While, I don't know what the mother has discussed with other family members, I know she has talked to me because I have access to all of you.
I do understand the embarrassment this could cause to the child. But there is nothing wrong with a parent seeking the "possibiity" of a solution to help her child.
Unfortunately, our physical bodies and their abilities do affect us and how we feel about ourselves, whether visible or not.
Even though, such things are unimportant in the grand scheme of things, in a growing child's mind, the present is mighty important.