Contact:

VBF Lang, Director of Communications 

info@birthmark.org

Latham, New York

614.203.7074

www.birthmark.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VascularBirthmarksFoundation

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Press Release: Wishlist by AM Hosts Annual Fashion Show & Fundraiser

Proceeds to benefit the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF) and Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM) Research

Latham, NY—The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF) is pleased to announce the Wishlist by AM Night of Fashion and Fun, an annual fundraising event hosted by Ashley and Adrienne Mortensen. This event honors Ashley, who pioneered her own hand-made clothing line–Wishlist by AM–while battling an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a lifelong diagnosis. The fashion show features models with vascular birthmarks, like Ashley, and original pieces exclusive to her line. 

“I’ve always been drawn to fashion, and started sewing at a young age,” said Ashley. “As my face had become more disfigured I found a sense of confidence in fashion and the way I dressed. Wishlist has definitely been my creative outlet these past  few years. Together with VBF, we’re raising awareness and funds for AVM research. I would want nothing more than for everyone suffering from an AVM to have a cure.”

In collaboration with VBF for several years, more than 500 hundred have attended the fashion show and more than $60,000 was raised for the foundation and for AVM research. 

“There have been genetic markers found in most vascular anomalies but there currently is no cure and living with an AVM is a constant challenge for the patient and the researcher,” said Linda Rozell-Shannon, Ph.D., president and founder, VBF.  “VBF has become the conduit between the patient and researcher and we are working tirelessly to find a cure for all VBARS, like Ashley’s AVM. We are thrilled to annually partner with Ashley and her company Wishlist by AM to raise awareness and funds to ultimately find a cure.”

This year’s fashion show fundraiser will be held at The Terrace in Paramus, N.J., on Thursday, Nov. 18, from 6:30-10:30 p.m. and features a fashion show, music and dancing; dinner and drinks; raffles; and a photographer. Pieces featured in the fashion show will be for sale at the end of the event. More than 200 attendees are expected to attend this year’s event. 

To buy tickets to the event, or to sponsor, visit: https://birthmark.org/fashionfun/ 

About VBF

The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation is an international charitable organization that networks families affected by vascular birthmarks, anomalies, and/or related syndromes (VBARS) to the appropriate medical professionals for evaluation and/or treatment, provides informational resources as well as sponsors physician education, mobilizes medical missions trips, and supports research and programs that promote acceptance for individuals with birthmarks. The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation has been making a difference for those with patients and families affected by vascular birthmarks and related syndromes for over 27 years.

About Ashley 

Ashley Mortensen has been battling an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) all of her life. Through this life-threatening condition, she and others have felt the debilitating effects of this vascular disease. Ashley has experienced profuse bleeding episodes resulting in hospitalizations and blood transfusions as well as becoming disfigured. Ashley is 26 years old and has had 69 surgeries since she was 9 years old. As of now this rare disease unfortunately has no cure. Knowing she could be battling against this for the rest of her life, she decided to take a passion of hers and develop a small business. Hence, the Wishlist By AM clothing line which was launched in September of 2016. Ashley, a fashion design graduate, patterns and sews all of her designs. Everything is handmade with quality as one of her main criterias. In addition every design features one of a kind variations so you truly are getting a unique piece just for you.