Parents always do their best to protect their children, and the story of little Vienna Brookshaw is a perfect example of a parent’s love and devotion. Born to loving mom, Celine Casey, in April 2021 in the United Kingdom, Vienna came into the world with a birthmark on her forehead, between her eyebrows.
Although the birthmark, known as a congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), posed no health concerns, Casey worried about its potential impact on Vienna’s emotional well-being as she grew older. CMN is a rare condition where a baby is born with a harmless group of pigment cells that may grow as the child ages.
Aware of the challenges that Vienna might face due to her birthmark, Casey proactively sought ways to address the situation. She didn’t want her daughter to endure any emotional hardships in the future and was determined to find a solution. Casey shared, “We enjoy watching her grow on her journey, and we look forward to the day she grows up and can express her own thoughts. We’d love her no matter what, even if we kept the birthmark.”
Casey’s concern stemmed from the fact that people would often stare at Vienna when she was a baby, treating her differently from other children. This motivated her even further to explore options for removing the birthmark.
However, the National Health Service (NHS) declined their request for surgery, as it was considered cosmetic and not medically necessary. Undeterred, Casey launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the surgery. The response was overwhelming, as generous individuals donated a total of $52,000 within just 24 hours. Unfortunately, the pandemic had caused hospital costs to skyrocket, and the couple still needed an additional $27,000.
Refusing to give up, they turned to GoFundMe once again, seeking help to cover the remaining expenses for Vienna’s surgery. Casey shared, “Everyone has things they feel unsure about in their body. The doctor said it wouldn’t affect Vienna’s mental health right now. But we didn’t see it that way. She’s starting school at three, and little kids are clever; they notice things like that.”
Finally, after two years, Vienna’s birthmark has been successfully removed, leaving only a small scar on her forehead. Casey happily updates everyone on her daughter’s healing process, often emphasizing how “gorgeous” her baby girl is.
To ensure everything was progressing well, Casey and her husband visited the surgeon in London for a check-up. They wanted to make sure Vienna wouldn’t require any further surgeries or treatments. Thankfully, she is now a healthy two-year-old who doesn’t need any additional medical care.
Let’s all send our heartfelt wishes to little Vienna, hoping for her continued health. Feel free to share her inspiring story with others, spreading the message of love and resilience!
