When Brooke Atkins gave birth to her son, Kingsley, in 2022, she soon discovered that motherhood would bring unexpected challenges. Her baby was born with a prominent Port Wine Stain (PWS) birthmark covering half of his face. While some birthmarks are purely cosmetic, Kingsley’s was connected to Sturge-Weber Syndrome and glaucoma—serious medical conditions that can trigger seizures and even lead to blindness. From the start, it was clear that medical care would play a central role in his life.
By the time Kingsley was six months old, Brooke and her partner, Kewene Wallace, faced the difficult choice of beginning laser treatments to manage the birthmark. Their intention was to protect his health and prevent complications, but instead, Brooke found herself targeted online. Trolls accused her of caring more about her child’s looks than his well-being, even labeling her a “monster.” Determined to set the record straight, Brooke explained that the treatments were medically necessary since PWS birthmarks can darken, thicken, and become far harder to treat as children grow.
Now, two years later, Brooke has shared uplifting updates about Kingsley’s progress. His birthmark has faded to a light pink shade, a clear improvement that reflects the success of his treatments. Still, Brooke admitted that in the early days she battled intense “mum guilt,” fueled by online criticism. She hopes that more people will learn about the serious health risks linked to PWS before making unfair judgments.
But Kingsley’s challenges go beyond his birthmark. Living with Sturge-Weber Syndrome, he has suffered more than 100 seizures in just a few years and has already undergone three surgeries to fight glaucoma. Hospital stays and tough recoveries have become part of his childhood, testing both his resilience and the strength of his family.
Despite everything, Brooke has chosen to share their journey publicly, using her platform to spread awareness about PWS and Sturge-Weber Syndrome. While the negativity once weighed her down, she now draws strength from supportive parents and her unwavering love for her son. Her story is a testament to courage, sacrifice, and the fierce determination that comes with being a mother.
