The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF) is pleased to announce the 2022 VBF Super Clinic at the Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic in Irvine, Cali., from Friday, Oct. 7 to Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. VBF will partner with J. Stuart Nelson, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Director of UCI Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic, to provide individual appointments with a multidisciplinary team of expert specialists. These expert specialists will provide an informal diagnosis and treatment plan to every individual and family.

The 2022 VBF Super Clinic is dedicated in Memory of Dr. Martin C. Mihm, Jr., the Founding Medical Director of VBF. Dr. Mihm, along with his colleague Dr. Paula North who–through their collaboration with the VBF–discovered the Glut1 protein marker that has become the gold standard in establishing a definitive diagnosis for the Infantile Hemangioma. VBF will be establishing a grant in Dr. Mihm’s name to educate pathologists in the diagnosis and differentiation of vascular anomalies.

“Our Super Clinic is the only one of its kind in the world offering virtual lectures from the top experts in the field on the latest research and treatment options,” says Linda Rozell-Shannon, Ph.D., President and Founder of VBF. “The clinic serves individuals and families with any type of vascular birthmark, anomaly or syndrome including hemangiomas, port-wine stain birthmarks, lymphatic malformations, arteriovenous malformations, venous malformations, KTS, PHACES, CLOVES, CMTC, and Sturge-Weber Syndrome, among all others.”

There is no cut-off date for Super Clinic registrations. While there are no more available free-laser sessions, registrants can still benefit from one or more of the related services. For more information, visit: https://birthmark.org/2022irvine

“The Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic is delighted to co-sponsor the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF) Super Clinic in Irvine,” says Dr. J. Stuart Nelson, M.D., Ph.D. “Unfortunately, few resources exist for families affected by vascular malformations. There are many patients who have not received an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. The goal of the Super Clinic Conference is to assist families in finding appropriate medical treatment for vascular birthmarks and other complex malformations.”

Comprehensive services offered at the 2022 VBF Super Clinic include: free consultations, free laser treatments, free ultrasounds, free vascular birthmarks related dental and orthodontic exams, psychosocial sessions, informal diagnoses and treatment plans, and access to the VBF Expert virtual talks—regarding the latest information for diagnosing and treating vascular birthmarks, anomalies, and related syndromes (VBARS).

Clinic teams are comprised of world-renowned physicians in the field. These medical experts donate their time to give attendees the latest treatment options and current research and offer clinic sessions for patients to receive an expert consultation. VBF offers attendees free access to all services, in addition to offering one night of free lodging on Friday for attendees.

“As a parent with a child with living with a VBARS, you often find yourself feeling lost, overwhelmed, uncertain and just want to do everything you can to give your child the best shot at living the best possible life,” says Tritia V. Medrano, who is a member of the VBF Board of Directors (Sturge-Weber Syndrome Representative), and a parent of a child living with a VBARS. “Coming to the VBF clinic gave me access to everything I would not have had otherwise. Under one roof I was now sitting amongst the best of the best in the field of Sturge-Weber Syndrome, Vascular Birthmarks, and so much more. There is nothing better than feeling the support you get when you attend these clinics. It truly has been a blessing that has provided our daughter and our family with so much needed treatment and information to give her the best life possible.”

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 over 125,000 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 www.birthmark.org.

About the UCI Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic

UCI Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic is internationally-recognized for research, innovation, and translational medicine – all under one collaborative umbrella. UCI Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic inventions include new laser therapies for diseases that were previously untreatable, improving lives for tens of millions of patients worldwide. For more information on vascular birthmarks and the UCI Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic visit: https://www.bli.uci.edu

VBF Media Contact:
Gina Rothe
Marketing & Communications Manager
Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF)
gina@birthmark.org