Latest news with #PWS
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Health
- Sky News AU
Aussie mum viciously branded a 'monster' by trolls for lasering birthmark on her baby's face reveals what her son, 3, looks like now
An Aussie mum who was branded a "monster" for lasering a large birthmark on her baby boy's face has revealed what the three-year-old looks like now. Brooke Atkins, 36, in 2022 welcomed her second child Kinglsey, who was born with a large port-wine stain (PWS) covering the right side of his face. PWS is a permanent birthmark which takes on a reddish or blueish colour and is caused by the malfunction of blood vessels in the skin. If it is located around the eyes and forehead, the staining can cause underlying conditions like epilepsy or eye problems such as glaucoma. In Kingsley's case, he has glaucoma as well as Sturge Weber Syndrome, another hallmark of the birthmark, which sees him suffer from seizures. Brooke, from the Gold Coast, Queensland, used six laser treatments over two years to treat Kingsley's PWS despite criticism from online trolls. Ignoring those who called her "brainwashed" and claimed the move was more for her than her son, Brooke has recently taken to social media to show Kingsley's PWS is barely visible now after the light beam therapy. The now three-year-old can be seen with a very dilated purple undertone to the right side of his face, a far cry from the intense violet shade it was. In TikTok footage, Kinglsey smiled and giggled with his older sister Amarni as the siblings played at home, and he appeared happy after the treatment. Those who had not been following Brooke and Kingsley's journey with treating his PWS would arguably never suspect he was born with it. However the mum-of-two still remembers the vicious trolling she received from strangers when she decided with her partner, Kewene Wallace, 30, to laser their son's birthmark six months after he was born. "That birthmark is barely visible, what you're doing to him is horrible," one person wrote, among many other people who supported the decision. Another person accused Brooke of making her son "insecure the second he gets out of the womb". Brooke addressed the reception she received and said when she first started reading the negative comments, she cried for a good half hour. "I had a whole heap of mum guilt, and it made me question my decision," the mum of two said. "Even though I knew I was doing the right thing, the cruel words still played in my head. "I just wish these people had known about the health issues connected to these types of birthmarks before writing these things. "This wasn't for cosmetic reasons, and as parents, this was the hardest decision we have had to make. Brooke still has a long road ahead after the many treatments Kingsley has undergone in his life, including three eye surgeries for glaucoma, as well as having had more than 100 seizures, which he still suffers from. Nevertheless, circumstances took a positive turn in July when Brooke said Kingsley was "doing really well" after recovering from "a few sicknesses".
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Mother branded a 'monster' for using controversial laser treatment on her baby son's birthmark reveals what he looks like three years later
A mother who faced fierce criticism after using laser treatment on a large birthmark on her baby's face has revealed what he looks like three years after the treatment. Brooke Atkins, 36, from the Gold Coast, Queensland, gave birth to her second child, Kingsley, in 2022, and immediately noticed he'd been born with a large Port Wine Stain (PWS) birthmark covering half of his face. Port-wine stain birthmarks are usually harmless, but if on the face - particularly over the eye - they can be linked to glaucoma and Sturge Weber Syndrome, and it turned out that Kingsley had both. Six months after his arrival in 2022, the stay-at-home mother and her partner Kewene Wallace, 30, decided to laser the mark. Sharing Kingsley's journey on social media, Brooke began to face heavy backlash, with cruel online trolls branding her a 'monster' for opting to have the controversial laser treatment. Now, two years on from when he had the laser treatment, Brooke has shared videos of what the youngster looks like aged three. In social media videos, the mark on the three-year-old's face appears to have reduced drastically, with only a pale pinkish undertone showing up beneath the skin on one side of his face. When Brooke first got Kingsley the treatment, many online were outraged. But as she pointed out in an interview with DailyMail on 2023, Port Wine Stains typically get worse and darken over time, and Kingsley's birthmark could have become considerably more noticeable as he was growing up. 'They can develop a "cobblestone" appearance, with raised bumps, ridges, and the risk of vascular blebs, where they dangerously bleed,' Brooke said at the time. 'Once a port wine stain gets to this stage, it is often very difficult to treat and laser barely has any affect, as the skin is already far too damaged.' She then decided to use a laser treatment on Kingsley's mark. 'The only way to treat a Port Wine Stain is through laser treatments, and the most effective laser for it is called the Pulsed Dye Laser. 'When he was first born, we were referred to the Queensland Children's Hospital dermatology and vascular department, where they organised the first treatment and explained in further detail why laser would be important. 'The purpose of the laser treatments is not to 'remove' the birthmark but instead keep the skin healthy, to prevent any further damage to the area.' Those viewing Kingsley's journey online didn't take kindly to the decision, with one saying: 'That birthmark is barely visible, what you're doing to him is horrible, it's more for you than him.' Others called her brainwashed and accused her of 'making him insecure the second he gets out the womb'. However, she has received positive comments from other parents, who have continued to support her journey navigating her son's challenges. Of the reception she has received online, Brooke said: 'Honestly, when I first started reading the negative comments, I sat there for a good half hour and cried to myself. 'I had a whole heap of mum guilt, and it made me question my decision, even though I knew I was doing the right thing, the cruel words still played in my head. 'I just wish these people had known about the health issues connected to these types of birthmarks before writing these things, that this wasn't for cosmetic reasons, and that as parents, this was the hardest decision we have had to make. She said trolls' comments had left her feeling like a bad mother, despite very few of the viewers having a full understanding of her son's condition. Continuing to receive backlash online, Brooke has defended the decision. 'I think having anything out there online will attract criticism, unfortunately,' she said. Though the negativity no longer upsets her, she wishes that more people were educated on Port Wine Stain birthmarks and didn't 'jump to these conclusions'. 'I tell them that this will give him the best chance at not adding to his long list of medical issues he already has. What is a port wine stain birthmark? A port wine stain is a birthmark caused by the overdevelopment of blood vessels underneath the skin. The change in the blood vessels is caused by a genetic mutation which occurs before a child is born, and will remain for the rest of a person's life – though the severity of them differs between people. Port wine stains begin as a flat red or purple mark and, over time, can become more raised, bulkier and darker in colour. They can occur anywhere on the body but 65 per cent of them appear on a person's head or neck. Around three in every 1,000 babies has a port wine stain and they are more common in girls than in boys, though the reason for this is not known. Treatment usually involves laser treatment to remove some of the dark colour from the mark, or camouflaging the discolouring using a special type of make-up. 'And if they respond rudely to that, I try my best not to tell them what I really think but sometimes it's hard.' Sturge Weber Syndrome can cause seizures, which Kingsley suffers from on a regular basis, along with other disabilities. His other condition, glaucoma, can also cause blindness. Over the course of his life, Kingsley has undergone a plethora of treatments, including having three eye surgeries for his glaucoma. He continues to suffer from health issues as a result of his disabilities, including having had more than 100 seizures over the course of his life. In a video posted to TikTok in June, Brooke revealed that Kingsley had had multiple seizures that week, only a month after having his last. 'Our son ended up having multiple seizures last week, only a month after his last,' she said. 'As a mother, it broke my heart. We have had over a month of sickness since his last seizure, and we honestly just need a break. A break from it all. A break for his little body to recover fully. We are still sick, but we are home and he is happy. 'This is the reality of so many Sturge-Weber families dealing with Epilepsy.' The three-year-old continues to be plagued by seizures, and the family have had to spend multiple overnight stays in hospitals across the country. In July however, things seemed to be looking up, with Brooke telling her followers that Kingsley had been 'doing really good' after finally recovering from 'a few sicknesses'.
Sinar Daily
09-08-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
When hunger doesn't stop: Raising awareness on Prader-Willi syndrome in Malaysia
In most homes, a child asking for second helpings at dinner is met with encouragement or teasing. But for some families, constant hunger is not just a phase, it is a warning sign of something far more complex. Beneath the surface of seemingly insatiable appetites lies a rare and often misunderstood condition that affects not only the body but the rhythm of daily life: Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). It is easy to overlook, a child with a hearty appetite is usually considered healthy, even growing. But in cases of PWS, hunger never turns off. Known medically as hyperphagia, this constant urge to eat is a primary symptom of the rare genetic disorder that affects approximately 1 in 15,000 births. If left unmanaged, the condition can lead to life-threatening complications including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. In Malaysia, where awareness of rare diseases remains limited, most cases go undiagnosed or misidentified. According to PWSA Malaysia, only 199 cases have been identified — a number that suggests countless others are living without proper diagnosis or support. There is no cure for PWS, but early and consistent treatment can improve outcomes. One key intervention is Human Growth Hormone (HGH) therapy, which helps build muscle strength and supports physical growth. Unfortunately, in Malaysia, this treatment is not subsidised under rare disease coverage, making it financially out of reach for many. Only 15 per cent of families registered under PWSA Malaysia can afford the HGH treatment. For the remaining majority, the uphill battle continues. Not just against symptoms, but against a system that does not yet recognise their needs. Azhar (middle), with a group of Taylor's College Diploma in Communication programme students running the event to raise awareness and foster greater understanding of PWS. To amplify awareness and raise funds, students from the Diploma in Communication (DICM) programme at Taylor's College recently organised Voices for Hope, a campaign dedicated to supporting PWSA Malaysia. Held in conjunction with the programme's 25th anniversary, the event showcased the power of youth-led advocacy and empathy in real-world issues. Qreena Tee Qi Jiun, a second-year DICM student and campaign leader, said that the real learning is not just about gaining knowledge from books, it is also about sharing humanity, empathy and understanding to spread awareness to people around us. 'Although the effort might be like a flame, it is always enough to light up the entire path in the dark. A small spark lights up the dark, a small cause lights up the future,' she said. Through inclusive games like pickleball and sensory simulations, the event allowed participants to better understand the sensory and social experiences of those living with PWS. It also created space for meaningful conversations between the public and members of the PWS community such as caregivers, advocates and individuals alike. At the heart of the campaign were the voices of caregivers, parents who live each day navigating the challenges of PWS with resilience and grace. Azman Ahmad Bakri, father to a child with PWS, spoke candidly about the challenges in securing proper medical care: 'We have tried applying through the normal channels, but not a lot of doctors are well equipped in handling PWS cases and there are also instances where they are not very familiar with what PWS is. 'It is very frustrating for us caregivers because we are not able to get the right care when the condition is not recognised or understood,' he said. Maheswarie Subramaniam recalled that her son, Nagheendran, now 26, was misdiagnosed until he was four years old, a delay that cost precious time for early intervention. Her story is a stark reminder of the importance of timely diagnosis and systemic awareness. For Lantz Yap, father to Ken, the diagnosis brought an immediate shift in family dynamics and routine. He now prepares meals tailored specifically to Ken's dietary needs and often eats separately to avoid triggering hunger or emotional stress. 'Sometimes when people see a hungry child, their instinct is to offer food. But for our children, that can be dangerous. There were times when people criticised us for limiting his food intake. The truth is, we are not restricting him; we are protecting him,' he said. President of PWSA Malaysia, Azhar Talib, acknowledged that while local awareness remains low, Malaysia is gradually stepping into global discussions around research and advocacy. 'It is encouraging to see promising research happening in areas like gene therapy and hunger control. We may not have a cure yet, but there is real progress and Malaysia is now part of that global conversation,' he mentioned. PWSA Malaysia has also launched online resources to support families. Their website offers guidance across life stages, from dietary management to education planning and emotional care — acting as a lifeline for parents searching for direction. Looking ahead, the association's five-year goal includes advocating for government support and subsidies for daily HGH treatment, bringing hope to families that financial relief and better care may someday become a reality.
Rakyat Post
08-08-2025
- Health
- Rakyat Post
This Rare Genetic Disorder Makes You Feel Hungry ALL The Time
Subscribe to our FREE When children ask for more food, adults often respond in one of two ways: by telling them to stop eating so much or by encouraging them to eat more because they're growing. However, persistent hunger may point to a deeper underlying issue. Some children experience an insatiable appetite, also known as hyperphagia, a symptom of the Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), which is a rare genetic disorder in Malaysia. If left unmanaged, this condition can lead to chronic overeating, significantly increasing the risk of obesity and serious health complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. (jcomp/freepik) The prevalence of PWS is about To date, only 199 cases have been identified through the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, Malaysia (PWSA Malaysia), signifying the likelihood that many more individuals are living with the disorder without proper support, care, and community. While there is no cure for PWS, certain treatments can help manage its symptoms. One of the most important is Human Growth Hormone (HGH) treatment, which improves muscle strength and supports physical growth. However, the cost of this treatment is very high. (pressfoto/freepik) As a rare disease, PWS currently receives no support for the HGH treatment in Malaysia, and as a result, only 15% of families within PWSA Malaysia can afford it for their children. To raise awareness and foster greater understanding of PWS, students from the Diploma in Communication (DICM) programme at Taylor's College organised Voices for Hope, a meaningful campaign dedicated to raising awareness for PWS and funds for PWSA Malaysia. The event was held in collaboration with PWSA Malaysia and in conjunction with DICM's 25th anniversary celebration, reflecting how the use of communication can spark real-world impact and awareness. The event featured a range of interactive experiences designed to build understanding and connection between the public and the PWS community. Individuals of the PWS community had the opportunity to experience an inclusive game of pickleball, reinforcing the message that everyone deserves to be seen, included and supported. DICM students also prepared a sensory simulation experience with myth-busting games to shift perspectives and spark curiosity through engagement about the realities of living with PWS. Group leader Qreena Tee Qi Jiun, a second-year student of the DICM programme, was honoured to be organising an event that could make a meaningful difference for a rare disease and its community. She said that true learning goes beyond what's written in books — it's about sharing humanity, empathy, and understanding to raise awareness among those around us. Although the effort might be like a flame, it is always enough to light up the entire path in the dark. A small spark lights up the dark, a small cause lights up the future. Qreena Tee Qi Jiun. Participants of Voices for Hope had the opportunity to engage directly with individuals living with PWS and their caregivers, offering valuable, firsthand insights into the challenges and resilience within the community. Among them were three devoted caregivers who shared their journeys of raising sons with PWS, highlighting both the daily realities and the importance of community support in navigating life with this rare disorder. For Azman Ahmad Bakri, one of the greatest struggles is the low awareness about PWS, even among medical professionals. We have tried applying through the normal channels, but not a lot of doctors are well-equipped in handling PWS cases, and there are also instances where they are not very familiar with what PWS is. Azman Ahmad Bakri. He explains that caregivers face significant frustration when the disease is not recognised or understood, as this prevents patients from accessing the proper care needed. Beyond the medical and financial hurdles, social challenges weigh heavily on these families. 'Sometimes when people see a hungry child, their instinct is to offer food,' Azman explained. But for our children, that can be dangerous. There were times when people criticised us for limiting his food intake. The truth is, we are not restricting them we are protecting them. Azman Ahmad Bakri. This sentiment was echoed by Lantz Yap, another caregiver who faces similar challenges in seeking medical support. Lantz Yap shared that the diagnosis brought about significant lifestyle changes to the family when his son, Ken, was diagnosed. He learned to cook healthier meals tailored to his son's needs and, at times, the family eats separately to help manage Ken's portions while ensuring he still receives proper nutrition. Maheswarie Subramaniam shared that her son, Nagheendran, now 26 years old, was misdiagnosed before finally receiving a proper diagnosis at the age of four. Their experience highlights the delays that can occur when awareness is lacking, often leading to missed opportunities for early intervention and critical treatment. Yet, amid all the hardship, these parents hold on to moments of joy. Every smile, every laugh, every tear—those are the moments I treasure with my son, Mike. Some days, the little things feel like a big win. We keep going because we must. Azman Ahmad Bakri. Azhar Talib, President of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Malaysia, shared that Malaysia is now taking an active role in the global PWS community. It is encouraging to see promising research happening in areas like gene therapy and hunger control. We may not have a cure yet, but there is real progress, and Malaysia is now part of that global conversation. Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Malaysia President Azhar Talib. PWSA Malaysia's long-term goal is to secure better access and subsidies for daily HGH treatment within the next five years. The association's website also offers resources and guidelines on education, diet, and emotional care for children with PWS, giving families essential support. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Daily Record
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Home town wrestling stars vying for titles at family friendly event in Newmains
Pro Wrestling Scotland are coming back to the NCT Centre with a brand new for a family entertainment spectacular. Two up and coming home town heroes are heading home to Newmains for a family-friendly wrestling event. Pro Wrestling Scotland are coming back to the NCT Centre with a brand new for a family entertainment spectacular. The show gives children and their families the opportunity to see see the amazing, larger than life characters of Scottish wrestling. Home town hero Ben Rodgers will challenge BT Gunn for the Pro Wrestling Scotland Heavyweight Championship at the show. Gunn, the current PWS Heavyweight champion, is one of the best the UK has every produced and has had two successful against two of the brightest stars in the UK today in Danny Clarke and Sam Taylor with some help and some underhanded tactics. Ben Rodgers star has been rising all over the UK. Will the home town boy be able to bring the gold home or will BT Gunn's experience be too much the new star? Another Newmains wrestling star, Marc Munro, will also have the chance to claim gold when he challenges Daz Black for the PWS openweight championship. Munro will be looking to take home gold again in his home town after winning the tag team championships 18 months ago. This time he will be looking for singles gold. Daz Black has been travelling all over the world defending championships on a number of continents. These men have never faced each other one on one. Will Munro be able to win his first taste of singles gold or will Black continue his almost four year championship reign? Other bouts on the card include Logan Smith taking on Landon Riley while the likes of Angel Hayze, Danny Clarke and Kid Fite have already been announced to appear. Tickets for the show on Friday, August 8, start at just £10 and are available from Your children will also be given the opportunity to have their photo taken with wrestlers after the event with its Meet The Stars experience.
