You are invited to a very special Mother-Daughter Tea Party! It will be held at the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock on Saturday, February 12th. Your little princesses will not want to miss this event! Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Sherri Foster
Waner Children’s Vascular Anomaly Foundation

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

Advocacy Summit – “Saving Face One Miracle at a Time”

Will be held on October 15, 2010 in New York.

Keynote Speakers:

Francine Blei, MD, Medical Specialist (Pediatric Hematology) for the Vascular Birthmark Institute of New York

Thomas J. Force, Esq, Nationally recognized expert of insurance law and appeals specializing in advocating patients rights with insurance companies.

Sherri Foster, Vice President, Executive Director and Co-founder of the Waner Children’s Vascular Anomaly Foundation, Parent Advocate for the Vascular Birthmark Institute of New York.

Marc Samuels, CEO Hillco HEALTH, Hannah Storm Foundation Policy Counsel

FEATURED DISCUSSION TOPICS:

Advocating for fair treatment of Vascular Anomalies: What we’ve accomplished and what’s next – Marc Samuels

What it means to advocate for yourself with your insurance company – Thomas J Force

How to get involved and what it means to advocate from a parent’s prospective and the efforts of the Waner Children Vascular Anomaly Foundation – Sherri Foster

My personal journey with vascular anomalies and the efforts of Hannah Storm Foundation – Hannah Storm

The importance of early treatment in children with hemangiomas – Dr. Milton Waner

Classic caution of vascular lesions, evaluations, and therapies  – Dr. Francine Blei

THE DATE IS COMING UP SOON, SO PLEASE REGISTER AND JOIN US FOR THE 2nd ANNUAL ADVOCACY SUMMIT!

REGISTER AT WANERKIDS.ORG

Sat, 11/06/2010 – 6:30pm

Waner Children’s Vascular Anomaly Foundation 2nd Annual Sweethearts’ Gala “Chocolate’s for a Cure”.

Raising funds for the treatment, research, and education related to vascular anomalies at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza.

Stay tuned for more details…

Sunday, June 6, 2010

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

100 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10023

(Riverside Boulevard between 64th & 66th)

For a Pinic in the Park – A vascular Anomaly Patient Reunion!

This event is free, but registration is required so
we can provide fun for everyone. 

Please click here to register

Click here for directions and parking

 For more information contact:

Sherri Foster at 917-703-1903 or sfoster@wanerkids.org

If you or your child has a vascular birthmark, please join us and the discussion forums at wanerchildren.org. 

We’re excited to have you join us, and get to know you!

Did you know, that one in ten newborns will be diagnosed with a vascular anomaly this year?

It’s hard to imagine as parents that our newborn babies could be anything but perfect.  Perhaps not in our eyes, but to others it becomes more apparent.  What parent ever wants to think this could happen to their child? Yet, like so many other illnesses and birth deformities that effect children, vascular birthmarks are very real. 

If you have a child with a vascular birthmark than you can relate to the above, but if you don’t then these are some facts you should know.

Vascular birthmarks or otherwise known as vascular anomalies that can deform a child’s facial features, block airways, compromise a child’s vision, ulcerate, and cause terrible pain for an infant or child that sometimes cause them to be inconsolable.  

It can also cause a lot of stress, frustration, and confusion on parents’ behalf, as one enters the journey of caring for a child with a vascular birthmark.

Statistics tell us that 90% of vascular birthmarks heal and disappear on their own, and only around 10% will need medical assistance. 

However, what these statistics don’t say, is that vascular birthmarks can leave outward and inward scarring on a child – both physically and emotionally.

Over three – fourths of vascular birthmarks appear on the head and neck area.  They are primarily on the face, but can appear anywhere, including internally.

Vascular birthmarks require speciality treatment of which regular family doctors and pediatricians can’t not provide.  Most family practice doctors only see one or two cases of vascular birthmarks in their lifetimes, and because they are unprepared for these types of cases, they rely on their textbooks to guide them.

Because not all of us fit into a textbook scenerio, parents are left wandering from doctor to doctor to seek help.

The diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks has become a dedicated practice of the Waner Children’s Foundation. 

Here, we elevate parents’ anxieties by helping them to understand the differences between the types of vascular anomalies, types of treatment available, and educate parents so every decision they make is an informed one.

Located at 126 W 60th Street, New York, NY

On October 29, 2009, the Waner Foundation hosted our first Vascular Support Group for the parents and children afflicated with Hemangiomas, Port Wine Stains, and other types of Vasucular Anomalies. 

This group meets on a monthly basis, and we welcome new attendies!

If you haven’t yet joined us, our next meeting is

March,8, 2010

6:30pm – 730pm

If you are unable to join us, please stop in here at the blog as we are working on keeping it updated.

Caroline was born in October 1999 in Springdale, Arkansas.  Upon her birth, we noticed some markings that presented like bruising on her upper lip and left cheek.  We wondered about the markings, but with the happy day and healthy baby we were unaware of the journey ahead.  Later in the day of her birth, our pediatrician who studied under Dr. Waner, recognized that this was not bruising and promptly suggested we take her for an evaluation.  Once the appointment was set we were off to Little Rock in March of 2000. 

 When we walked into the clinic for our first appointment, it was so scary.  It was difficult to understand why an ENT would be lasering our daughter.  But, after meeting with Dr. Waner, right away we knew, he was wonderful to us and calmed our fears with his confidence.  He acted like it was no big deal.  We left the appointment at ease, knowing she was in good hands, and ready to move ahead with the treatments.

 The surgical appointment was hard and we were terrified.  The thought of handing off our child to strangers to have anesthesia and surgery was unimaginable.  But, Dr. Waner and his staff were so wonderful, they were careful to help us through the process.  We knew that this had to be done that Caroline needed this treatment.  Because of the placement of her port wine stain, she was at risk for multiple complications if left untreated.  Blindness glaucoma are the ones that stand out the most and then there is the constant risk of spontaneous bleeding.  This is just something we had to do – you just do it.  So we marched on and handed Caroline off and waited for Dr. Waner to come back and tell us of her progress.  As a mother and as parents – it is hard to imagine what it is like to choose surgery for your child.  Time stands still while you wait – whether it is 10 minutes or 5 hours – it is an unbearable experience.  You constantly question your choices and you look for anything that will comfort you.  I can also tell you that with eleven surgeries behind us – that part never changes.  Yes, we have the luxury of knowing and trusting Dr. Waner and his team, but every time she is in for surgery – everything continues the same – time stands still and you pray for comfort and hold your breath until the unbearable experience is over.  Then, we recharge and gear up for next year’s visit.

 After Caroline’s first laser, we went back once every six weeks for the next three procedures.  After that it was once every six months and then every other year.  Recently, Dr. Waner shared with us that it would be better for Caroline if we return once a year, she needs a maintenance surgery to keep the port wine stain at bay.

 Our journey was been a long one and for Caroline – it will never end.  We are a success story, one treatment a year for now and life is “our normal” the remainder of the year.  We believe “you are who you are” and your appearance is what it is. 

 There are so many children and families out there that go through this exact journey.  And I mentioned families because it happens to more than just the child and the parents.  Caroline has two sisters and when she was born they were 3 years old and 6 years old.  Imagine the changes that took place – grandparents cleared their schedules to be available, friends and other family members were near to help with the trips for treatments and then the recovery periods.  In addition, we had to develop some “unspoken rules” in our home – each member of the family is careful not to “rough house” or “scuffle” with Caroline.  They know she cannot get a scratch or bump on those areas because of the risk of spontaneous bleeding.  Her older siblings are on the constant lookout, making sure she has sunscreen and that she is cared for to ensure her safety and to reduce any risks.  Many times after her treatments, her older sisters would hold her hands in the recovery room or while she slept.  That is only a portion of the changes that happened in our lives, most without us noticing.  We all just adjusted, because that is what you do in a family – you take care of each other and when one has an extra need – the others rally around.

 My final message to you is that we are blessed, we are certain of that.  I remember the days when she was a newborn and I was up nights nursing her and then searching on the computer for an education on my new daughter’s condition.  Searching for what her life may be like and what we can do to help her.  We have a happy ending – we know Caroline is in the hands of the very best in the world for her condition.  My hopes are that by sharing Caroline’s story, our story, you can help. 

By your contributions to the Waner Children’s Foundation and reading this blog, you are not only helping to support this cause financially, but you are receiving an education on the conditions and someday, you can make a difference for someone who is searching for help.

Ms. Caroline Elizabeth Sizemore

Caroline’s incrediable journey serves as an inspiration to us all. Through faith and tenacity, she began treatment with Dr. Waner at only five months of age. She endured eight surgeries in Little Rock before following Dr. Waner to New York for three additional surgeries. Caroline will continue her medical care on a yearly basis.  After a total of eleven surgeries, this brave young lady is only ten years old.  Please join in celebration of Caroline as our 2010 Tea Party Princess.

February 13, 2010

William J. Clinton Presidental Center

4200 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, Arkansas

Attire: Tea Party Dress

Admission: $25 adult

   $ 15 per child

 10:30am Crafts & Photographs

11am Welcome & Brunch Served

11:30am Program & Runway show

Honored Guests:

Tracey Stern of SALONTEA New York, Miss Chloe Stern

Speaker & Honored Guest:

Milton Waner, M.D.

Event Chairs:                    

Mrs. Betsy Culp and Miss Maggie Culp

Mrs. Lynn Corely and Miss Sydney Corely

Ms. Shea Bryant

Event Advisors:       

Mrs. Cara Sawyer

Mrs. Sherri Foster

For more information click here.

To RSVP click here

Proceeds benefit the Waner’s Children Vascular Anamoly Foundation.