This Brave "Polka Dot Princess" Is One Inspirational Little Fighter

From Redbook

Matilda Callaghan can't go a day without a stranger gawking at her. The five-year-old was born with Sturge Weber Syndrome (SWS), a neurological and skin disorder that besides her purple birthmarks, has left her barely able to see, epileptic, and partially paralyzed. But none of those conditions have dampened Matilda's spirits.

The courageous child had open heart surgery at just seven weeks, and since then, she's had regular hospital visits to undergo laser treatments to remove her spotted birthmarks.

Her father, Paul, told Echo, the surgeries aren't for cosmetic purposes. They're to prevent the "polka dots" from spreading and causing internal damage, though it would probably be a relief to him if they did disappear, so people would stop unfairly accusing him of being a bad a parent.

"They just see what is in front of them and jump to hurtful conclusions," he shared, adding that folks have assumed he's burned Matilda with a radiator, or on a slightly lighter note, took a sharpie to her face.

Instead, he says, "I wish they could see past the birthmark and see what a wonderful little angel she is."

Matilda, whose vocabulary is limited to "mummy, "daddy," "yes," and "no," communicates through hand gestures. Yet, her parents know that she is still happy.

"Despite everything she has been through, she has a smile for everyone. She's doing fantastically well," Paul said.

"We are unbelievably proud of Matilda, she is just amazing–we just live every day as a bonus."

[H/T AOL]