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.
Co-host of ‘The View’ triggers Matthew McConaughey, his reply is very unexpected
A vocal supporter of “responsible gun ownership,” Matthew McConaughey got into a heated argument with Joy Behar of The View when she questioned the actor’s anti-gun views.
During his appearance on the show, McConaughey talked about the value of his career as a father of three and promoted his children’s book Just Because. The actor was praised by co-host Sunny Hostin for being “so outspoken against violence, and gun violence in particular” after she veered off course.
You thought about running for Texas governor in 2021, but ultimately decided to put your family first. Do you believe holding public office will be in your future? Hostin enquired.
“Yes, if that’s where I think I can be most useful,” the Interstellar actor answered. “At this time, I want to be the most helpful father I can be.”
“Do you think you could get elected in Texas being anti-gun?” Behan asked again.
“One thing about me and politics, to give you a direct statement right there, is me playing a game I’m not interested in playing,” McConaughey said, pointing a finger at Behar.
“Okay, don’t do it,” Behar said, attempting to diffuse the situation by stating, “I did want to say that I’ve done a lot of research in terms of your advocacy, and I don’t think you’re pro-gun responsibility and legislation.”
At a White House meeting after the 2022 Robb Elementary School tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, where an 18-year-old former student killed 19 pupils and two teachers, McConaughey urged people to “renegotiate our wants from our needs.”
Background checks and responsible ownership are essential. The age requirement to purchase an AR-15 rifle needs to be raised to 21. A waiting time is required for such firearms. Red flag rules are necessary, and those who violate them should face repercussions; these are tactical, sensible, and realistic regulations, the speaker stated.
“Responsible gun owners are fed up with the Second Amendment being abused and hijacked by some deranged individuals,” the Oscar-winning actor continued.
The actor and his spouse, Camila Alves, started the Greenlights Grant Initiative in the wake of the horrific event with the intention of “ensuring the well-being of our children and creating safer school environments.”
Along with McConaughey, Alves is the parent of three children: Levi, 15, Vida, 13, and Livingston, 10.
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