Parents will go to great lengths to protect and support their children, and Celine Casey from the UK is no exception. When her daughter, Vienna Brookshaw, was born in April 2021 with a birthmark on her forehead known as congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), Casey became concerned about the emotional impact it might have on her as she grew older.
CMN is a rare, harmless condition involving a cluster of pigment cells that can grow as the child ages. Fearing future challenges for Vienna, Casey sought medical advice about removing the birthmark, worried that her daughter might later resent her parents for not addressing it.
Casey noticed that Vienna was treated differently because of her birthmark, which strengthened her resolve to have it removed. When the NHS initially declined the request, labeling it cosmetic, Casey launched a fundraising campaign.
In just 24 hours, $52,000 was raised, but due to rising hospital costs during the COVID-19 pandemic, they still needed $27,000 more. Turning to GoFundMe again, they managed to secure the necessary funds.
Vienna, now a healthy two-year-old, has had the birthmark successfully removed, leaving only a small scar. Casey and her family continue to ensure Vienna’s well-being, and they are grateful for her bright future.