One of the most joyful moments in any parent’s life is the day their child is born. For Celine Casey, this moment came in April 2021 when she welcomed her daughter, Vienna Brookshaw, into the world. Living in the United Kingdom, Casey noticed a birthmark on her newborn’s forehead, right between her eyebrows.
Fortunately, the birthmark, known as congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), did not affect Vienna’s health. However, there was some concern that as she grew older, she might face emotional challenges due to its appearance. The mark was also likely to grow larger over time.
Given the rarity of the condition, it was difficult to predict how the birthmark would develop as Vienna aged. Wanting to spare her daughter potential struggles, Casey consulted doctors to explore options for removing it.
Casey shared, "We love watching her grow and can’t wait for the day she can share her own thoughts. No matter what, we’d adore her just the same, even if we kept the birthmark.”
From an early age, it became clear that people often reacted to Vienna’s birthmark with curiosity or confusion. Strangers would stare or treat her differently, prompting her parents to seek its removal if possible. However, the NHS declined to cover the surgery, stating it was cosmetic and not medically necessary.
Determined to help their daughter, the family launched a fundraising campaign to cover the costs. They raised $52,000, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed their plans, and they still needed an additional $27,000. Undeterred, they returned to crowdfunding to secure the remaining funds.
Casey explained, "Everyone has insecurities about their body. The doctors said the birthmark wouldn’t affect Vienna’s mental health now, but we saw it differently. She’s starting school at three, and kids notice things like that.”
Now two years old, Vienna has successfully undergone surgery to remove the birthmark. Though a faint scar remains, she is healing well, and people often comment on how beautiful she is. Most importantly, Vienna is a happy, healthy toddler, and it appears she won’t need further medical intervention related to the birthmark. Her family is relieved and grateful to see her thriving.
