When Brooke Atkins gave birth to her son, Kingsley, in 2022, she quickly realized that his arrival would come with unexpected challenges. Kingsley was born with a large Port Wine Stain (PWS) birthmark covering one side of his face. While these marks are often harmless, in his case it was linked to Sturge-Weber Syndrome and glaucoma—serious medical conditions that can cause seizures and even lead to blindness. From early on, it was clear that Kingsley would need ongoing medical care.
At just six months old, Brooke and her partner, Kewene Wallace, made the tough decision to begin laser treatments on his birthmark. Their goal was to protect his health, but the decision sparked harsh criticism online. Some people accused Brooke of caring more about her son’s appearance than his well-being, with a few even calling her a “monster.” Brooke responded by explaining that the treatments were medically necessary, not cosmetic. If left untreated, PWS birthmarks can darken, thicken, and become more difficult to treat later.
Now, two years later, Brooke has shared positive updates about Kingsley’s progress. His once dark birthmark has faded to a soft pink, showing how effective the treatments have been. Still, Brooke admits she struggled with “mum guilt” in the beginning, often doubting her choices due to the online backlash. She now hopes more people will learn about the serious health risks associated with PWS before making unfair judgments.
Kingsley’s journey hasn’t only been about his birthmark. Because of Sturge-Weber Syndrome, he has experienced more than 100 seizures in just a few years and has already undergone three surgeries to treat glaucoma. These medical issues have led to many hospital visits and long recovery periods, requiring incredible strength from Kingsley and his family.
Despite the challenges, Brooke has stayed strong. She continues to share their journey to raise awareness and educate others about PWS and Sturge-Weber Syndrome. Although online negativity once affected her deeply, she now finds strength in the support of other parents and, above all, in her love for her son. Her story is a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and deep devotion that come with being a parent.