What Is the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (birthmark.org)?

The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF) is an international charitable organization that connects families affected by a vascular birthmark, anomaly, or related syndrome with appropriate medical professionals for evaluation and treatment. It also educates physicians and families about treatment options, supports research, mobilizes medical missions, and works to empower people living with vascular birthmarks. If you are a parent, patient, or clinician looking for a starting point on vascular birthmarks — especially in the United States — birthmark.org is designed as a navigation and support hub rather than a direct clinical provider.

What VBF does

The organization describes its mission across several connected areas:

• Networking patients into care — matching families with medical professionals suited to their specific diagnosis. The site states that over 200,000 people have been networked into treatment.
• Education — providing information for parents, physicians, and affected families about types of birthmarks and treatment options.
• Research support — backing relevant research into vascular birthmarks and related conditions.
• Medical missions — mobilizing care in areas where specialized treatment is limited.
• Advocacy and empowerment — support groups, legislative initiatives, and programs for adults living with vascular birthmarks.

Who it serves

VBF addresses conditions across the lifespan, from newborns and children to adults. The conditions listed on the site include:

Resources available on the site

If you are trying to figure out where to start, these are the main entry points described on birthmark.org:

• Find A Doctor — a directory to locate medical professionals experienced with vascular birthmarks.
• Ask the VBF Expert — a way to submit questions to specialists.
• Treatment Options — overviews of available treatments.
• Information for Parents — guidance for families new to a diagnosis.
• Insurance Claims and Appeals — help navigating coverage disputes.
• Support Groups and VBF Adults Living With... — peer connection for patients and families.
• New Parent Packages and Fact Sheets — takeaway materials.
• Conferences & Clinics — including national conferences and international clinics and missions.
• Travel Assistance for KTS — support for patients traveling for care.
• Scholarships, advocacy networks, and awareness programs such as the anti-bullying pledge and "More Than A Birthmark."

Events and programs

VBF runs recurring events, including an annual Super Clinic (a multi-day clinic in New York City), Facebook Live sessions with experts, and an advocacy network for adults. Registration windows and dates are posted on the site — for example, the 2026 Super Clinic is listed for October 9–10, 2026, with registration noted as closed as of the site's current listing. Because dates and registration status change, check the site directly before planning around any event.

How to use the site

1. Identify the condition — start with the "Types of Birthmarks" section to find the page matching the diagnosis or suspected diagnosis.
2. Find a specialist — use Find A Doctor to locate a clinician experienced with that condition.
3. Ask a question — if you are unsure where to begin, submit to Ask the VBF Expert.
4. Check practical support — review treatment options, insurance appeals guidance, and travel assistance if relevant.
5. Connect with others — join a support group or the adults network for peer experience.

What VBF is not

VBF is a charitable organization and information network, not a clinic. It does not itself provide medical evaluation or treatment, and the site does not present itself as a substitute for a qualified medical professional. For any diagnosis or treatment decision, the appropriate step is evaluation by a clinician experienced with vascular anomalies — which is precisely the connection VBF is built to help you make.