Parents always strive to protect their children, and these parents did something particularly special for their daughter. Two-year-old Vienna Brookshaw was born to her mom, Celine Casey, in April 2021 in the United Kingdom. When Casey first saw Vienna, she noticed a birthmark on her forehead, nestled between her eyebrows.
The birthmark, known as congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), didn’t affect Vienna’s health. However, her mom was concerned about the potential emotional impact it could have as she grew older. CMN is a condition where babies are born with a group of harmless pigment cells, which might grow larger over time.
Vienna’s condition is rare, and no one could predict how much the birthmark might expand as she aged. Casey didn’t want Vienna to face any challenges related to her appearance in the future.
Casey immediately asked doctors if there was any way to remove the birthmark, fearing that Vienna might become upset with her parents later if they left it untreated.
The devoted mom shared, “We enjoy watching her grow on her journey and look forward to the day she can express her own thoughts. We’d love her no matter what, even if we kept the birthmark.”
One major reason Casey wanted to have Vienna’s birthmark removed was the way people stared at her baby. Casey noticed the different treatment her daughter received compared to other babies, strengthening her resolve to have the birthmark removed.
The NHS (National Health Service) declined the request for surgery, as they typically do not approve procedures deemed non-essential for physical health. They categorized the surgery as cosmetic and not required.
Undeterred, Casey started a fundraising campaign to collect money for the surgery from other sources. In just 24 hours, generous donations reached $52,000. However, this amount was insufficient due to the increased hospital costs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The young parents needed an additional $27,000 to cover the surgery.
They turned to GoFundMe once more, seeking further support to fund the expenses for their daughter’s birthmark removal surgery.
The concerned mom explained, “Everyone has insecurities about their body. The doctor said it wouldn’t affect Vienna’s mental health right now. But we saw things differently. She’s starting school at three, and young children are perceptive; they notice differences.”
Now, Vienna is two years old, and her birthmark is completely removed, leaving only a small scar on her forehead. Casey frequently updates on her daughter’s healing journey and often remarks on how ‘gorgeous’ her baby girl is.
Following the removal, the family traveled to London for the surgeon to check the healing of the small scar on Vienna’s forehead. They wanted to ensure no further surgeries or treatments were needed after the three she already had. Today, Vienna is a healthy and happy two-year-old, requiring no additional medical care.
We send our best wishes to little Vienna for a bright and healthy future. Feel free to share her inspiring story with others!
