’’We Got Stares’’, Parents Choose to Remove Baby Girl’s Rare Birthmark to Avoid Rude Reactions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

7 Optical Illusions That Challenge Your Perception and Self-Awareness

For some, self-awareness is second nature, making them highly attuned to their actions and words. For others, it’s a skill developed through conscious effort. This essential trait helps us navigate relationships, avoid harmful situations, and better understand ourselves.

An entertaining way to gauge your self-awareness is by exploring optical illusions. These fascinating visuals challenge your perception and reveal key insights about your personality and thought patterns. Here are eight illusions that offer a deeper look into how self-aware you truly are:

1. Male or Female Brain? This Illusion May Reveal the Answer

This illusion features a running figure, but are they moving toward you or away?

Running Away: You approach decisions with logic and caution, excelling at multitasking and memory retention. Your intuitive strengths align with traits associated with the “female brain.”
Running Toward You: You excel in analytical tasks, puzzles, and problem-solving. While multitasking might not be your strength, your ability to focus is unparalleled, resembling the characteristics of the “male brain.”

2. What Do You See First: A Cat or a Mouse?

This image contains both a cat and a mouse. The first animal you notice reveals aspects of your personality

Cat: You’re resourceful, cautious, and strategic in utilizing your resources.
Mouse: You have an adventurous, independent spirit and prefer spontaneity over meticulous planning.

3. Optimist or Cynic? Find Out with This Illusion

Do you see red lips or a sunset first?

Red Lips: You’re practical and sometimes lean toward cynicism. You approach situations with caution and careful deliberation.
Sunset: You’re an optimist with a generous nature, often putting others’ needs above your own.

4. Do You Struggle with Commitment?

This illusion might appear as a cloud among mountains, but some may see a fish.

Clouds: You’re adaptable and open to change, though it may sometimes come at the expense of stability.
Fish: You’re loyal and trusting, which can make it hard to leave certain situations, even when necessary.

5. Strong-Willed or Caring? This Illusion Has the Answer

Look closely at this image—do you see a wine glass or two forks?

Wine Glass: You’re goal-oriented and determined while remaining considerate of those around you.
Forks: You’re deeply empathetic, often prioritizing the needs of others over your own.

6. Are You Shy or Outgoing?

This illusion offers insight into your social tendencies based on what grabs your attention.

Shy: A focus on specific details suggests you may be reserved, often as a protective instinct.
Outgoing: If you see a broader perspective first, it indicates a natural ease in social situations and a love for connecting with others.

7. Are You Overly Self-Critical?

This illusion can reveal whether you’re too hard on yourself.

Too Self-Critical: If certain elements stand out, you may hold yourself to unrealistic standards, impacting your self-esteem.
Judgmental: Alternatively, the image may indicate that you’re perceived as overly critical of others.

These optical illusions provide a lighthearted yet thought-provoking way to reflect on your self-awareness and personality. What did you see first?

Crazy Animals

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’’We Got Stares’’, Parents Choose to Remove Baby Girl’s Rare Birthmark to Avoid Rude Reactions

A very uncommon birthmark.

The surgery was challenging.

They encountered difficulties with doctors.

The surgery was completed successfully.