Parents will do anything to protect and support their children, going the extra mile to ensure their well-being. In the United Kingdom, Celine Casey’s unconditional love for her daughter, little Vienna Brookshaw, led her on an extraordinary journey.
Vienna was born in April 2021 with a birthmark on her forehead between her eyebrows. While the birthmark, known as congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), didn’t pose any health risks, Casey was concerned about the emotional impact it might have on Vienna as she grew older.
CMN is a rare condition where a baby is born with a harmless group of pigment cells that can potentially grow as the child develops. Worried about the possible challenges her daughter might face, Casey immediately approached doctors to explore options for removing the birthmark, fearing that Vienna might resent her parents in the future.
“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,” shared Casey, showcasing her unwavering love and dedication as a mother.
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, fueling her determination to pursue the removal.
Despite facing initial obstacles, with the National Health Service (NHS) deeming the surgery cosmetic rather than essential for physical health, Casey remained undeterred. She started a fundraising campaign to gather the necessary funds from generous donors. In just 24 hours, the campaign raised an amazing $52,000. However, due to increased hospital costs during the COVID-19 pandemic, they still needed an additional $27,000 for the surgery.
Seeking further support, Casey 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, Vienna is a healthy two-year-old with the birthmark 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, ensuring 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.
As Vienna embarks on her journey through life, we extend our heartfelt well wishes. May she grow up to experience a lifetime of good health and happiness. Please feel free to share her inspiring story with others!
