The Vascular Birthmark Foundation (VBF) along with the organizers of the Purple Polka Dot Race (PPDR) announce the 7th Annual PPDR, taking place on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022, at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, Michigan.

The PPDR was created in 2016 after Jody Lee of Lake Orion, Michigan, and her family attended a VBF Conference. Their daughter, Meghana, was given an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan, and entered a supportive birthmark community. “The PPDR team continues to be humbled by the support and love we are receiving for the VBF and vascular birthmarks community,” said Jody Lee. “We are honored to be able to fundraise for the families of the VBF and will continue to focus on education and awareness throughout the community.”

Named after the “purple polka dots” associated with a Port Wine Stain (PWS) after laser treatments, the race is one of the largest events in the country for families affected by vascular birthmarks. All proceeds go to the VBF to ensure families receive fair and equal access to an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for all Vascular Birthmarks, Anomalies, and Related Syndromes (VBARS).

“Jody Lee and her family have brought awareness of vascular birthmarks to thousands of people,” said Linda Rozell-Shannon, Ph.D., President and Founder of VBF. “Through her work with the PPDR this year alone, we are able to send about 40 families to our annual Conference and Super Clinic for free and raise awareness for families in Michigan and beyond.”

This year’s race will include opportunities to learn more about vascular birthmarks and VBF. Races begin at 8 a.m. and continue throughout the morning. While virtual options are sold out, interested participants can still register to attend in-person until August 13 by visiting: https://eastsideracing.enmotive.com/events/register/2022-purple-polka-dot-race
Donations can also be made directly to the VBF by visiting: https://birthmark.org/ppdr 

About the Vascular Birthmark Foundation The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF) is an international charitable organization that networks families affected by a vascular birthmark, anomaly, or related syndrome to the appropriate medical professionals for evaluation and/or treatment, provides informational resources as well as sponsors physician education, mobilizes medical missions, and supports research and programs that promote acceptance for individuals with vascular birthmarks. VBF has networked thousands of children and adults into treatment since 1994. Established in 1994, by Founder and President, Linda Rozell-Shannon, Ph.D., VBF is the leading vascular birthmarks foundation in the world for patient education. For more information about vascular birthmarks, tumors or related anomalies and treatment options, please visit https://birthmark.org

About the Purple Polka Dot Race On March 4, 2015, the Lee family welcomed their daughter, Meghana, into the world. She arrived perfect–10 fingers, 10 toes and a special birthmark on her cheek and chin. Months later they found out that her birthmark was something called a Port Wine Stain (PWS)–a kind of vascular birthmark, and immediately started their search for answers. They came across the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF), which provided the Lee family with answers and a sense of community and support system unlike any other. Meghana currently receives laser treatments for her PWS, which cause her to have temporary purple polka dots on her face. The mission of the Purple Polka Dot Race (PPDR) is to raise awareness, encourage acceptance for all those out there who are also sporting their very own “purple polka dots”, and educate everyone about all things related to vascular birthmarks. All of the funds raised by the PPDR go directly to the VBF. The PPDR’s goal in 2022 is to raise $20,000, which will send 40 families to the 2022 California Conference and Super Clinic for free. For more information about PPDR, please visit https://purplepolkadotrace.com/v

Media Contact:
Gina Rothe
Marketing & Communications Manager
Email: gina@birthmark.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VascularBirthmarksFoundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbirthmarks/