The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation

Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, PhD President and Founder

The main annual Walk/Run for VBF is the Purple Polka Dot Race.
2022 will be the seventh year for the Purple Polka Dot Race, VBF’s signature Walk / Run event. Jody Lee founded the Purple Polka Dot Race in 2015 to honor her daughter, Meghana, who was born with a port-wine stain birthmark. Today, the race is one of the largest and most successful national events held to raise awareness and funds for VBF’s mission.

Click here to receive updates from the PPDR Facebook Page.

PLAN YOUR OWN VBF WALK / RUN

Host a Purple Polka Dot Race

We’re thrilled that you are interested in hosting your own Purple Polka Dot Race event to raise awareness for vascular birthmarks and funds to support our non-profit mission.  If you are interested in participating we encourage you to consider creating a VIRTUAL PPDR TEAM or contacting Jody at jody@birthmark.org . We’d love to partner with you!

What are the mission and goals of the Purple Polka Dot Race?

  • Raise awareness and promote acceptance for those who have vascular birthmarks.
  • Educate your community on the medical/emotional complications that may arise.
  • State your stance on anti-bullying and the need to ask appropriate questions and accept the response without judgment.
  • Fundraise at least $500 for the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation to sponsor a Family to attend our annual Conference & Clinics, where they will receive free lodging, meals, admission to our conference lectures, and clinical appointments.

When should I start planning?

  • Planning should start at as soon as possible and is completely manageable with this year’s race being virtual!
  • Gather 3-5 reliable friends/family to help you throughout the race planning process.
  • Get creative with your virtual event!

How should I choose a location?

Pick a location that is most convenient for you. Since the event is virtual, you have the ability to set the terms of your location.

What are some of the costs associated with hosting a race?
  • Registration fee
  • Any additional items you may need or want for your own special event.

How can I cover the costs of the event itself?

Sponsorships are a great way to ensure coverage of event carrying costs, including facility rental fees. You can contact international, national or local sponsors to assist with costs related to hosting your virtual 5K PPDR event. Contact at least 10-15 sponsors well in advance of your race.

Some possible sponsors include:

  • Gyms/Fitness studios
  • Grocery stores
  • Banks/Credit Unions
  • Insurance companies
  • Family friends
  • Family businesses
  • Restaurants
  • Daycare centers
  • Physician offices
  • Dermatology offices

What are some other ways I can raise funds for VBF during the event?

Raffle

Consider a raffle as another way to raise money for the families of the VBF. Raffle items can include both goods and services.

VBF Personal Fundraising Page

Contact VBF to set up your personal fundraising page. We can customize your fundraising page with photos, stories, and details about your event. Those who wish to support your event, but cannot attend in person, can make a gift to VBF through this page. We can also work with you to process event registrations throughout the website.

VBF Facebook Awareness Page

Create a Facebook awareness page (Purple Polka Dot Race team will help you with this). Facebook is a great way to get the word out about your event.

  • Invite family/friends to join your page
  • Update your page with your story
  • Provide updates on how your race planning is going
  • Get people excited about your event!

About the Purple Polka Dot Race

What is the Purple Polka Dot Race & how was it founded?

The Lee Family founded the Purple Polka Dot Race (PPDR) in 2015 to honor their daughter Meghana who was born with 10 fingers, 10 toes and a special birthmark on her cheek and chin that they later found out was a port wine stain (PWS). VBF was there to provide the Lee Family not only with answers to some of their questions but also with a sense of community and support system unlike any other. Their sweet and sassy daughter  receives laser treatments for her PWS, which causes her to have temporary purple polka dots on her face. Their mission is to raise awareness and encourage acceptance for all those out there who are also sporting their very own “purple polka dots”!

Five years later, the annual PPD run at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, Michigan has a HUGE following of dedicated supporters – both virtual and in-person and has transformed into one of the largest and most successful national events held to raise awareness and funds for VBF. VBF is inspired by the Lee family’s dedication to our shared mission and is profoundly grateful for all they’ve done for VBF and our entire birthmark community. We’d love for you to join the PPDR Family’s Virtual 5th Annual Walk / Run today!

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