Welcome to VBF!

Ask the VBF Experts

Dr. Gregory Levitin, Hemangioma and Malformations Surgeon
Dr. Levitin will answer your questions regarding the surgical treatment of all vascular birthmarks and tumors.

Dr. Stuart Nelson, VBF Co-Medical Director and International Port Wine Stain Laser Specialist
Dr. Nelson will answer your questions concerning the diagnosis and treatment of Port Wine Stains.

Dr. Martin Mihm, VBF Co-Medical Director and Research Director
Dr. Mihm is coordinating and directing research regarding vascular birthmarks and tumors.

Dr. Roy Geronemus, NYC and International Laser Specialist
If you have a question or concern about laser treatments in general, contact Dr. Geronemus.

Dr. Barry Zide, NYC Hemangioma and Malformations Surgeon
If you have a question or concern about hemangioma and vascular malformation treatment in general, contact Dr. Zide.

Dr. Darren Orbach, Pediatric Neurointerventionalist for AVMs and PHACE
VBF is proud to welcome Dr. Orbach!

Corinne Barinaga, VBF Family Services Director
Corinne Barinaga, our Administrative Director, will answer emails concerning family advocacy, treatment questions, or physician referral.

Dr. Robert Rosen, Vascular Lesions of Arms and Legs Interventional Radiologist
Our expert for all non-brain AVMs and vascular lesions of the arms and legs, Dr. Rosen welcomes your questions.

Brian Bolinger, Esq. Director VBF Advocacy Alliance
This alliance is being formed to coordinate legislative, legal, and insurance related issues regarding the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks and tumors.

Dr. Anne Comi, Sturge Weber Syndrome Specialist
One of the leading experts on Sturge Weber Syndrome, Dr. Comi will be responding to your questions concerning this syndrome.

Dr. Kami Delfanian, KTS Treatment Specialist
Send your questions concerning KT Syndrome to Dr. Delfanian

Dr. Gary Giangola, KTS Treatment Specialist
If you have questions concerning the surgical treatment of KTS or other vascular lesions of the arms, legs, or trunk, contact Dr Giangola.

Basia Joyce, VBF Insurance Appeals Specialist
Please send your questions regarding your appeal or request for out-of-network treatment to Basia.

Dr. Joseph Edmonds, Lymphatic Malformations Surgeon
Ask Dr. Edmonds your questions related to Lymphatic Malformations.

Dr. Thomas Serena, Wound Care Specialist
Please send Dr. Serena your questions regarding wound care for an ulcerated hemangioma or other vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome that requires wound care.

Dr. Orhan Konez, Interventional Radiologist
Questions regarding reading and interpreting films and treating malformations with sclerotherapy or embollization can be sent to Dr. Orhan Konez.

Dr. Jason Mouzakes, Airway Surgeon
Email Dr. Mouzakes with questions regarding airway hemangiomas and other vascular lesions in the airway (throat area).

Dr. Steven Fishman, Internal Lesions Surgeon

Ask Dr. Fishman your questions about liver and other internal vascular lesions.

Dr. Susie Astner, European Laser Specialist
VBF's Ask the Laser Doctor offers expert advice on laser treatments for all vascular birthmarks by Dr. Susie Astner.

Dr. Denise Metry, PHACE Syndrome Specialist
If you have any questions regarding this syndrome, please ask Dr. Metry.

Dr. Stavros Tombris, European Surgeon
Fr. Tombris treats all forms of hemangomas, port wine stains and malformations.

Dr. Stevan Thompson, Military (Tricare) Surgeon
Dr. Stevan Thompson has joined us to answer questions concerning the treatment of vascular birthmarks in the military.

Dr. Helen Figge, Pharmacist
If you or your child has a vascular birthmark and you have a question regarding a prescription drug, please ask Doc Helen Figge.

Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, VBF President and Founder
Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon is the leading lay expert in the world on the subject of vascular birthmarks.

Lex Van der Heijden, CMTC Foundation

If you or your child has CMTC, please contact Lex with your questions.

Leslie Graff, East Coast Developmental Specialist
Leslie is a trained developmental specialist. Send questions concerning port wine stains and this topic to Leslie.

Elissa-Uretsky Rifkin, Midwest Developmental Specialist
Elissa Uretsky- Rifkin, M.Ed. CMHC
is a trained developmental specialist and is on the board of VBF. Send questions concerning hemangiomas and this topic to Elissa.

Nancy Roberts - Make-up Specialist
Ask our expert Nancy Roberts, Co-Creator of Smart Cover Cosmetics (www.smartcover.com), your questions about make-up.

Linda Seidel - Make-up Expert
Ask Linda Seidel your questions about make-up.

Zeina Tannous, M.D., Laser Dermatology Expert
Ask our expert Dr. Tannous, your questions about laser dermatology.

Anna Duarte, M.D., Florida Expert
Ask our expert Dr. Duarte, your questions about receiving treatment in Florida.

Alicita, Spanish Expert
Ask our expert Alicita, your questions in Spanish.

What Our Families Are Saying About Us

"We relied on the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation to provide us with the information, the contacts, the resources, and the support that we needed to get through this difficult time. Their theme, "We are making a difference" couldn't be more accurate. For us, it was all the difference in the world."
Jill Brown

Hi Linda
Just a note to say how wonderful I found the interview of you and Capital 9 news. Thanks so much for your devotion.
Gina

Recent forum threads

Visit the forum

VBF Launches 2010 DOA - We need 25 families

Thank you for your support of VBF and the VBF International Day of Awareness.

Many of you have participated every year, since its inception on May 15, 2004. Families and individuals have hosted annual bake sales; garage sales; sold stickers, bears and bracelets; celebrated a birthday by hosting a party for VBF; were featured in newspaper and magazine articles and local television news programs – the list goes on…

There is really no proper way to thank each and every one of you for support, and for raising awareness of vascular birthmarks and the associated syndromes and conditions. VBF has one amazing support network.

As you know, the downturn in the US economy has had an impact on all aspects of life, including charitable giving. Donations to VBF are down 40 percent, while the free services VBF provides to patients and families have continued to increase. For this reason, your continued support of Day of Awareness is more vital than ever.

If you haven’t participated in VBF Day of Awareness, please join the VBF family of tradition and giving by hosting an event in your community: http://www.birthmark.org/awareness

Children with birthmarks have met this challenge by becoming active participants in raising awareness. Saige Cavayero, now in college, serves on the VBF Board and designed and sold bracelets for Day of Awareness. Saige also designed a poster to highlight the 2010 awareness campaign.

Elizabeth Peters sold stickers for a “Wall of Fame”, Gabriella Gomillion donated her own toys to sell and raise funds, Laura and Heather Toulson hosted a lemonade stand, Evan Ducker wrote a book that launched the “Buddy Booby’s Birthmark International Read-Along”, and Owen Dreger hosted a read-along at his school: complete with a play performed by a class at his grandmother’s school.

Owen's Read-Along at preschool VBF President and Founder, Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, along with VBF Executive Assistant Basia Joyce, VBF Office Manager Lauren Palmateer and VBF Board member Lianne Chase, are organizing the second annual VBF 5K Run/Walk in New York. VBF Board members Danielle Vlahos and Rose Shea will host a walk/run in Boston. VBF Board member and wife of VBF Expert Dr. Stuart Nelson, Peggy Nelson, is hosting a wine tasting event in California along with Peter Zellner and Lauri Firstenberg.

Annual awareness participants include: VBF Board members Brian and Natalie Bolinger, hosts of the Texas Hold ‘Em and Auction; Jan and Andrew Dreger (Owen’s parents) host Campbell’s Boat House for VBF at their family restaurant; Robin Houwman sells pendants to raise funds for VBF and other birthmark organizations.

VBF would also like to acknowledge the support of members like Jill and Paul Brown whose daughter Aslynn underwent surgery for a massive hemangioma, and VBF Honorary Chairs Frank and Barbara Catalanotto whose daughter Morgan had a hemangioma. Like so many parents of children with birthmarks, their efforts on behalf of VBF are outstanding.

It’s never too early to plan your event! Visit the VBF Day of Awareness website today to register your event, or for ideas on how you can help. Here are some helpful links to get you started:

· VBF Day of Awareness website: http://www.birthmark.org/awareness
· Register your event and Shop VBF to order materials, all in one easy step: https://birthmark.org/secure/shopdoa.php
· “Tell Your Story”. Share your experiences with other families: http://www.birthmark.org/awareness/story.php

Remember, May 15 is Day of Awareness, but events can be held any time during the year.

THANK YOU VBF FAMILIES AND FRIENDS!

Front Page News

Thanks to everyone who made the 2011 VBF Conference in Irvine, CA. a HUGE success!

Dr. Nelson, VBF Co-Medical Director, in the news!

VBF Expert, Dr. Gregory Levitin makes the news, fights for family to get treatment !

Youth raises awareness about brother's Lymphatic Malformation

Organize a Birthmark Awareness Walk/Run

VBF TEXAS ANGEL KISS GALA MAKES FRONT PAGE

VBF Boston 5k race/ 1 mile walk raises over $10,000

Dr. Linda named one of News 10's Wonderful Women!

Frank Catalanotto's Golf Event Coverage in Long Island Press

Create Your Own Join Me Page to Help Raise Needed Funds for VBF

Dr. Levitin Clinic Opens in NYC

VBF Russia Facilitates Treatment

VBF 2010 Annual Newsletter

New Research on Propranolol

VBF Launches 2011 DOA
We need 25 families

Join Our Team

Create Your Own Join Me Page to Help Raise Needed Funds for VBF

GO TO VBF FRONT PAGE NEWS

Abby Czirr Physician Education Grant

VFrank and Barbara Catalanotto, VBF Honorary Chairs

Frank is a retired professional baseball player and he and his wife are the proud parents of four girls, one who had a hemangioma on her nose and was networked into treatment by VBF. http://www.fcatalanotto.org/message.php

Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon: The Founder and President of VBF Tells Her Personal Story

President and Founder Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon (L) and her Daughter Christine (R)

Mission Statement: An international charitable organization that networks families affected by a vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome to the appropriate medical professionals for evaluation and/or treatment and provides informational resources as well as sponsors physician education, research, and programs that promote acceptance for living with a birthmark.

español | deutsch | français | italiano | português

DISCLAIMER
Information accessed through the VBF is presented in summary form in order to impart general information relating to the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks. Such information is not complete and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with your physician or other health care provider. Information accessed through VBF is not exhaustive and does not cover every aspect of vascular birthmarks. VBF makes no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability or accuracy. Should you have any health care related questions regarding this matter, please see your physician or other health care provider promptly.

Information accessed through the VBF is provided "AS IS" and without warranty, express or implied. All implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose are hereby excluded. VBF shall not be liable under any theory or indemnity. In no event shall VBF be liable for any damages, direct or indirect, and all other damages, direct or indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive, are hereby excluded even if VBF has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

|Administrative|

Founded by:
Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon (PhD)
President / Founder
© , Vascular Birthmarks Foundation - We Are Making A Difference . All Rights Reserved.
VBF is a fully approved not-for-profit. Your donations are tax deductible.
Federal Tax ID 16-1515227

Site Design and Maintenance performed by M. Scott.


VBF Birthmarks Treatment Resources Research Studies Register Donate Community Forum
	Ask the VBF Experts Dr. Gregory Levitin, Hemangioma and Malformations Surgeon Dr. Levitin will answer your questions regarding the surgical treatment of all vascular birthmarks and tumors. Dr. Stuart Nelson, VBF Co-Medical Director and International Port Wine Stain Laser Specialist Dr. Nelson will answer your questions concerning the diagnosis and treatment of Port Wine Stains. Dr. Martin Mihm, VBF Co-Medical Director and Research Director Dr. Mihm is coordinating and directing research regarding vascular birthmarks and tumors. Dr. Roy Geronemus, NYC and International Laser Specialist If you have a question or concern about laser treatments in general, contact Dr. Geronemus. Dr. Barry Zide, NYC Hemangioma and Malformations Surgeon If you have a question or concern about hemangioma and vascular malformation treatment in general, contact Dr. Zide. Dr. Darren Orbach, Pediatric Neurointerventionalist for AVMs and PHACE VBF is proud to welcome Dr. Orbach! Corinne Barinaga, VBF Family Services Director Corinne Barinaga, our Administrative Director, will answer emails concerning family advocacy, treatment questions, or physician referral. Dr. Robert Rosen, Vascular Lesions of Arms and Legs Interventional Radiologist Our expert for all non-brain AVMs and vascular lesions of the arms and legs, Dr. Rosen welcomes your questions. Brian Bolinger, Esq. Director VBF Advocacy Alliance This alliance is being formed to coordinate legislative, legal, and insurance related issues regarding the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks and tumors. Dr. Anne Comi, Sturge Weber Syndrome Specialist One of the leading experts on Sturge Weber Syndrome, Dr. Comi will be responding to your questions concerning this syndrome. Dr. Kami Delfanian, KTS Treatment Specialist Send your questions concerning KT Syndrome to Dr. Delfanian Dr. Gary Giangola, KTS Treatment Specialist If you have questions concerning the surgical treatment of KTS or other vascular lesions of the arms, legs, or trunk, contact Dr Giangola. Basia Joyce, VBF Insurance Appeals Specialist Please send your questions regarding your appeal or request for out-of-network treatment to Basia. Dr. Joseph Edmonds, Lymphatic Malformations Surgeon Ask Dr. Edmonds your questions related to Lymphatic Malformations. Dr. Thomas Serena, Wound Care Specialist Please send Dr. Serena your questions regarding wound care for an ulcerated hemangioma or other vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome that requires wound care. Dr. Orhan Konez, Interventional Radiologist Questions regarding reading and interpreting films and treating malformations with sclerotherapy or embollization can be sent to Dr. Orhan Konez. Dr. Jason Mouzakes, Airway Surgeon Email Dr. Mouzakes with questions regarding airway hemangiomas and other vascular lesions in the airway (throat area). Dr. Steven Fishman, Internal Lesions Surgeon Ask Dr. Fishman your questions about liver and other internal vascular lesions. Dr. Susie Astner, European Laser Specialist VBF's Ask the Laser Doctor offers expert advice on laser treatments for all vascular birthmarks by Dr. Susie Astner. Dr. Denise Metry, PHACE Syndrome Specialist If you have any questions regarding this syndrome, please ask Dr. Metry. Dr. Stavros Tombris, European Surgeon Fr. Tombris treats all forms of hemangomas, port wine stains and malformations. Dr. Stevan Thompson, Military (Tricare) Surgeon Dr. Stevan Thompson has joined us to answer questions concerning the treatment of vascular birthmarks in the military. Dr. Helen Figge, Pharmacist If you or your child has a vascular birthmark and you have a question regarding a prescription drug, please ask Doc Helen Figge. Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, VBF President and Founder Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon is the leading lay expert in the world on the subject of vascular birthmarks. Lex Van der Heijden, CMTC Foundation If you or your child has CMTC, please contact Lex with your questions. Leslie Graff, East Coast Developmental Specialist Leslie is a trained developmental specialist. Send questions concerning port wine stains and this topic to Leslie. Elissa-Uretsky Rifkin, Midwest Developmental Specialist Elissa Uretsky- Rifkin, M.Ed. CMHC is a trained developmental specialist and is on the board of VBF. Send questions concerning hemangiomas and this topic to Elissa. Nancy Roberts - Make-up Specialist Ask our expert Nancy Roberts, Co-Creator of Smart Cover Cosmetics (www.smartcover.com), your questions about make-up. Linda Seidel - Make-up Expert Ask Linda Seidel your questions about make-up. Zeina Tannous, M.D., Laser Dermatology Expert Ask our expert Dr. Tannous, your questions about laser dermatology. Anna Duarte, M.D., Florida Expert Ask our expert Dr. Duarte, your questions about receiving treatment in Florida. Alicita, Spanish Expert Ask our expert Alicita, your questions in Spanish. What Our Families Are Saying About Us "We relied on the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation to provide us with the information, the contacts, the resources, and the support that we needed to get through this difficult time. Their theme, "We are making a difference" couldn't be more accurate. For us, it was all the difference in the world." Jill Brown Hi Linda Just a note to say how wonderful I found the interview of you and Capital 9 news. Thanks so much for your devotion. Gina Recent forum threads Compression stocking for calf haemangioma Successful surgery Photo in post Visit the forum	VBF Launches 2010 DOA - We need 25 families Thank you for your support of VBF and the VBF International Day of Awareness. Many of you have participated every year, since its inception on May 15, 2004. Families and individuals have hosted annual bake sales; garage sales; sold stickers, bears and bracelets; celebrated a birthday by hosting a party for VBF; were featured in newspaper and magazine articles and local television news programs – the list goes on… There is really no proper way to thank each and every one of you for support, and for raising awareness of vascular birthmarks and the associated syndromes and conditions. VBF has one amazing support network. As you know, the downturn in the US economy has had an impact on all aspects of life, including charitable giving. Donations to VBF are down 40 percent, while the free services VBF provides to patients and families have continued to increase. For this reason, your continued support of Day of Awareness is more vital than ever. If you haven’t participated in VBF Day of Awareness, please join the VBF family of tradition and giving by hosting an event in your community: http://www.birthmark.org/awareness Children with birthmarks have met this challenge by becoming active participants in raising awareness. Saige Cavayero, now in college, serves on the VBF Board and designed and sold bracelets for Day of Awareness. Saige also designed a poster to highlight the 2010 awareness campaign. Elizabeth Peters sold stickers for a “Wall of Fame”, Gabriella Gomillion donated her own toys to sell and raise funds, Laura and Heather Toulson hosted a lemonade stand, Evan Ducker wrote a book that launched the “Buddy Booby’s Birthmark International Read-Along”, and Owen Dreger hosted a read-along at his school: complete with a play performed by a class at his grandmother’s school. VBF President and Founder, Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, along with VBF Executive Assistant Basia Joyce, VBF Office Manager Lauren Palmateer and VBF Board member Lianne Chase, are organizing the second annual VBF 5K Run/Walk in New York. VBF Board members Danielle Vlahos and Rose Shea will host a walk/run in Boston. VBF Board member and wife of VBF Expert Dr. Stuart Nelson, Peggy Nelson, is hosting a wine tasting event in California along with Peter Zellner and Lauri Firstenberg. Annual awareness participants include: VBF Board members Brian and Natalie Bolinger, hosts of the Texas Hold ‘Em and Auction; Jan and Andrew Dreger (Owen’s parents) host Campbell’s Boat House for VBF at their family restaurant; Robin Houwman sells pendants to raise funds for VBF and other birthmark organizations. VBF would also like to acknowledge the support of members like Jill and Paul Brown whose daughter Aslynn underwent surgery for a massive hemangioma, and VBF Honorary Chairs Frank and Barbara Catalanotto whose daughter Morgan had a hemangioma. Like so many parents of children with birthmarks, their efforts on behalf of VBF are outstanding. It’s never too early to plan your event! Visit the VBF Day of Awareness website today to register your event, or for ideas on how you can help. Here are some helpful links to get you started: · VBF Day of Awareness website: http://www.birthmark.org/awareness · Register your event and Shop VBF to order materials, all in one easy step: https://birthmark.org/secure/shopdoa.php · “Tell Your Story”. Share your experiences with other families: http://www.birthmark.org/awareness/story.php Remember, May 15 is Day of Awareness, but events can be held any time during the year. THANK YOU VBF FAMILIES AND FRIENDS!	Front Page News Thanks to everyone who made the 2011 VBF Conference in Irvine, CA. a HUGE success! Dr. Nelson, VBF Co-Medical Director, in the news! VBF Expert, Dr. Gregory Levitin makes the news, fights for family to get treatment ! Youth raises awareness about brother's Lymphatic Malformation Organize a Birthmark Awareness Walk/Run VBF TEXAS ANGEL KISS GALA MAKES FRONT PAGE VBF Boston 5k race/ 1 mile walk raises over $10,000 Dr. Linda named one of News 10's Wonderful Women! Frank Catalanotto's Golf Event Coverage in Long Island Press Create Your Own Join Me Page to Help Raise Needed Funds for VBF Dr. Levitin Clinic Opens in NYC VBF Russia Facilitates Treatment VBF 2010 Annual Newsletter New Research on Propranolol VBF Launches 2011 DOA We need 25 families Join Our Team Create Your Own Join Me Page to Help Raise Needed Funds for VBF Search this site: GO TO VBF FRONT PAGE NEWS Abby Czirr Physician Education Grant VFrank and Barbara Catalanotto, VBF Honorary Chairs Frank is a retired professional baseball player and he and his wife are the proud parents of four girls, one who had a hemangioma on her nose and was networked into treatment by VBF. http://www.fcatalanotto.org/message.php Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon: The Founder and President of VBF Tells Her Personal Story President and Founder Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon (L) and her Daughter Christine (R)
Mission Statement: An international charitable organization that networks families affected by a vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome to the appropriate medical professionals for evaluation and/or treatment and provides informational resources as well as sponsors physician education, research, and programs that promote acceptance for living with a birthmark. español \| deutsch \| français \| italiano \| português DISCLAIMER Information accessed through the VBF is presented in summary form in order to impart general information relating to the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks. Such information is not complete and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with your physician or other health care provider. Information accessed through VBF is not exhaustive and does not cover every aspect of vascular birthmarks. VBF makes no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability or accuracy. Should you have any health care related questions regarding this matter, please see your physician or other health care provider promptly. Information accessed through the VBF is provided "AS IS" and without warranty, express or implied. All implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose are hereby excluded. VBF shall not be liable under any theory or indemnity. In no event shall VBF be liable for any damages, direct or indirect, and all other damages, direct or indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive, are hereby excluded even if VBF has been advised of the possibility of such damages. \|Administrative\| Founded by: Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon (PhD) President / Founder © , Vascular Birthmarks Foundation - We Are Making A Difference . All Rights Reserved. VBF is a fully approved not-for-profit. Your donations are tax deductible. Federal Tax ID 16-1515227 Site Design and Maintenance performed by M. Scott.