VBF Awareness Day 2007

On Tuesday, May 15, 2007, Campbell's Boat House hosted an event for Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF) Awareness Day.

VBF is an international charitable organization that networks families affected by a vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome, to the appropriate medical professionals for evaluation, and/or treatment and provides informational resources as well as sponsors physician education, research, and programs that promotes acceptance for living with a vascular birthmark (abnormally developed blood vessels).

Each year 40,000 children are born in the United States with a vascular birthmark that requires the opinion of a vascular birthmark specialist. Of these 40,000 children, nearly 70% will require some form of medical intervention, such as drug therapy, laser therapy, or surgery. These lesions appear in the form of hemangiomas, port wine stains, vascular malformations, and associated syndromes.

Over 60% of all vascular birthmarks are misdiagnosed. Very little accurate and comprehensive information existed before 1995. In addition, the protocol for identification, classification, and treatment of vascular birthmarks had not been updated in medical schools in 75 years.

Many families are initially told to "wait and see...they usually go away." While this is true in certain cases, many vascular birthmarks do require special care. Vascular birthmarks have the potential to interfere with a child's sight, breathing, or other functions depending upon the location. Many pediatric dermatologist, ENT's and plastic surgeons can provide assistance. A proper diagnosis is critical to the proper treatment of a vascular birthmark.

On VBF Day 2007, The Boat House crew wore stickers and bracelets, and information and pamphlets were distributed along with complimentary favors. Many thanks to Aunt Jayne Lomas for donating the samples of sunscreen, lotions, and soaps. Also thanks goes out to Josephine "Honey" Dunphy for providing her delicious homemade cookies.

Campbell's Boat House donated a percentage of sales from that evening, and other generous donations were submitted. In total we were able to donate close to $1000 to VBF!

This event was attributable to Boat House family member, Owen Dreger, 2 1/2 years old, born with a vascular birthmark (see pictures).

For families who are just navigating a vascular birthmark for the first time, help and information are available. For more information on vascular birthmarks and related syndromes, please visit the following sites:

The Vascular Birthmark Foundation
http://www.birthmark.org/

NOVA
http://www.novanews.org/

The Vascular Birthmark Support Group
http://groups.msn.com/vascularbirthmarksupport
http://www.vascularbirthmarksupport.com/

Thanks to everyone for their generous support!
Jan & Andrew Dreger
(Owners of Campbell's Boat House and parents to Owen)

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The 2008 Boat House Wing Bowl

VBF Awareness 2007

Country Weekend 2007

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VBF Awareness 2008

The Amazing Larry Vee/Family Night 2008

Elvis