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

VBF Scholarships Available to Students with a Vascular Birthmark

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 2018-2019 academic year, three scholarships are available.

The VBF Board of Directors will evaluate the applications received and make its decisions in June. Award notifications will be made in June.

Applications due in full by April 30, 2018.

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR 2018. PLEASE CHECK BACK IN JANUARY FOR THE 2019 APPLICATIONS.

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. 
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.

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.

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

GPA Requirement:           none

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

*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;
  • Agree 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 reason why you should be selected by the Committee.
    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: birthmark.org@gmail.com*
  • All application materials must be provided electronically in either .doc or .pdf formats.
  • Insert photograph showing birthmark within application.

*If provided separately, recommendations should be sent as .pdf e-mail attachments from the teacher or advisor to birthmark.org@gmail.com; the student’s name should appear in the subject line of the email. Applications due in full by April 30, 2018.