Rebecca Callaghan faced a challenging pregnancy in 2012 when doctors decided to induce labor early due to excess fluid around her baby.
It wasn’t until about an hour after Matilda was born that any issues were suspected. Initially, a large blue mark on her face and extending down her body was mistaken for a bruise. However, just 30 minutes later, doctors informed Rebecca and her husband that it was, in fact, a birthmark.
Two weeks postpartum, Matilda was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare neurological condition associated with skin abnormalities that can lead to paralysis, learning difficulties, and seizures.
Matilda’s health quickly deteriorated, necessitating her transfer to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, England. The parents’ joy transformed into deep anxiety, as they feared they might lose their newborn. “We couldn’t travel with her because she was so sick. Watching her taken away, we were terrified we’d never see her again”, her father shared with the Daily Mail.
Adding to their worries, they discovered Matilda had two heart defects. Despite the grim prognosis, she displayed remarkable resilience, successfully undergoing surgery. She also began laser treatments to address her unusual birthmark, a process that could take up to 16 hours to fully fade.
“She receives treatments every two months. The laser leaves her skin red and covered in blisters, which eventually heal”, her father, Paul, explained in a 2016 interview. He recounted the misconceptions from others, stating: “People assume we’ve somehow harmed her”.
Although these treatments are painful, Matilda is a cheerful child. Sadly, many stare at her or make hurtful remarks, even asking if her parents had caused her birthmark by allowing her to burn herself. “They only see the surface and make judgments. I wish they could see beyond the mole to the beautiful person she is”, Paul lamented.
In addition to her birthmark, Matilda faces vision challenges and struggles to walk. Yet, with the help of specialized equipment, she has taken steps on her own.
Despite her struggles, Matilda remains upbeat and resilient. “She’s incredibly stubborn; she’ll do things her way or not at all!” her father noted, emphasizing that she always greets others with a smile. The family regularly confronts stares, insults, and teasing, but they remain proud of Matilda. “Despite everything, she’s thriving”, her father said.
Now nine years old, Matilda’s family recently shared an updated photo of her in her wheelchair in June 2019. They have set up a fundraising page to raise £5,000 for a new wheelchair, enabling Matilda to enjoy her favorite activity: spending time outdoors, away from crowds. “We want to help her continue doing what she loves”, the page states.
The hairiest girl on the planet decided to remove the hair from her face. Here is how she looks today
Nearly at an early age, Supatra Sasufan was inducted into the Guinness Book of Records. But it wasn’t physical ability or a unique gift that had brought her there; rather, it was the hair all over her body. She was regarded as the hairiest girl in the world.
She battled this sickness for many years, as did the child’s parents. Unfortunately, there are currently no remedies for such dense vegetation. The laser hair removal treatment did not work on the girl. That’s why her hair grew thicker and faster.
At school, the child had to endure constant taunting from peers. However, she asserts that she has many friends who are generally kind to her.
She is now 17 years old and has developed coping skills for her unusual behavior. The girl does not want to claim her spouse’s name, although she was married.
Online, their first group photos have already surfaced. People complimented her in their comments. To maintain her current look, the teenager needs to shave her face on a regular basis.
We send our patience and strength to Supatra. I’m confident that everything will be alright with her.
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