Brooke Atkins, a mother from Gold Coast, Australia, faced a tough decision when her second child, Kingsley, was born in January 2022 with a large port-wine stain birthmark on his face, posing potential eye-related complications.
Medical examinations revealed the risk of high eye pressure and potential glaucoma for young Kingsley. Fearing the possibility of blindness in one eye, Brooke and her spouse, Kewene, made the difficult choice to pursue laser treatment to preserve their son's skin health and prevent further damage.
However, when Brooke shared pictures and videos of Kingsley on TikTok, she encountered harsh criticism and backlash for subjecting her child to laser surgery, with some hurtful comments labeling her as a "monster" and accusing her of prioritizing her own desires.
Despite the hurtful comments, Brooke also received support from those who commended her for making a difficult decision in the best interest of her child. They emphasized that she knew what was best for Kingsley's health.
Initially shaken by the negative comments, Brooke stood firm in her conviction that she had made the right decision. She highlighted the importance of understanding the health implications associated with birthmarks and the necessity of seeking medical intervention when required.
Eventually, the positive reactions prevailed, and Kingsley gained a significant following on social media. The boy responded well to treatment, and a second laser intervention was scheduled for August of the same year.
Throughout the six-month journey filled with medical appointments and procedures, Brooke described Kingsley as the happiest and most loving boy in the world. She expressed gratitude for the support she received and remained focused on her son's well-being despite the challenges and pain caused by judgment from those who didn't fully understand Kingsley's situation.
