Being a parent comes with the natural instinct to protect your children at all costs. This story is no different – filled with love, determination, and a strong desire to protect their daughter. Meet Vienna Brookshaw, a little girl born in April 2021 in the United Kingdom, who embarked on an extraordinary journey from the moment she entered the world.
When Vienna’s mother, Celine Casey, first laid eyes on her precious daughter, her heart filled with worry. A birthmark adorned Vienna’s forehead, nestled between her eyebrows. Although the birthmark did not pose any health risks, Casey feared its potential impact on her daughter’s mental well-being in the future.
Vienna is one of just 20,000 babies born with congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN). This rare condition means she was born with a cluster of harmless pigment cells on her forehead, with the possibility of it growing as she grew older. Aware of the potential emotional toll it could take on her daughter, Casey knew she had to take action.
Casey wasted no time and sought medical advice regarding her daughter’s birthmark. She expressed her concerns, knowing that if they did not address it, Vienna might develop resentment towards her parents in the future. She shared, “We love seeing her grow on her journey, and we can’t wait for the day that she does grow up and can speak for herself so we can hear her opinion. We’d love her no matter what, even if we did keep the birthmark.”
Driven by the realization that people were staring at Vienna even as an infant and that she was being treated differently, Casey was even more determined to have the birthmark removed. However, their hopes for a surgery were dashed when the National Health Service (NHS) denied their request, deeming it a cosmetic procedure rather than a medical necessity.
Undeterred, Casey decided to take matters into her own hands. She launched a crowdfunding campaign, hoping to raise enough funds for a private surgery to remove Vienna’s birthmark. In just 24 hours, their appeal touched the hearts of many, with generous donors contributing $52,000. Unfortunately, this fell short of the required amount, as hospital costs had skyrocketed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional $27,000 was needed to cover the expenses.
Returning to GoFundMe for help once again, Casey highlighted the significance of their request, stating, “Everybody has things they’re insecure about on their body, and the doctor said he’d respect that, but with Vienna, it wasn’t going to affect her mental health right now. But we didn’t see it as that—she’s going to start school when she’s three, and younger kids are so smart, they point out stuff like that.”
Thanks to the unwavering support they received, two-year-old Vienna underwent the surgery that successfully removed her birthmark. Now, only a tiny scar remains as evidence of the mark that once adorned her forehead. Casey regularly shares updates on her daughter’s healing process, proudly declaring how “gorgeous” her baby girl is.
In their dedication to Vienna’s well-being, Casey and her partner traveled to London to consult with the surgeon and ensure that the scar had healed seamlessly. They wanted to be certain that no further surgeries or procedures would be necessary after the three interventions Vienna had already undergone. Their efforts paid off, and they were relieved to discover that their little girl, now a healthy and thriving two-year-old, required no further medical attention.
The tale of Vienna Brookshaw is a testament to the extraordinary love parents have for their children. It demonstrates the lengths they are willing to go to protect and provide the best possible future for their little ones. We extend our heartfelt best wishes to Vienna, hoping that she continues to flourish in the best of health. Share this story with others, and let the power of a parent’s love inspire us all!
