Rebecca Callaghan faced a challenging pregnancy in 2012 when doctors decided to induce labor early due to excess fluid around her baby.
It wasn’t until about an hour after Matilda was born that any issues were suspected. Initially, a large blue mark on her face and extending down her body was mistaken for a bruise. However, just 30 minutes later, doctors informed Rebecca and her husband that it was, in fact, a birthmark.
Two weeks postpartum, Matilda was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare neurological condition associated with skin abnormalities that can lead to paralysis, learning difficulties, and seizures.
Matilda’s health quickly deteriorated, necessitating her transfer to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, England. The parents’ joy transformed into deep anxiety, as they feared they might lose their newborn. “We couldn’t travel with her because she was so sick. Watching her taken away, we were terrified we’d never see her again”, her father shared with the Daily Mail.
Adding to their worries, they discovered Matilda had two heart defects. Despite the grim prognosis, she displayed remarkable resilience, successfully undergoing surgery. She also began laser treatments to address her unusual birthmark, a process that could take up to 16 hours to fully fade.
“She receives treatments every two months. The laser leaves her skin red and covered in blisters, which eventually heal”, her father, Paul, explained in a 2016 interview. He recounted the misconceptions from others, stating: “People assume we’ve somehow harmed her”.
Although these treatments are painful, Matilda is a cheerful child. Sadly, many stare at her or make hurtful remarks, even asking if her parents had caused her birthmark by allowing her to burn herself. “They only see the surface and make judgments. I wish they could see beyond the mole to the beautiful person she is”, Paul lamented.
In addition to her birthmark, Matilda faces vision challenges and struggles to walk. Yet, with the help of specialized equipment, she has taken steps on her own.
Despite her struggles, Matilda remains upbeat and resilient. “She’s incredibly stubborn; she’ll do things her way or not at all!” her father noted, emphasizing that she always greets others with a smile. The family regularly confronts stares, insults, and teasing, but they remain proud of Matilda. “Despite everything, she’s thriving”, her father said.
Now nine years old, Matilda’s family recently shared an updated photo of her in her wheelchair in June 2019. They have set up a fundraising page to raise £5,000 for a new wheelchair, enabling Matilda to enjoy her favorite activity: spending time outdoors, away from crowds. “We want to help her continue doing what she loves”, the page states.
Marie Osmond stirs debate after debuting new hair – it’s a ‘drastic change’
The well-known singer and adored TV personality Marie Osmond has caused quite a stir with her latest fashion change.
The 64-year-old celebrity, who is well-known for her signature brunette locks, shocked admirers recently by revealing a gorgeous new hairstyle in a video.
See how she’s rocking her new style by reading on!
Marie’s admirers commented on her new hairstyle on social media after she recently shared an Instagram photo of it.
One fan said, “Wow, you look like a whole different person!” while another questioned, “Oh my Marie, why the drastic change?”
If I ran into you as a blonde, I’m not sure if I would even know you. One user said, “You look like a completely different person [sic].” “She’s absolutely not blonde! Another person said, “It’s fun to change your hair color, and I’m sure it’s just a wig.”
But for Marie, this makeover is about embracing a brand-new appearance rather than just getting a new hair color! Before having her hair done, she stated in an interview with Closer Weekly, “If my hair gets really, really gray and I can’t dye it black anymore, I’ll go blonde!”
Marie talked candidly about the difficulties in doing hair care at home during the pandemic. She used online consultations with her hairstylist to get advice because salons were closed.
“I asked her how it looked when I gave her a call. and she responds, “You really can’t do hair, isn’t that right?” Marie told ET Online about it.
Marie said that her hairstylist, who helped her through the process, had been her lifeline during that period. She helped me work through this. Marie clarified, “Now you pull it over your grays and then they can’t see it.” She made me put everything front in a ponytail.
The always upbeat Marie claimed that she had truly enjoyed the experience of experimenting despite the few difficulties. It’s enjoyable as there are numerous methods for hiding items and achieving time and money savings, she thought.
One comment on her new blonde hairstyle stuck out among the others: “Oh my God! Is that truly what you done to your hair?
One more commenter said, “Blonde is not you.”
Nevertheless, there were encouraging remarks among the differing viewpoints. One fan wrote, reassuringly, “I’m surprised so many people are criticizing the blonde look. You look amazing! Disregard those who are critical of you.
One thing is certain, though: Marie’s appeal to followers and viewers will never fade, whether her blonde hair is a passing fad or a permanent alteration!
How did Marie’s new appearance appeal to you? Tell us in the comments below!
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