When Brooke Atkins welcomed her son, Kingsley, in 2022, she quickly learned that his birth would come with unique challenges. The baby was born with a large Port Wine Stain (PWS) birthmark covering half of his face. While such birthmarks are often harmless, Kingsley’s was linked to Sturge-Weber Syndrome and glaucoma, two serious conditions that can cause seizures and even blindness. The diagnosis meant that medical interventions would become part of his early life.

At just six months old, Brooke and her partner, Kewene Wallace, made the difficult decision to begin laser treatments on their son’s birthmark. What they hoped would be a proactive step toward protecting his health sparked a wave of online criticism. Trolls accused Brooke of putting appearance above her child’s well-being, calling her a “monster.” In response, Brooke clarified that the procedure was not cosmetic but essential, as PWS birthmarks can thicken and darken over time, making them far harder to treat later.

Two years into the treatments, Brooke shared encouraging updates on Kingsley’s progress. The once-dark birthmark has significantly lightened, leaving only a faint pink undertone across his face. Yet, despite the clear improvement, Brooke admitted she struggled with “mum guilt” in the early days, questioning her decision because of the backlash. She expressed her wish that more people understood the medical risks associated with PWS before rushing to judgment.

Kingsley’s health struggles extend beyond his birthmark. Living with Sturge-Weber Syndrome, he has endured more than 100 seizures in his short life and has already undergone three eye surgeries to combat glaucoma. These conditions have led to repeated hospital visits and difficult recovery periods, demanding extraordinary strength from both Kingsley and his family.

Through it all, Brooke has remained steadfast, sharing their journey publicly in hopes of raising awareness and educating others about PWS and Sturge-Weber Syndrome. While the online negativity once weighed heavily on her, she now finds strength in the support of fellow parents and her love for her son. Her openness and resilience stand as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and courage that define parenthood.