When Brooke Atkins welcomed her son Kingsley in 2022, she never imagined how quickly life would test her courage. From the very beginning, Kingsley’s arrival brought more than the usual sleepless nights and diaper changes. He was born with a striking port-wine stain covering half of his tiny face—a vivid mark that would soon reveal a far greater challenge. Doctors diagnosed Kingsley with Sturge-Weber syndrome and glaucoma, two serious conditions that can trigger seizures and even lead to blindness. Suddenly, Brooke’s first year as a mother became a crash course in medical decisions and relentless advocacy.
Video: I lasered my baby’s face to help huge birthmark
The Hardest Decision a Parent Can Make
At just six months old, Kingsley faced his first laser treatments to reduce the port-wine stain and protect his eyesight. For Brooke and her partner, Kewene Wallace, it wasn’t about appearance—it was about safeguarding their son’s health. Yet the internet had other ideas. Critics hiding behind screens accused Brooke of chasing cosmetic perfection. Some even labeled her a “monster.” But Brooke stood firm. She explained that these marks can darken and thicken over time, making treatment far more difficult later. This was not vanity; it was a lifesaving intervention.
Weathering the Storm of Online Judgment
Imagine holding your baby after a hospital procedure and then opening your phone to a flood of cruel comments. Brooke admits those early days weighed heavily on her. “Mom guilt” crept in, amplified by strangers who didn’t know the facts. But like any parent fighting for their child, she found her backbone. The whispers of doubt gave way to a quiet, unshakable resolve: Kingsley’s well-being came first, and nothing else mattered.
Progress That Speaks for Itself
Two years later, the results tell their own story. The once-deep purple mark has softened to a gentle pink hue. Each session of laser therapy has lightened the stain and reduced the risk of complications. Brooke now shares updates with a smile, proof that the difficult decisions she made were worth every tear. Her son’s face reflects not just medical progress but the power of a mother’s love.
Living with Sturge-Weber and Glaucoma
Kingsley’s journey hasn’t stopped at the port-wine stain. Living with Sturge-Weber syndrome means enduring more than 100 seizures in his short life. He has already undergone three eye surgeries to combat glaucoma. Hospital visits and long recoveries have become part of the family routine—challenges that would shake even the strongest. Yet Kingsley and his parents face each hurdle with quiet determination, showing that resilience can grow even in the most fragile moments.
Finding Strength and Sharing Hope
Through it all, Brooke has turned her family’s struggle into a platform for awareness. By sharing their story, she shines a light on a rare condition and encourages other parents facing similar battles. The harsh voices online no longer hold power over her. Instead, she draws strength from a community of parents who understand and from the unwavering love she feels for her son.
Brooke’s journey is more than a story of medical treatment—it’s a testament to courage, love, and the unwavering instinct to protect a child. Her steadfast commitment reminds us that parenthood often means standing strong when the world misunderstands you. Kingsley’s bright future is a living proof that resilience and a mother’s heart can outshine even the darkest challenges.
