Parents always go above and beyond to protect and support their children. This holds true for Celine Casey from the United Kingdom, who did something truly extraordinary for her daughter, little Vienna Brookshaw. Born in April 2021, Vienna had a birthmark on her forehead between her eyebrows.
While the birthmark, known as congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), didn’t pose any health risks, Casey worried about the potential emotional impact it could have on Vienna as she grew older.
Congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) is a rare condition where a baby is born with a harmless group of pigment cells. As the child grows, these cells can potentially grow as well. Worried about the challenges her daughter might face, Casey immediately approached the doctors to explore options for removing the birthmark, fearing that Vienna might resent her parents in the future.
Casey, a compassionate and loving mother, shared, “We cherish every moment of Vienna’s journey and eagerly await the day she can express her own thoughts. We would love her unconditionally, even if the birthmark remained.”
Casey’s motivation to remove Vienna’s birthmark stemmed from the discomfort her baby faced due to others’ stares. She noticed that people treated Vienna differently from other babies, which only intensified her determination to pursue the removal.
Initially, the National Health Service (NHS) declined Casey’s request for the surgery, deeming it cosmetic rather than essential for physical health. Undeterred, Casey started a fundraising campaign to gather the necessary funds from generous donors. In just 24 hours, the campaign raised an incredible $52,000. However, due to increased hospital costs during the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional $27,000 was still needed for the surgery.
Seeking further support, they turned to GoFundMe once again to cover the remaining expenses for Vienna’s birthmark removal surgery. Casey expressed, “Everyone has insecurities about their body. Although the doctor assured us that it wouldn’t impact Vienna’s mental health at present, we saw it differently. As she starts school at the age of three, young children are perceptive and notice such things.”
Now a healthy two-year-old, Vienna’s birthmark has been successfully removed, leaving only a small scar on her forehead. Casey continually updates on her daughter’s healing process, often remarking on her baby girl’s sheer beauty.
The dedicated parents even traveled to London to have the surgeon verify the healing progress of the small scar. They wanted to ensure that Vienna wouldn’t require additional surgeries or treatments beyond the three she had already endured. Thankfully, she currently enjoys good health and requires no further medical care.
Our heartfelt well wishes go out to little Vienna. We hope she grows up to experience a lifetime of good health and happiness. Please feel free to share her inspiring story with others!
