The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, PhD President and Founder

SCHOLARS GET READY! VBF will begin accepting applications on February 1st, 2020. See below for further information.

Through the VBF Scholarship Program, students who are living with a vascular birthmark, tumor, or related syndrome can receive financial assistance to pursue their educational goals. For the 2020-2021 academic year, seven scholarships are available.

The VBF Board of Directors will evaluate the applications received and make decisions in June. Award notifications will be made in July. Please email kristin@birthmark.org with any questions regarding applications already submitted.

SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTIONS • AWARD CRITERIA • APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS • DEADLINE AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTIONS

Dr. Roy G. Geronemus Humanitarian Scholarship

Honoring Dr. Roy G. Geronemus for his charitable medical services for families affected by a vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome. Read more about this VBF Scholarship.
Award Value: $1,000*
Academic Program: Undergraduate

GPA Requirement: None

Open to students in any academic area who, like Dr. Geronemus, have exhibited qualities such as caring, compassion, generosity and who have donated time and service to help others in need.

Frank Catalanotto Perseverance Scholarship

Honoring VBF Co-Chairs Frank and Barbara Catalanotto for their tireless efforts to raise awareness for vascular birthmarks and their ongoing support of the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation. Read more about this VBF Scholarship.

Award Value: $1,000*
Academic Program: Undergraduate or Graduate

GPA Requirement: None

Open to students in any academic area who have demonstrated through their living with a vascular birthmark that they have both the “heart and hustle” qualities of life. Frank Catalanotto is a former Major League Baseball Player, the father of a child who had a vascular birthmark and was helped by VBF, and author of “Heart and Hustle,” a book chronicling his dream and journey to play in the big leagues. Frank’s story stresses the importance of persistence, tenacity, and perseverance for any child told that he or she is not good enough, was left behind, or was excluded from some team, club, or group.

Dr. Martin C. Mihm Health Career Scholarship

Honoring Dr. Martin Mihm, Jr. for his outstanding work in the research of vascular birthmarks. Read more about this VBF Scholarship.

Award Value: $1,000*
Academic Program: Undergraduate

GPA Requirement: None

Open to students who choose to pursue a course of study in public health, health promotion, disability studies (including policy and research), or a related field of disability and health.

Dr. Ana M. Duarte Empowering Women Scholarship

Honoring Dr. Ana Duarte, MD, FAAP, FAAD, for her charitable medical services and tireless efforts to promote scholarship, academics, and empowerment in women. Three awards of $1000 each are available. Read more about this VBF Scholarship.

Award Value: $1,000*
Academic Program: Undergraduate or Graduate

GPA Requirement: None

Open to female students in any academic area who, like Dr. Duarte, seek to empower women through academic success, leadership, and scholarship.

*One-time award for each scholarship; recipients may not reapply for the same scholarship.

AWARD CRITERIA

Applicant must:

  • Be enrolled as a full-time student in an undergraduate or graduate degree program (freshman or greater status) of an accredited United States university;
  • Be a US citizen or legal resident living in the US;
  • Have a birthmark and provide documentation of their birthmark, if it is not visible;
  • We encourage applicants to organize and conduct a VBF Day of Awareness campaign on their college campus to advocate for birthmark awareness and to raise funds for the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must complete the VBF Scholarship Program Application containing:

  • Personal Statement (maximum of 800 words, double spaced), including brief personal history regarding educational/career goals, extra-curricular activities, humanitarian work to date, and the reason why you should be selected by the Committee.
    The statement must be written solely by the applicant.
  • At least one clear photograph and description of their birthmark, tumor, or related syndrome.
  • Permission for VBF to use the scholarship recipient’s name, picture and/or story in VBF news articles, annual reports, and/or future scholarship materials.
  • Submit an official copy of their high school/college transcript.
  • Provide two (2) Letters of Recommendation (one each from a teacher and an academic advisor).

DEADLINE AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Online form completed
  • Transcript and/or reference letters submitted to info@birthmark.org
  • All application materials must be provided electronically in either .doc or .pdf formats.
  • Insert photograph showing birthmark within the application.

*If provided separately, recommendations should be sent as .pdf e-mail attachments from the teacher or advisor to info@birthmark.org; the student’s name should appear in the subject line of the email. Applications are due in full by April 15, 2020.