Rebecca Callaghan’s pregnancy in 2012 presented significant challenges, leading the medical team to opt for an early induction of labor due to an excess of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.
It was approximately thirty minutes after Matilda’s delivery that concerns regarding her health began to surface.
Upon her birth, Matilda presented with a significant blue mark on her face that extended along one side of her body. Initially, the medical team believed it to be a mere bruise; however, they soon came to realize the seriousness of their initial assessment.
Just thirty minutes later, the physicians conveyed to the parents that the mark was, in fact, a birthmark.
Matilda’s condition worsened swiftly, requiring her transfer to the Adler Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, England.
In just a few days, the joy that her parents had felt turned into deep anxiety, leaving them uncertain about the likelihood of seeing their daughter alive again.
We could not be by her side because of her critical health condition. As we watched her being taken away, a sense of uncertainty enveloped us about the possibility of seeing her again. Our excitement for the impending arrival of our child had been overwhelming, but within a matter of hours, we began to doubt whether we would ever see her alive again, her father shared with the Daily Mail.
On top of everything else, they learned that Matilda had two holes in her heart.
She was truly a determined individual, and despite the significant likelihood of not surviving, she successfully endured the surgery.
Matilda has initiated laser therapy aimed at removing her prominent birthmark. Nevertheless, the complete elimination of the mark may require up to 16 years.
“She has treatment every couple of months, and the laser does make it look more red and angry, and her face is covered with blobs afterwards, which then gradually fade away again,” Matilda’s dad Paul told The Daily Mail in 2016, and continued:
“People think we are bad parents – that we have somehow caused Matilda to look like she does.”
Matilda, despite enduring frequent and painful laser treatments, remained an exceptionally cheerful young girl.
Nevertheless, she often drew the attention of passersby who fixated on her birthmark. Some individuals even questioned Paul and Rebecca, asking if they had allowed their daughter to come too close to a radiator, resulting in burns.
Paul, Matilda’s father, shared his perspective: “People often concentrate solely on what they see and make unkind assumptions. I wish they could look past the birthmark and appreciate the wonderful little angel she truly is.”
In addition to the birthmark on her face, the condition has also caused Matilda to experience near blindness.
Matilda is not able to walk unaided; nevertheless, with the support of a specialized walking frame, she has succeeded in taking a few steps independently.
Throughout her life, Matilda has encountered various obstacles, yet she consistently meets everyone she comes across with a smile. Her father characterizes her as a resolute young girl, claiming that she insists on doing things her own way.
Daily, the family faces glares, derogatory remarks, and even overt mockery.
“Despite all the challenges she has faced, she continues to be cheerful with everyone. She is doing exceptionally well,” her father stated.
“We are immensely proud of Matilda; she is truly remarkable—we cherish each day as a gift.”
Matilda is presently 8 years old. In June 2019, her family posted what appears to be a recent image of her in her wheelchair.
The crowdfunding initiative seeks to raise $6,300 to help purchase a new wheelchair.
According to the campaign, “We are gathering funds to secure a new chair for her, allowing her to keep enjoying her favorite pastime: being outdoors, away from traffic and crowds.”
Furthermore, the page notes that the child’s grandfather has recently died.
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