Day of Awareness- Vascular Birthmarks

Well today is offically the Day of Awareness for the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation- and I am doing my part. Smart baby (almost 1 yr) was born with a port wine stain (PWS) on his forehead. I diagnosed it before the pediatrician (probably due ot the fact that i saw many vascular lesions in my medical missions with Operation Smile) I had him in for a consult and he began treatment at 4 mo. Since then we trek to a great derm laser doc every 6 six weeks for a pulsed dye laser treatment. To date he has had 6 treatments, and we are so pleased with his response. His PWS is relatively small, light in color, and easy to treat. Many others are far more extensive, vary widely in color, and often may not respond well to treatment.

The VBF is a great organization that educates, and provides resources to individuals and families with vascular birthmarks. I volunteer my time as a CCLS and serve on their "expert" panel as the Developmental Specialist. I presented at their conference in CA last year and can't wait to conduct roundatables for families at the Boston conference this year. I enjoy answering questions sent by parents and individuals with PWS and addressing coping and psychosocial/emotional issues both for the VBF and birthmarks.com.

Linda, the founder of the VBF told me how she thanks God that her daughter was born with a hemangioma. Truly, from that experience, she has written books, conducted research and started this foundation which helps hundreds of thousands of families each year. Something that others would consider a tragedy has truly changed the world for good. I too consider myself blessed to have a son with a PWS. It has helped me view the world with greater clarity, and also helped me use my skills to do a greater good in the world. (smart son (5yr) and I also donate artwork in honor of smart baby for their annual polo event--you are never too young to make a diiference!)

So today I want to raise awareness...one visible differences are just just that. In my work in the VBF community, I have come to meet many wonderful people who have dealt with some challenging things. Years of staring, rude comments, teasing, difficult treatments, ostracism, physical hardships (vascular lesions are often associated with other more complex syndromes) and even parental abadonment. I honor them and their experiences.

And today I honor my smart baby for changing my life for good!