A Scots baby living with a rare birthmark has been described as a ‘little superstar’ by her family.
Little Willow Cathro-Hughes was born with a strawberry hemangioma on her face in February 2021.
Luckily doctors at Ninewells Hospital, in Dundee, told her parents, Katy and Kevin, that the tumour had not spread to the bone, brain or liver.
But to prevent any possible damage to her sight, the one-year-old would have to take adult beta-blockers.
Now the family have set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the Dermatology department that is treating Willow.
Writing on the page, Katy, from Carnoustie described the early days of treatment.
She said: “Baby Willow was born on the 2nd February 2021, our little superstar from the very beginning.
"She was born with a rare birthmark - commonly known as a strawberry birthmark. These are common, however having her mark at birth, its size and location makes Willow’s rare and also a first for NHS Tayside.
“Mummy and Willow packed our bags for a 8 night stay in Ward 29 Ninewells Children’s Hospital.
“There were cardio checks, dosage checks for a baby dose of beta blockers and a plan put in place.
“The stay was full of ups and downs with many a panic at beeping machines, medical teams crowding Willow’s tiny cot, sleepless nights watching my baby drift off into a deep sleep and praying this was all going to be ok.”
During the stay in hospital, Katy and Willow’s dad, Kevin, decided to share Willow’s journey and raise awareness of her condition.
Over the last year, the family have received astonishing support from the medical community across the UK and also family and friends.
Katy added: “Willow now has many specialists involved from all over the UK.
“She has been a case study for one of her doctor’s studies at Ninewells and will have her pictures shared for research, this makes her part of medical history.
“Willow is doing well and her hemangioma is doing ok. There is improvemnet and we just pray this continues and we reach a point where we are all happy.”
Looking forward, Katy explained there is still a long way to go.
She explained: “We as a family would like to ensure when the time comes that Willow can always access the most current and innovative treatment available.
“This may be expensive medications, laser treatment or as she grows older surgery to remove loose skin.
“We don't know what our little girl will need in the future but to help the main department who look after Willow in anyway we can will ensure as her family we have done everything in our power to make this possible.”
To raise funds, Katy and two other family members will be cycling from Dundee’s City Quay to Glasgow’s Pacific Quay on 13 August.
Katy said: “Many parts of Willow’s journey have left Kevin and I feeling so very out of control and out of our depth but setting a challenge and turning it into an amazing weekend for our wee girl and others has filled our hearts.”
- More information on the fundraising event and Willow’s journey can be found at the family’s JustGiving page here.
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