- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AmericanAwareness
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 15
- Holiday emoji:
- đź’ś
VBF Day of Awareness is observed every May 15 to highlight the experiences of individuals living with vascular birthmarks. Established by the Vascular Birthmark Foundation, this day promotes acceptance, educates the public, and raises funds for treatment. Learn more about these conditions and how you can contribute to a more inclusive world.
Want to sponsor VBF Day of Awareness? Learn how
Expected VBF Day of Awareness Deals
For VBF Day of Awareness, the focus shifts from commercial deals to impactful fundraising and awareness campaigns. Organizations like the Vascular Birthmark Foundation (VBF) often partner with corporate sponsors for donation matching programs, encouraging public contributions. Look for opportunities to support research and treatment at leading institutions such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) or Dell Children’s Medical Center, which may host special events or virtual fundraisers. Many advocacy groups, including the Rare Disease United Foundation, will launch social media campaigns to educate and inspire. Retailers like CVS Health might feature in-store donation drives or promote products that support health-related causes. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as May 15 approaches.
Platform Guide for VBF Day of Awareness
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #VBFDayOfAwareness. Share stories of courage and resilience, or post infographics to educate your followers about vascular birthmarks.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #VBFDayOfAwareness. Join community groups to share experiences and resources, or organize a virtual event to raise funds.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #VBFDayOfAwareness. Amplify messages from the Vascular Birthmark Foundation and medical professionals to reach a wider audience.
VBF Day of Awareness Hero
Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon
History of VBF Day of Awareness
Vascular birthmarks, also known as red birthmarks, are often a result of incorrectly formed blood vessels — these blood vessels often clump together in a particular area of the individual’s skin. Another type of vascular birthmark, hemangiomas, is the most common tumor found in infancy. About one in 10 newborns are born with vascular birthmarks. Throughout history, whenever a child was born with a vascular birthmark, its mother was blamed due to the belief that her emotions branded the fetus. It was only in the 19th century that this belief, rooted in folklore, began to die down.
Traditional medicine dictated letting birthmarks grow and regress on their own. More recent research suggested, however, that most lesions like these do not regress to a “cosmetically acceptable appearance” and will thus require corrective surgery of some sort. There has been a consequent push by medical professionals and researchers to leave old practices of neglect in the past and adopt a more proactive approach when dealing with vascular malformations.
The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation was founded by Dr. Linda Rozell Shannon in 1994 after her daughter, Christine, was diagnosed with hemangioma. The following year, Dr. Milton Waner operated on Christine to remove the hemangioma. He later became the first Medical Director of V.B.F. The international charitable organization, to this day, brings together people affected by vascular birthmarks, anomalies, tumors, or syndrome and medical professionals.
VBF Day of Awareness timeline
Folkloric beliefs hold that a vascular birthmark is entirely a mother’s fault.
The belief begins to wane.
The V.B.F. is founded when Christine Mary Shannon is diagnosed with hemangioma.
Shannon’s hemangioma is operated on by Dr. Milton Waner.
How Businesses Can Celebrate VBF Day of Awareness
Local businesses can show their support for VBF Day of Awareness by educating their staff and customers about vascular birthmarks. Consider displaying informational posters provided by the Vascular Birthmark Foundation or hosting a small fundraiser where a portion of proceeds benefits VBF. Businesses in the health and beauty sectors could offer special promotions or educational sessions, highlighting inclusivity and support for individuals with visible birthmarks. Raising awareness and promoting acceptance within the community can make a significant difference.
VBF Day of Awareness FAQs
When is VBF Day of Awareness?
In 2027, VBF Day of Awareness will be observed on Saturday, May 15. This annual observance is a crucial opportunity for global communities to unite in promoting acceptance and funding research.
How common are vascular birthmarks?
Globally, it’s estimated that roughly 10% of infants are born with some form of vascular birthmark. This broad category encompasses various types, each with unique characteristics and potential health implications.
What is the Vascular Birthmark Foundation?
Established in 1994, the VBF serves as a vital global resource for families navigating the challenges of vascular birthmarks. The foundation’s work includes advocating for early diagnosis, promoting acceptance, and funding critical research to improve treatment options and quality of life.
What is the difference between a hemangioma and a vascular malformation?
While both are types of vascular birthmarks, hemangiomas are proliferative lesions with a distinct growth and regression phase, often appearing days or weeks after birth. In contrast, vascular malformations are always present at birth, though sometimes not visible, and represent abnormal development of blood vessels that persist throughout life.
How to Observe VBF Day of Awareness
Learn about vascular birthmarks
The objective of the V.B.F. Day of Awareness is to raise awareness about vascular birthmarks. Spend a bit of time learning about what they are.
Talk about it on social media
Help the V.B.F. raise awareness by talking about what you know on social media. Invite your friends and family to follow suit.
Sign the anti-bullying pledge
The V.B.F. has an anti-bullying pledge aimed at standing against the practice. Consider signing it.
5 Interesting Facts About Birthmarks
Moles can be birthmarks
Though many people think them to be entirely different, moles can be birthmarks too!
Location
A birthmark can be anywhere on a baby’s body.
Cultural beliefs
According to Chinese beliefs, having a birthmark on your right foot indicates that you are adventurous!
Royal lineage
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, birthmarks were used as proof of royal blood.
A witch’s mark
Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife, was accused of being a witch because of the birthmark on her neck.
Why VBF Day of Awareness is Important
It raises awareness about a lesser-talked-about phenomenon
Birthmarks aren’t a commonly discussed topic. We think it’s very important that V.B.F. Day of Awareness brings the topic to light.
It clears up misconceptions
While awareness is growing, many people aren’t aware of the possible need for medical intervention when it comes to birthmarks. V.B.F. Day of Awareness plays a very important role in dispelling such notions.
It raises awareness about the troubles people living with vascular birthmarks face
There can often be social repercussions to living with vascular birthmarks. V.B.F. Day of Awareness highlights the trouble these individuals have to face, through no fault of their own.
Social Media Tips for VBF Day of Awareness
Individuals
Creators
Brands