Parents go above and beyond to assist and protect their children. Celine Casey, a British woman, took an extraordinary step for her daughter, Vienna Brookshaw. Vienna, born in April 2021, had a birthmark between her eyebrows on her forehead.
This birthmark, known as congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), didn’t pose any health risks, but Casey was concerned about the emotional impact it might have on Vienna as she grew older.
A Rare Condition
Congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) is a rare condition where a baby is born with a harmless cluster of pigment cells. These cells can grow along with the child. Worried that Vienna might face emotional challenges and grow to resent her birthmark, Casey sought advice from doctors about removing it.
“We cherish every moment of Vienna’s journey and eagerly await the day she can express her own thoughts,” said Casey. “We would always and forever love her, birthmark or not.”
The Need for Acceptance
Casey was motivated to have Vienna’s birthmark removed because her infant seemed uncomfortable with people staring at her. Vienna was treated differently than other babies, which strengthened Casey’s resolve to pursue the removal.
Overcoming Challenges
Initially, the National Health Service (NHS) declined Casey’s request for the operation, deeming it more cosmetic than medically necessary. Undeterred, Casey launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the required funds. Remarkably, the campaign raised $52,000 in just one day. However, due to increased hospital expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic, they still needed an additional $27,000 for the procedure.
To gather the remaining funds, they returned to GoFundMe. “Everyone has insecurities about their body,” Casey said. “Even though the doctor assured us that it wouldn’t currently affect Vienna’s mental health, we saw it differently. Little ones are sensitive and pick up on these things, especially when they begin school at age three.”
A Path to Recovery
Vienna’s birthmark was successfully removed, and she is now a healthy two-year-old with just a tiny scar remaining on her forehead. Casey often comments on her daughter’s extreme beauty and provides regular updates on her recovery.
The concerned parents even flew to London to have a surgeon confirm that the small scar was healing properly. After three surgeries and treatments, they wanted to ensure Vienna wouldn’t need further medical attention. Fortunately, she is well now and doesn’t require additional procedures.
Vienna’s Bright Future
We send little Vienna our warmest regards and wish her a lifetime of health and happiness as she grows up. Feel free to share her inspirational story with others!
