A rare birthmark marked the beginning of a heartening moment for a relieved mother, as her baby girl bid farewell to it on her forehead, despite initial criticism from medical authorities.

Introducing Celine Casey and her two-year-old daughter, Vienna Shaw, born with a rare congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) on her forehead, a birthmark seen in just one out of 20,000 newborns. Upon learning about the mark, Celine felt overwhelming worry, questioning her pregnancy and uncertain about its impact on her daughter’s life. What she was sure of, though, was her desire to have it removed, hoping for Vienna to have a carefree childhood without feeling unique.

While Brookshaw’s birthmark posed no physical concerns, Casey recognized its potential to affect her mental well-being as she grew up and interacted with curious peers. Celine shared that, at times, the family concealed Vienna’s birthmark to avoid unwanted attention during their outings, stating, “We went out daily with her, and we got a few stares.”