.svg)
Get ready to raise awareness and support for individuals with vascular birthmarks on May 15, also known as Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day! This day was created by the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation in 2005 to educate people about these unique skin conditions and provide resources for those affected. Did you know that up to 40% of babies are born with some type of vascular birthmark? From port wine stains to hemangiomas, these marks may vary in appearance but they all share one thing in common – they are a part of someone's unique identity. Let's celebrate diversity and promote understanding on this special day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Vascular Birthmarks Foundation Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation was established by Linda Rozell-Shannon, the world's leading lay expert, to provide support to people affected by vascular birthmarks.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day was celebrated globally to raise awareness and understanding about these unique birthmarks.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Advancements in Treatment</div><div class='timeline-text'>By 2009, tremendous advancements in medical and surgical treatments for the removal and mitigation of vascular birthmarks had been achieved.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birthmark Conference</div><div class='timeline-text'>Vascular Birthmarks Foundation held their first International Conference on Vascular Birthmarks in New York City, demonstrating global commitment to education and treatment.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Birthmark Awareness</div><div class='timeline-text'>Significant international recognition and awareness of vascular birthmarks was noted, with more individuals engaging in events and campaigns related to Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear purple</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Purple is the official color for Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day, so show your support by wearing something purple to raise awareness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you or someone you know has a vascular birthmark, share your story on social media to help educate others and spread awareness about this condition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a local organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local organization that supports those with vascular birthmarks and consider making a donation to help fund research and support services.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and organize a fundraising event such as a bake sale, car wash, or charity walk to raise money for vascular birthmark awareness and research.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn more about vascular birthmarks and the challenges that those who have them face. This can help you become a better advocate for awareness and understanding.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Bringing awareness to a not-so-well-known condition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Vascular birthmarks, also known as hemangiomas and port-wine stains, affect approximately 10% of infants. By recognizing Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day, we can educate others about this condition and help promote early detection and treatment for affected individuals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Supporting those with vascular birthmarks</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For individuals living with vascular birthmarks, it can be a challenging experience both physically and emotionally. By acknowledging and promoting Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day, we show our support and solidarity for those affected and their families.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Advancing research and treatment options</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Through increasing awareness and understanding of vascular birthmarks, we can also contribute to the advancement of research and development of new treatment options. It's incredibly important to continue supporting these efforts for the benefit of current and future generations.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over a Dozen Types of Vascular Birthmarks Exist</h3><p class='facts-content'>While hemangiomas and port-wine stains are well-known, you might be amazed to discover that over a dozen different types of vascular birthmarks exist, including salmon patches and venous malformations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Vascular Birthmarks Are Not Contagious</h3><p class='facts-content'>Contrary to popular misconceptions, vascular birthmarks are not contagious. They are a result of abnormal blood vessels under the skin and cannot be "caught" or "transferred".</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Vascular Birthmarks Often Appear at Birth or Soon After</h3><p class='facts-content'>Most vascular birthmarks become visible at birth or within the first or second week of life. However, some such as certain hemangiomas might not appear until a few months after birth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hemangiomas Can Change Significantly Over Time</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the first year of life, infantile hemangiomas can undergo a rapid growth phase, often followed by a slow fading and shrinking phase over several years. This unique characteristic separates them from most other types of birthmarks.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Laser Treatments Are Common For Vascular Birthmarks</h3><p class='facts-content'>Laser treatments have increased in use and effectiveness over the years for certain types of vascular birthmarks. These non-invasive procedures can reduce the appearance or even eliminate some birthmarks entirely.</p></div></div>
Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day is celebrated on May 15 every year. In 2024, Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 15
Monday
2024
May 15
Wednesday
2025
May 15
Thursday
2026
May 15
Friday
2027
May 15
Saturday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
