News
May 13, 2021Vascular Birthmark Foundation Networks Its 125,000 Patient into Treatment
The Vascular Birthmark Foundation (VBF) is pleased to announce they have networked their 125,000 patient, 2-year old James Jackson Goodwin of Connecticut, into treatment. Founded by Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon (lovingly referred to as Dr. Linda), the organization has worked with families to get accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans in 6 continents, over 150 countries, and all 50 states for vascular birthmarks and related anomalies. Considered an “orphan disease” with no one medical field specializing in it, VBF has worked to create a network of medical doctors, surgeons, dermatologists, hematologists, social-psych experts, and other medical experts to work with families for treatment.
“This is an amazing milestone for VBF,” said Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, “When I started VBF in honor of my daughter Christine, I had no idea the impact this organization would have on our families and doctors. We will continue our work to ensure every single family has an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.”
Throughout its 27-year history, VBF has grown its outreach from mail and a simple website, to social media support groups, an interactive website including direct access to doctors, and an international presence. VBF supports patients and families affected by hemangioma, port wine stain, arteriovenous malformation, capillary malformation, lymphatic malformation, Sturge-Weber syndrome, Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, and any other type of vascular birthmark and syndrome. VBF holds an annual conference and clinic (this year on October 9 in New York City) with over 100 families in attendance for consultations from the world’s leading vascular birthmarks experts, free laser treatments, and support services. They have advocated and fought for legislation in the United States, including the Child’s Deformity Act, requiring insurance companies to cover procedures needed to treat vascular birthmarks. Additionally, VBF offers training for doctors on vascular birthmarks, anomalies, and related syndromes (VBARS) through online coursework and research projects.
To celebrate this milestone, VBF is asking any family who was helped by VBF to make a donation in honor of their family member to be featured on the VBF Wall of Hope.
For more information, visit https://birthmark.org/125k/
