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The Global Ambassadors are a network of advocates for the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation who work together to raise awareness about vascular birthmarks, anomalies, and related syndromes (VBARS) all while cultivating a supportive community. This network is comprised of people living with a vascular birthmark, as well as friends and family members who have a loved one affected by VBARS. We are organized into five fundamental committees, which are led by members of the VBF Global Ambassador Council. Our council is composed of the most active advocates within the Global Ambassador program who donate extra commitment time towards maintaining program engagement. Each committee initiative serves the purpose of expanding our reach and spreading awareness about VBARS, while supporting the mission of the VBF. Our committees consist of Regional & Virtual Meet Ups, Awareness, Fundraising, Ask/Accept Anti-Bullying, and the Parent Advocacy Network. The VBF Global Ambassador Program supports the VBF mission, provides helpful resources to our network, and amplifies Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon’s vision.

Regional and Virtual Meet Ups organizes, facilitates, and encourages members of the VBF Global Ambassador community to connect through channels beyond social media such as Zoom meetings or in person local meet ups. 

Fundraising helps our community raise funds for VBF through online and in person events which goes towards our mission of networking those affected by a vascular birthmark, anomaly or related syndrome (VBARS) to the appropriate medical professionals for evaluation and possible treatment.

Awareness is designed to help educate, spread VBF resources as well as expand the VBF Global Ambassador program by connecting Ambassadors with areas of interest in the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation network.

Ask/Accept Anti-Bullying promotes a ‘Bully-Free’ zone and will raise awareness in regards to handling bullying, acceptance and provide support within the community.

Parent Advocacy Network is a safe space created to help navigate the journey for parents and families with children affected by VBARS.

Search this page to find someone local – or with whom you’d like to connect – to learn more about:

  • Physicians in your area who can help to medically manage vascular birthmark cases
  • Their experience living with a vascular birthmark
  • VBF’s Day/Month of Awareness, Put on Your Birthmark, Buddy Booby Read-Along, Ask/Accept anti-bullying, and other birthmark advocacy and awareness programs
  • Fundraising events in support of VBF – create a Birthday Fundraiser and get some awesome VBF Global Ambassador swag!
  • And much more!

If you or someone in your family has a birthmark and you’d like to speak with others who have had a similar experience, the Global Ambassadors can also help find personal support from other patients and families based on their own unique experiences.

NEWSLETTERS

AWARENESS

RESOURCES

CONTACT

  • Want to learn more about the VBF Global Ambassadors? For any questions or feedback, please contact:

Scott Cupples
Director, VBF Global Ambassador Program
scott@birthmark.org

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Jayden Torres, United States, Nevada

Jayden has Sturge W.S with Glaucoma (Baerveldt Shunt) on right eye ,epilepsy and he has already been treated with 3 surgeries for hemangioma. He is 10 years old and we started with laser surgery in New York, NY.

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Jaysa Mannix, United States, Pennsylvania

I deal with multiple venous malformations in both my legs and even in my hand. The one in my knee causes constant tendonitis so I understand when kids have chronic, hidden pain that flares up. I also have the genetic PTEN Hamartoma Syndrome which likely caused my VMs.

Every year I support VBF’s mission by donating my birthday money and the #PutOnYourBirthmark campaign to help raise awareness. I hope one day to become VBF’s teen advocate.

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Jaysa Mannix,

I deal with multiple venous malformations in both my legs and even in my hand. The one in my knee causes constant tendonitis so I understand when kids have chronic, hidden pain that flares up. I also have the genetic PTEN Hamartoma Syndrome which likely caused my VMs.

Every year I support VBF’s mission by donating my birthday money and the #PutOnYourBirthmark campaign to help raise awareness. I hope one day to become VBF’s teen advocate.

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Jean Soares, United States, Nebraska

I have a PWS that covers up about half of my legs. I started laser when I was 16, and again in my 30s. I realized I am this way and I should learn to come to terms with it. I work on coming to terms with it every day.

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Jeffery Bergen, United States, California

Jeff Bergen is a former Navy Corpsman who completed 8 years of active service and was honorably discharged. After the Navy he went to nursing school and later went on to attain a Master’s Degree in Nursing. As a Registered Nurse, he has worked in infectious disease and oncology nursing, and was a hospital epidemiology nurse. He is certified in infection control and health care quality. He is currently the manager of the Office of Licensure, Accreditation & Regulation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. He is also pursuing his PhD in Nursing through The Catholic University of America. Jeff is an established patient at the Beckman Laser Institute where receives treatment for his portwine stain.

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Jennifer Mclendon, United States, Indiana

My daughter started seeing her team of physicians at 7 days old. We have been on this journey, ever since. She has been diagnosed with capillary venous lymphatic malformation.

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Jenny Foulds, United Kingdom, None

 

Hey, I’m Jenny, a 33-year-old wife and mum of two living in England. I have a port-wine stain birthmark on my right cheek, upper lip, and nose. I have had multiple laser surgeries as a child which removed the sections covering my forehead, whilst lightening and breaking up the other patches remaining today. I’m a wedding and lifestyle photographer and my passion is to celebrate people’s individuality and quirks. It’s taken me a long time to accept my PWS, and I’m only now realizing how much I love this part of me.

Instagram: @beautifully_birthmarked

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Jeremy Lamb, United States, North Carolina

I’m 17 years old going into my senior year of high school. I’ve had plenty of procedures just like other patients and would like to help people similar to me feel comfortable and help mentor them!

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Jessica Bird, United States, New York

My daughter Nevaeh (8) was born with a Port Wine Stain birthmark on the left side of her beautiful face. Nevaeh is a happy, healthy and outgoing girl that loves Cheerleading, dancing and being with her friends and family. She doesn’t mind talking about her birthmark with others. Every year, she brings heart stickers to school on May 15 so her class can Rock Your Birthmark with her! She also had a story on Inside Edition when she was 5 years old about her doll and their matching birthmarks. As her mother, I enjoy teaching others about birthmarks and encouraging children to have positive words and positive self-esteem. I’m proud to be A Global Ambassador.

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Jessica Phillips, Canada, None

Katie is the easiest, most sweet baby girl! She smiles at everything and everyone. She latches well and takes a bottle. She will sleep anywhere and will even go to bed on her own. She doesn’t need a soother. Doesn’t throw up often. Doesn’t fuss for bum chanhes. She likes bright lights and when her brother is being silly. She cries maybe once a day and is easy to soothe. Some hugs and kisses will give her giggles.Right now she’s learning to sit up on her own and is a pro at grabbing her toys. She isn’t her mark and it’s not the first thing that needs to be brought up. She’s is so beyond gorgeous. Period. Not “still beautiful with that mark”. She’s my happy peanut and will over come any negative energy people throw at her. That’s my promise to her.

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