplete and a committee is still reviewing if the surgery is available in Canada.

Champagne told CTV news she's relieved the funding has been approved for the second surgery. The family has said plans are in the works to appeal to the province to cover the costs of the first operation. At last report, more than $280,000 had been raised from donations. Champagne says they plan to donate the extra money to a foundation run by Dr. Waner, so other children with similar conditions can be helped.

CTV News anchor Daryl McIntyre will also return to New York where he will follow the progress of Maddox and his family. He will blog about their experiences and you can follow the developments by visiting this website regularly.