A baby born with a large birthmark on her face needs three surgical procedures as her parents believe it could negatively affect her mental health.
Vienna Brookshaw from the UK was born on April 6 with congenital melanocytic nevus and it will expand as she grows.
She has been denied treatment on the NHS as the birthmark doesn’t affect her physical health. However, her parents believe that it could seriously affect her mental wellbeing.
Dad Daniel and mom Celine from Yorkshire have decided to take baby Vienna to Portland Hospital for surgery.
“Vienna is a happy one-month-old baby who is loved unconditionally,” Celine shared. “We wouldn’t change her but it is important to get this removed before she starts school.2
The mother explained her daughter will have to undergo an MRC scan as there may be a risk that the mark goes under the skin and overlays the central nervous system.
The scan costs £3,374 and the young girl will have to undergo serial excision surgeries three times to remove the mark.
The total cost will be £11,258.
Celine is now taking part in a fundraiser to help with her baby’s expenses.
“We will be competing in the Total Warrior Half on July 9th 2021 which is a 6k run including 15 challenging obstacles, which we are currently training for, so we can help raise as much money and awareness for Vienna and her condition.”
“Any money raised above the amount for Vienna’s treatment will be donated to a children’s charity,” Celine continued.
“We would be hugely thankful for any donations that are going to change our daughters life.”
According to the NHS website: “a birthmark can be removed on the NHS if it’s affecting a person’s health. If you want a birthmark removed for cosmetic reasons, you’ll have to pay to have it done privately.”
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