Born With a Red-Purple Birthmark on Her Face — After Years of Laser Treatment, This Little Girl Began Comforting Other Children Before Surgery

When Paige was born, her parents noticed a distinctive birthmark on her face.

It was a port-wine stain, a vascular birthmark caused by an abnormal development of small blood vessels in the skin.

Unlike some childhood birthmarks that gradually disappear, port-wine stains typically persist and may change over time.

As Paige grew, her parents noticed that the mark was changing. They began searching for medical treatment, unaware that their journey would lead to a remarkable friendship between their daughter and her surgeon.

A Birthmark That Began Changing

Paige was only two years old when her family learned that she needed laser treatment.

However, their insurance would not cover the recommended procedure.

A family friend who was receiving care through Shriners Hospitals for Children told them about the organization.

Paige’s parents applied for assistance, and she was accepted as a patient at the Boston hospital.

There, she began seeing plastic surgeon Dr. Matthias B. Donelan.

Traveling From Iowa to Boston

Paige and her family lived in Iowa, meaning every treatment required a significant journey.

By the time the hospital published her story in July 2020, the 11-year-old was returning approximately every three months for care.

For her mother, Shelly, the early visits were emotionally difficult.

She remembered crying when Paige was taken into the operating room for treatment.

Over time, however, the family developed strong relationships with the hospital staff, who helped them feel supported throughout the process.

Two Matching Surgical Caps

Paige’s relationship with Dr. Donelan became one of the most memorable parts of her treatment journey.

In 2016, her family gave him a special present: two matching embroidered operating-room caps.

One identified him as Paige’s doctor, while the other expressed her affection for him.

According to Shelly, the surgeon treasured the gift and kept the caps safely in his locker until Paige returned for another visit.

What had begun as a frightening medical experience had gradually become a relationship built on trust.

Helping Children Who Were Afraid of Surgery

As Paige grew older, she began finding ways to support other young patients.

She sometimes comforted children waiting outside the operating room, helping them feel less frightened about their procedures.

She also developed a friendship with another patient she met before laser treatment.

Although the girls had met only twice in person, they continued exchanging handwritten notes through a hospital child life specialist.

Paige became involved with Team Brave, a program that helped young patients connect through activities and shared experiences.

Learning to Love the Heart on Her Cheek

One of the most touching details in Paige’s story was how she viewed her birthmark.

Her mother explained that the mark resembled a heart on her cheek, and Paige considered it part of who she was.

When she was younger, she even misunderstood the purpose of treatment, believing that the procedures would help her keep the birthmark longer so she could continue visiting the hospital.

By age 11, Paige had become a patient ambassador, sharing her experience and encouraging other children.

She also participated in a fundraising event in Iowa, speaking publicly about her birthmark and the treatment she had received.

Her story was no longer simply about a visible facial difference. It was also about the friendships and confidence she had developed throughout her childhood.

Source: Shriners Children’s Boston, July 28, 2020 — Meet Patient Ambassador Paige.