When little Vienna Brookshaw was born in April 2021, her mother, Celine Casey, immediately noticed a birthmark on her forehead. Known as congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), this condition involves the presence of pigment cells that form a mark on the skin. While CMN is harmless and doesn’t pose a risk to a baby’s health, Casey was understandably worried about how the birthmark might affect her daughter emotionally as she grew older. As a mother, Casey wanted to ensure that Vienna wouldn’t face any social or self-esteem challenges related to the mark, which could affect her sense of confidence in the future.
The Emotional Impact on Vienna’s Well-Being
From the outset, Casey was concerned not just about the physical appearance of the birthmark but its potential impact on Vienna’s emotional and psychological health. Although the doctor assured her that it wouldn’t affect Vienna’s mental state at that time, Casey couldn’t shake the feeling that it could cause her child distress later. She shared that she would love Vienna regardless of the birthmark but still felt compelled to act, especially as Vienna would soon be starting school. Children, Casey noted, are perceptive and can be quick to notice differences in others.
The Challenge of Getting Medical Support
Determined to have the birthmark removed, Casey first approached the National Health Service (NHS), hoping that they would consider the procedure necessary. However, the NHS declined, as the surgery was deemed non-essential from a medical standpoint and categorized as cosmetic. Undeterred by this setback, Casey took matters into her own hands. With a strong belief in her daughter’s future happiness, she launched a fundraising campaign to cover the surgery’s costs.
Fundraising Success and the Struggle to Meet Costs
The response to Casey’s campaign was overwhelming, with people from all walks of life contributing to the cause. Within just 24 hours, a remarkable $52,000 was raised for Vienna’s surgery. Despite this success, the financial burden was still not fully met. The pandemic had significantly inflated hospital costs, leaving Casey needing an additional $27,000 to proceed with the surgery. With the support of kind-hearted individuals, she made another appeal on GoFundMe to help cover the remaining expenses. The generosity of the community enabled Casey to give Vienna the medical care she needed.
Surgery and the Journey Toward Healing
Thanks to the outpouring of support, Vienna underwent the surgery to remove her birthmark. At two years old, the procedure was a success, leaving only a small scar on her forehead. Casey has kept the public updated on Vienna’s healing process, proudly sharing how gorgeous her daughter looks now. In addition to monitoring her recovery, the family traveled to London to ensure the scar had healed properly and that no further treatments would be necessary. Today, Vienna is a healthy and lively two-year-old, free from any further medical issues related to her birthmark.
Casey’s determination and love for her daughter were truly evident throughout this entire journey. By addressing her concerns head-on and seeking out support, she demonstrated a deep commitment to Vienna’s well-being, both physically and emotionally. The entire experience speaks to the lengths parents will go to in order to protect their children’s happiness and health.
