Vascular Birthmark Awareness Issue

This page provides a brief description of each work in this special issue. To go to a work directly, click the bolded titles. Ava, “Ave the Runner” A spirited poem about running and birthmarks. Celina Leroy, “Reflections of Beauty” A beautifully descriptive poem about why the author loves making portraits of port wine stains. Sarah Woodhouse, “I Am Not My Birthmark” Also in the author’s collection titled Shine Bright My Superstar, the poem is about the many other strong quali

Welcome to our second special issue, fourth issue overall: Vascular Birthmark Awareness. Every year, 1 in 10 (10%) children born in the United States are born with a vascular birthmark. However, the exact rarity of these birthmarks depends on the specific type. There are three major types of vascular birthmarks (hemangiomas, port-wine stains, and salmon patches), and they’re caused by improperly formed blood vessels. Due to the rarity of vascular birthmarks -- particularly th

Living with PHACE syndrome has made me strong, even when the road feels hard and long. I lace my shoes and start to run, beneath the sky, beneath the sun. Each step I take, each mile I go, reminds me just how much I grow. My path may twist, my story bends, but courage stays with me to the end. So when the world says “slow your pace,” I run with hope, with strength, with grace.

Reflecting on beauty, to me, birthmarks port-wine stains are bold, saturated pools of color; like islands on a map, where nature repeats its forms: the edge of a birthmark like the edge of a coastline, like the edge of moss finding stone, part of a quiet, continuous design. They say it’s one in 300, but I walk through crowds every day in my city and in my town And think, Why don't I see more? we are good at hiding blending in Mac makeup and Dermablend Laser treatments Sewn up

I am not just the birthmark that covers me I am strong Loud Wild Smart Funny And free I refuse to be what you’ve thought of me. If you don’t know me And are just passing by, Please don’t judge me Stop and say “hi”. I would rather answer A million questions Than deal with awkward stares I am not my birthmark I’m so much more And I would love to share it all with you on the line at this grocery store

I used to be a strawberry. Where crimson red Blends with peach And creates port wine stains Across my blemished face But, I didn’t want to be a strawberry So I turned into a cherry Where dark red lips And rosy cheeks And mounds of glitter gold Conceal my crimson skin Until shame blends with lust And yearning becomes desire When beauty is in the eye of the beholder Of the rose colored glasses And who knew you’d lose your shape When you pluck out the strawberry seeds To turn in

I was born different. Polkadot, Port wine stain, Vascular Birthmark. I was covered up by makeup for many, many years Y E T I became my own me. I am strong, a fighter, an advocate and voice for those who cannot speak. I advocate for equality although many see disability because I Cannot Drive. I hope to continue to thrive despite what others think. I will S U R V I V

why me? why did it have to be me? why couldn’t someone else be one of the 3 in 1000? why couldn’t it be someone whose only problem was a red mark on their face? why couldn’t it be someone that didn’t care what people think? and much stronger than me why couldn’t it be the bully? that made fun of me all day why couldn’t it be them just walking down the street? feeling every stare, every whisper, every laugh why just why did it have to be me? the longer looks, the double takes

The Port Wine Stain community is extensive and worldwide, with the internet facilitating friendships between complete strangers. But while lasting friendships are not unique to anyone online, the bond found within a minority community can be extra special and meaningful. Growing up without the internet was another story, however. My parents were told at my birth that scientific research on my condition was not extensive and was in early stages of development. There was a supp

She is pretty A fairy, a mermaid, and even a princess. With her magic wand, she will paint you as timeless On a white canvas. She has a cat or two Or maybe even three or four, I don’t know. Besides, the river is her home It is a museum of beautiful paintings, Near a café where the coffee is very yum yum. She has a friend in a county The name of which is Exactly the same as her home street. Dear birthmark friends, can you guess who is she?

Once upon a time, in the jungles of Brazil, lived King Donato and Queen Carmen. They were a good King and Queen, and were happy in the wonderful world that the Jungle provided. Toucans and Fruit trees were only a few of the treasures this kingdom provided. Their most valuable treasure, though, was their family. Eight princes and two princesses. The youngest of the two, known as “Lil Pony”, was small and more delicate than the others. And often would spend her days asking why.