Parents often go to great lengths to support and protect their children, and Celine Casey from the UK is no exception. Her daughter, Vienna Brookshaw, born in April 2021, had a congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN)—a harmless cluster of pigment cells—between her eyebrows. Though the birthmark posed no health risks, Casey was concerned about the potential emotional impact it could have on Vienna as she grew older.
Fearing that the birthmark could lead to emotional difficulties, Casey approached doctors to explore options for its removal. “We cherish every moment of Vienna’s journey and eagerly await the day she can express her own thoughts,” Casey shared, emphasizing her unconditional love for Vienna, birthmark or not.
Casey noticed that Vienna seemed uncomfortable with the attention the birthmark drew, which spurred her decision to pursue its removal even more. When the National Health Service (NHS) initially declined the procedure, labeling it cosmetic rather than medically necessary, Casey wasn’t deterred. She started a crowdfunding campaign that remarkably raised $52,000 in just one day, although they still needed an additional $27,000 due to increased hospital costs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Determined to secure the best care for her daughter, Casey continued fundraising through GoFundMe. She explained, “Everyone has insecurities about their body, and even though the doctor reassured us it wouldn’t currently affect Vienna’s mental health, we perceived it differently.”
The efforts paid off. Vienna’s birthmark was successfully removed, leaving only a small scar. Now a healthy two-year-old, Vienna has undergone three surgeries and treatments to ensure the scar heals properly. Her parents even traveled to London to confirm with the surgeon that the scar was healing as expected.
Today, Vienna is doing well and no longer requires medical intervention. Casey continues to provide updates on her daughter’s recovery, often commenting on her incredible beauty and resilience. As Vienna grows up, her story serves as a testament to parental love and the lengths to which parents will go to ensure their children’s well-being and confidence. We wish little Vienna a lifetime of health and happiness, and encourage sharing her inspiring journey with others.