A happy mom recently told the story of how her little girl said goodbye to a birthmark on her forehead, even though they initially faced some criticism from doctors.
A very uncommon birthmark.
© viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram, © viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram, © viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram
Here’s the story of Celine Casey and her two-year-old daughter, Vienna Shaw. Vienna was born with a rare birthmark called congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) on her forehead, which only occurs in one out of every 20,000 newborns.
When Celine learned about the birthmark, she felt worried and wondered if she had done something wrong during her pregnancy. She didn’t know what the birthmark would mean for Vienna but was determined to remove it so that her daughter could grow up without feeling different.
© viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram
Even though the birthmark didn’t affect Brookshaw’s physical health, Casey knew it could impact her daughter’s mental well-being as she grew older and interacted with other children who might be curious about her condition.
Celine shared that the family sometimes used to hide Vienna’s birthmark by covering her face when they went out. She said, “We went out daily with her and got a few stares.”
The surgery was challenging.
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When they sought help from the NHS, the family received disheartening feedback. Doctors couldn’t go ahead with the surgery to remove the birthmark, categorizing it as a cosmetic procedure.
However, the parents viewed it differently. They were genuinely worried about potential teasing from other kids, which could affect their daughter’s mental well-being at a young age. Casey was also concerned that if they didn’t remove the birthmark, her daughter might grow to resent her and her partner.
© viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram, © viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram, © viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram
The parents took matters into their own hands and privately raised the required funds. Through crowdfunding, they managed to gather $52,000 within 24 hours. However, due to increased hospital costs in 2020, they had to raise an additional $27,000. With a new funding request, they eventually reached their goal.
They encountered difficulties with doctors.
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Disagreements between the medical team and the parents have led to differing opinions. Vienna’s parents wanted the birthmark removed through surgery, but the surgeon refused to perform the procedure. The surgeon’s stance is rooted in the belief that the child should make the decision once she reaches an appropriate age.
After this controversy arose, Daniel Brookshaw, Vienna’s father, expressed his dissatisfaction with the doctor’s viewpoint. The doctor also consulted with a dermatologist who concurred with the surgeon, emphasizing that the birthmark doesn’t threaten Vienna’s health and is not cancerous.
The surgery was completed successfully.
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Vienna is now two years old, and her doctors have successfully removed her birthmark, leaving only a faint scar between her eyebrows. Casey regularly shares updates on Shaw’s scar and recovery process on her social media, and followers often comment on how beautiful her little girl looks.
Despite the birthmark being gone, Casey mentioned that they still have to travel between cities to check the healing of the scar and see if any additional procedures are needed beyond the three she has already undergone. Shaw is now enjoying the typical life of a two-year-old.
© viennarosebrookshaw / Instagram
This little girl’s case with her birthmark brings attention to the delicate balance between parental advocacy and a child’s autonomy in medical decisions. While her parents aimed to secure her social acceptance and well-being, medical professionals stressed the importance of respecting Vienna’s future autonomy over her own body.
This story serves as a reminder of the intricate ethical considerations that arise when navigating the boundaries of parental authority and individual autonomy, prompting broader reflections on the rights of minors in the medical realm.
Fans notice concerning detail in a recent photo of 83-year-old Martha Stewart, leading to widespread comments
Martha Stewart is a well-known personality with a global following, but she recently faced backlash for a social media post that many have deemed “tone-deaf”.
The 83-year-old lifestyle mogul received significant praise earlier this year for her appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. However, her latest Instagram update has not sparked the same enthusiasm among her audience.
On August 29, Stewart shared a photo from a cruise she took along Greenland’s east coast. The image features her enjoying a cocktail with the caption: “End of the first zodiac cruise from @swanhelleniccruises into a very beautiful fjord on the east coast of Greenland. We actually captured a small iceberg for our cocktails tonight”.
While Stewart likely meant her post to be lighthearted, it quickly drew criticism from followers who felt her use of an iceberg for her drink was insensitive. Many comments flooded in, expressing concern over her reference to a “small iceberg” amid the ongoing climate crisis. One user remarked: “Martha, the ice caps are meltin, don’t put them in your drink”.
Another follower stated: “I generally admire Martha and her extravagant lifestyle, but it feels a bit tone-deaf for wealthy individuals to enjoy cocktails with icebergs while the planet is suffering”. A third commenter humorously pointed out the absurdity of the situation: “As the climate warms due to the greed of a few, billionaires vacation at melting icebergs, scooping them up for cocktails. Sounds like something out of a dystopian novel!”
One user echoed similar sentiments, expressing their disillusionment: “Global warming and melting ice caps, yet we need glacier ice for cocktails?! I’ve been a fan for years, but seeing this while struggling to afford groceries is disheartening”.
Earlier this year, Stewart made headlines for confidently posing in swimwear for the cover of Sports Illustrated. She shared details about her preparation for the shoot, stating: “I didn’t starve myself, but I avoided bread and pasta for a few months”. She also emphasized her commitment to fitness, mentioning her regular Pilates routine.
In a keynote speech at a Las Vegas event, she highlighted the positive reception of her cover, noting that it inspired women of all ages to feel empowered: “The feedback was incredibly encouraging, showing that if I can do it, they can too”. What are your thoughts on Martha’s recent Instagram post? Share your opinions in the comments!
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