Parents Hid Baby’s Face to Shield Her from Stares — Now, at 2, She Looks ‘Gorgeous’ After Surgery
A little girl was born with a rare birthmark that affects only one in every 20,000 babies. Concerned and uncertain about its implications, her mother, Celine Casey, shared their remarkable journey. When Vienna Brookshaw was born in April 2021 in the United Kingdom, Casey immediately noticed the pronounced birthmark between her daughter’s eyebrows.
While the birthmark posed no physical health risks, Casey worried about its potential impact on Vienna’s mental well-being as she grew older and encountered curious peers. Vienna was diagnosed with congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), a rare condition characterized by a cluster of benign pigment cells.
Aware of the potential challenges Vienna might face, Casey decided to pursue the removal of the birthmark to ensure her daughter wouldn’t feel different from her peers. Despite facing obstacles, including denial of financial assistance from the NHS due to the surgery being deemed non-essential, Casey remained determined to proceed with the procedure.
Turning to crowdfunding, Casey and her partner successfully raised the necessary funds for Vienna’s surgery. Within 24 hours, they received overwhelming support, exceeding their initial goal. However, unforeseen hospital expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic required additional fundraising efforts.
Eventually, they secured the funds needed for Vienna’s surgery, ensuring her well-being and peace of mind.
Following the successful procedure, Vienna, now two years old, has only a minor scar between her eyebrows, and her healing progress is closely monitored by doctors.
Casey continues to share updates about Vienna’s journey on social media, receiving an outpouring of support from followers.
Despite the challenges, Vienna is thriving, living like any other typical two-year-old, with her birthmark no longer posing a barrier to her happiness and confidence.
