Rebecca Callahan’s pregnancy in 2012 was complicated, leading to an early delivery.
At birth, her daughter Matilda had a large bruise on her face, which doctors initially mistook for a hematoma. Within 30 minutes, they realized it was a birthmark.
At two weeks old, Matilda was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare neurological condition that can cause paralysis, seizures, and learning difficulties.
She also had two holes in her heart. Her health quickly declined, and her parents feared for her life. Despite the odds, Matilda survived a critical surgery and began laser treatments for her birthmark, a process that could take years.
Though the procedures were painful and strangers often stared, Matilda remained a happy and resilient child.
