First Ever All Birthmarks Conference -- A Chance of a Lifetime

Doctors and families will gather in Boston, MA October 27 and 28, 2006 at a conference organized by the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation.

(PRWEB) October 5, 2006 -- The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF), along with Dr. Martin Mihm, Jr. and Massachusetts General Hospital, is hosting the very first VBF International All Vascular Birthmarks Conference in Boston, MA. The conference titled “Research Holds the Key” will be held on October 27-28, 2006, at the Boston Logan Airport Hilton and Massachusetts General Hospital.

The VBF International All Vascular Birthmarks Conference will have a reunion atmosphere, and is a great opportunity for patients and families to network with old and new friends; as well as learn about vascular birthmarks and get advice from top experts in the field.

For the first time, physicians and experts in the field of vascular birthmarks and the related syndromes will gather in one location, providing educational/informational lectures and clinic sessions. The leading expert in the world on Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita (CMTC) is coming from the Netherlands. Also attending are the leading radiologist Dr. Wayne Yakes, Dr. J. Stuart Nelson of the Beckman Laser Institute in California with new laser information, the pioneer of surgical options for vascular birthmarks Dr. Milton Waner on new surgery techniques, Dr. Martin Mihm on new research, Dr. Anne Comi of the Hunter Nelson Sturge-Weber Center at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, and many other world renowned physicians in the field of vascular birthmarks.
Also available are patient/parent clinic appointments with the attending physicians split into teams according to the birthmark type and related syndromes. Patients will have their undivided attention for a brief, yet valuable examination.

Other sessions and meetings will also be available, including Special Guests Donna and Evan Ducker – mother and son authors of Buddy Booby's Birthmark Book available for signings; as well as 12 year-old Glen from Glen's Gang newsletter and pen pal group; photographer Nathan Caulford specializing in entertainment and fine art portraiture; make-up sessions; and a free mini-production special presentation of Wanda's World (a “tween” musical about a middle school girl with a large birthmark on her face who is terrified of her first day of school in a new town).

Registration for this once in a lifetime conference is still being accepted.

About VBF:

VBF is the largest not-for-profit foundation for patients and families affected by vascular birthmarks.

Based in the United States, VBF is working worldwide to distribute vital information; to provide individual and family support; and to further research for all types of vascular birthmarks and related syndromes.
The VBF has established chapters in Australia, Canada, Europe, India, Israel, Latin America, New Zealand, and will soon launch a chapter in Africa. In 2004 the Sturge-Weber Syndrome Community became an official branch of the VBF, serving families and individuals living with Sturge-Weber syndrome. VBF also partnered with The Sturge-Weber Syndrome Community-Canada to offer a website and support services in both French and English languages.

VBF was founded in1994 by Linda Rozell-Shannon, when her daughter was diagnosed with a hemangioma shortly after birth. Since that time, the VBF has networked over 20,000 patients into treatment. The primary mission of the VBF is to enable every child born with a vascular birthmark to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Information can be obtained by visiting the VBF website at http://birthmark.org, or by calling VBF Executive Director Paige Salvador at (518) 209-6915.

Contact:
Linda Rozell-Shannon
Founder and President, Vascular Birthmarks Foundation
Phone: (877) 823-4646

# # #