A happy mom recently told the story of how her little girl said goodbye to a birthmark on her forehead, even though they initially faced some criticism from doctors.
A very uncommon birthmark.
© viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram, © viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram, © viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram
Here’s the story of Celine Casey and her two-year-old daughter, Vienna Shaw. Vienna was born with a rare birthmark called congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) on her forehead, which only occurs in one out of every 20,000 newborns.
When Celine learned about the birthmark, she felt worried and wondered if she had done something wrong during her pregnancy. She didn’t know what the birthmark would mean for Vienna but was determined to remove it so that her daughter could grow up without feeling different.
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Even though the birthmark didn’t affect Brookshaw’s physical health, Casey knew it could impact her daughter’s mental well-being as she grew older and interacted with other children who might be curious about her condition.
Celine shared that the family sometimes used to hide Vienna’s birthmark by covering her face when they went out. She said, “We went out daily with her and got a few stares.”
The surgery was challenging.
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When they sought help from the NHS, the family received disheartening feedback. Doctors couldn’t go ahead with the surgery to remove the birthmark, categorizing it as a cosmetic procedure.
However, the parents viewed it differently. They were genuinely worried about potential teasing from other kids, which could affect their daughter’s mental well-being at a young age. Casey was also concerned that if they didn’t remove the birthmark, her daughter might grow to resent her and her partner.
© viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram, © viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram, © viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram
The parents took matters into their own hands and privately raised the required funds. Through crowdfunding, they managed to gather $52,000 within 24 hours. However, due to increased hospital costs in 2020, they had to raise an additional $27,000. With a new funding request, they eventually reached their goal.
They encountered difficulties with doctors.
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Disagreements between the medical team and the parents have led to differing opinions. Vienna’s parents wanted the birthmark removed through surgery, but the surgeon refused to perform the procedure. The surgeon’s stance is rooted in the belief that the child should make the decision once she reaches an appropriate age.
After this controversy arose, Daniel Brookshaw, Vienna’s father, expressed his dissatisfaction with the doctor’s viewpoint. The doctor also consulted with a dermatologist who concurred with the surgeon, emphasizing that the birthmark doesn’t threaten Vienna’s health and is not cancerous.
The surgery was completed successfully.
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Vienna is now two years old, and her doctors have successfully removed her birthmark, leaving only a faint scar between her eyebrows. Casey regularly shares updates on Shaw’s scar and recovery process on her social media, and followers often comment on how beautiful her little girl looks.
Despite the birthmark being gone, Casey mentioned that they still have to travel between cities to check the healing of the scar and see if any additional procedures are needed beyond the three she has already undergone. Shaw is now enjoying the typical life of a two-year-old.
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This little girl’s case with her birthmark brings attention to the delicate balance between parental advocacy and a child’s autonomy in medical decisions. While her parents aimed to secure her social acceptance and well-being, medical professionals stressed the importance of respecting Vienna’s future autonomy over her own body.
This story serves as a reminder of the intricate ethical considerations that arise when navigating the boundaries of parental authority and individual autonomy, prompting broader reflections on the rights of minors in the medical realm.
Baby once labeled ‘hideous’ grows into a stunning little girl
Every individual is beautiful in their own way, including newborns with their unique features.
In 2018, Angelica entered the world, bringing immense joy to her family. Her delicate facial features and a heart-shaped port-wine stain made her even more special. While her family embraced her beauty, not everyone appreciated the uniqueness of her birthmark.
Angelica’s mother, Marianna Bowering, shared that while their family adored her daughter just as she was, some strangers online felt entitled to make cruel comments about Angelica’s appearance.
“The worst comment I’ve received online was from someone asking if her face had been pressed onto a skillet, essentially saying her face looked grilled,” Marianna told The Mirror.
Marianna also recalled times when Angelica was labeled “hideous” or described as a “defect.” These remarks were deeply hurtful and added to the challenges the family faced. Despite the negativity, they remained determined to shield Angelica from the impact of such cruelty and to help her embrace her unique beauty.
To instill confidence and self-love in her daughter, Marianna took an extraordinary step. Inspired by Vascular Birthmark Awareness Day, which encourages participants to paint a heart on their cheek, she decided to replicate Angelica’s birthmark on her own face using makeup.
“I initially painted a heart as part of my makeup look, but then I thought, why not go all out and recreate Angelica’s port-wine stain?” Marianna shared with The Epoch Times.
However, not all reactions were positive. Remarks suggesting the mark would fade over time or that Angelica could conceal it with makeup as she grew older left Marianna heartbroken. These comments reminded her of society’s rigid standards of beauty and the pressure to conform.
Determined to counter this, Marianna and her family encouraged Angelica to embrace her individuality. On occasion, Marianna would even decorate Angelica’s birthmark with glitter to celebrate its beauty.
“Thankfully, tests have shown Angelica is completely healthy,” Marianna said, acknowledging that children with similar birthmarks can sometimes face health concerns like glaucoma. “We just need regular check-ups to monitor her health, particularly her eyes.”
Angelica is now thriving, surrounded by love and support that teaches her to appreciate her uniqueness. Her story is a reminder that beauty comes in many forms and that self-love is a powerful gift.
Isn’t Angelica a stunning young girl with a story that inspires?
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