Vascular Birthmark Awareness Day coming to Sarnia schools

May 15 will mark a new effort in Sarnia to support children with visible differences by encouraging students to wear a red heart on their faces.

A Sarnia mother is on a mission to turn her personal journey into a national movement for inclusion. Jess Phillips is campaigning to have May 15 recognized as Vascular Birthmark Awareness Day within local school systems and across Canada.

The initiative encourages students and staff to wear a red heart on their face using a sticker or makeup to show that every face is worthy of love and respect. Phillips has already reached out to the Lambton Kent District School Board, St. Clair Catholic District School Board, and Conseil scolaire Viamonde to seek formal recognition for the day.

The cause is deeply personal for Phillips, whose daughter was born in December 2022. Within days of birth, a mark appeared on the infant's face that eventually covered nearly a quarter of her head. While initial medical concerns were dismissed by some, Phillips pushed for specialist care in London.

Doctors eventually diagnosed the mark as a hemangioma. The diagnosis led to a grueling five-day period of medical testing at Children's Hospital to check for PHACE Syndrome and determine if the newborn could handle medication to prevent the growth from affecting her vision.

"Putting a newborn on meds is terrifying, but it was the only way to protect her, especially because it was on her eye," Phillips said. She eventually found support through the Vascular Birthmark Foundation and online communities of other parents facing similar challenges.

The campaign draws inspiration from other successful awareness days like Pink Shirt Day for anti-bullying and Orange Shirt Day for reconciliation. Phillips noted that children with vascular birthmarks, such as hemangiomas or port wine stains, often face significant staring and bullying due to their appearances.

"Our kids aren't 'bruised' or 'marked'—they're wearing their stories," Phillips said. "I'm not just a mom; I'm an advocate, and I'm here to make sure my daughter and every kid like her is seen, supported, and celebrated."

Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley has issued a formal letter of support for the initiative, commending the effort to foster understanding and create inclusive environments. Phillips hopes the local momentum will help the awareness day gain traction in schools nationwide before her daughter begins classes this September.