Rebecca Callaghan faced a challenging pregnancy in 2012 when doctors decided to induce labor early due to excess fluid around her baby.
It wasn’t until about an hour after Matilda was born that any issues were suspected. Initially, a large blue mark on her face and extending down her body was mistaken for a bruise. However, just 30 minutes later, doctors informed Rebecca and her husband that it was, in fact, a birthmark.
Two weeks postpartum, Matilda was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare neurological condition associated with skin abnormalities that can lead to paralysis, learning difficulties, and seizures.
Matilda’s health quickly deteriorated, necessitating her transfer to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, England. The parents’ joy transformed into deep anxiety, as they feared they might lose their newborn. “We couldn’t travel with her because she was so sick. Watching her taken away, we were terrified we’d never see her again”, her father shared with the Daily Mail.
Adding to their worries, they discovered Matilda had two heart defects. Despite the grim prognosis, she displayed remarkable resilience, successfully undergoing surgery. She also began laser treatments to address her unusual birthmark, a process that could take up to 16 hours to fully fade.
“She receives treatments every two months. The laser leaves her skin red and covered in blisters, which eventually heal”, her father, Paul, explained in a 2016 interview. He recounted the misconceptions from others, stating: “People assume we’ve somehow harmed her”.
Although these treatments are painful, Matilda is a cheerful child. Sadly, many stare at her or make hurtful remarks, even asking if her parents had caused her birthmark by allowing her to burn herself. “They only see the surface and make judgments. I wish they could see beyond the mole to the beautiful person she is”, Paul lamented.
In addition to her birthmark, Matilda faces vision challenges and struggles to walk. Yet, with the help of specialized equipment, she has taken steps on her own.
Despite her struggles, Matilda remains upbeat and resilient. “She’s incredibly stubborn; she’ll do things her way or not at all!” her father noted, emphasizing that she always greets others with a smile. The family regularly confronts stares, insults, and teasing, but they remain proud of Matilda. “Despite everything, she’s thriving”, her father said.
Now nine years old, Matilda’s family recently shared an updated photo of her in her wheelchair in June 2019. They have set up a fundraising page to raise £5,000 for a new wheelchair, enabling Matilda to enjoy her favorite activity: spending time outdoors, away from crowds. “We want to help her continue doing what she loves”, the page states.
“More Handsome Than His Father!” Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet’s Teen Son Sparks Frenzy
Jason Momoa shared a fun video with his 15-year-old son from Lisa Bonet. The post garnered many likes and comments. People unanimously admired the father and son, with some even suggesting that Nakoa-Wolf might end up being even more handsome than his father.
In the video, Momoa discusses some of the perks of the soap he’s using, while his son stands in the background. Without warning, Momoa pushes Nakoa-Wolf into the water, continuing to discuss the brand Humble as if nothing had happened. The video then shows the two laughing together and struggling to push each other into the water, with Nakoa-Wolf trying his hardest to get even with his dad to no avail.
The video racked up thousands of likes and comments, including a sweet message from Lenny Kravitz, Momoa’s close friend and Lisa Bonet’s ex-husband. “What up fam,” he commented, adding a heart and a fist emoji.
Many fans pointed out the same thing in the video — how Nakoa looks just like his mom. “He looks like his moma,” commented one. “Yes he does. First thing I noticed. Her whole face, just lighter and more masculine,” another agreed. “Is that Wolfy? The kid’s a man now!” “He’ll be more handsome than his father.”
Momoa shares two kids with Lisa Bonet: Nakoa-Wolf, 15, and Lola, 17. Momoa and Bonet concluded their divorce in July 2024, with both agreeing on joint custody of their kids. The couple was married for over seven years and had been together for 12 years.
Recently, Jason introduced his 16-year-old daughter. The father-daughter duo were all smiles as they attended The Bikeriders premiere in Los Angeles. Momoa was road-ready, sporting a black and white striped sweater over worn, grease-stained khaki pants, and a Red Rum Nomads biker vest. He arrived at the red carpet on a vintage motorcycle, with Lola riding along.
After his divorce, Jason Momoa has already started a new relationship. Here, you can find out more about his new girlfriend.
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