Wear a red heart on your cheek May 15 for Vascular Birthmark Awareness Day

A Sarnia mother’s campaign for children with vascular birthmarks continues to grow, encouraging the community to wear a red heart on May 15 in support of awareness, inclusion, and acceptance.

A growing movement that began with one Sarnia mother’s personal journey is continuing to spread awareness, compassion, and celebration for children living with vascular birthmarks.

On May 15, residents are being encouraged to wear a small red heart on their cheek using makeup, face paint, or a sticker to recognize Vascular Birthmark Awareness Day. The gesture is meant to show that every face deserves love, respect, and acceptance.

The local campaign was launched by Sarnia mother Jess Phillips, whose daughter was born in December 2022 with a vascular birthmark that rapidly expanded across part of her face and head during infancy. After pushing for specialist care and navigating difficult medical testing and treatment, Phillips became determined to help other families feel less alone.

The campaign has already gained support locally, with outreach made to the Lambton Kent District School Board, St. Clair Catholic District School Board, and Conseil scolaire Viamonde. Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley also previously issued a formal letter supporting the initiative and its focus on inclusion and understanding.

Phillips said the idea was inspired by awareness campaigns such as Pink Shirt Day and Orange Shirt Day, creating a visible and positive symbol children can rally around together in schools and communities.

The awareness effort also connects to a much larger international movement led by the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation. Thanks to advocacy efforts involving former U.S. Congressman John Sweeney more than a decade ago, May 15 became officially recognized as Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day, while the entire month of May is recognized as Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Month.

According to the foundation, approximately 40,000 babies are born each year with vascular birthmarks serious enough to require specialist care. Advocates say awareness is critical because many healthcare providers still receive limited training in identifying vascular anomalies and connecting families to appropriate treatment early enough.

The foundation has worked with pediatric organizations and physicians to improve education around early diagnosis and treatment, while families across the world continue hosting awareness events throughout May to share stories, raise funds, and support one another.

For Phillips, the campaign is about far more than awareness alone.

“Our kids aren’t bruised or marked — they’re wearing their stories,” she 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.”

On May 15, organizers hope classrooms, workplaces, and communities across Sarnia-Lambton will join in by wearing a simple red heart on their cheek for the day — a small act meant to send a powerful message of inclusion, kindness, and visibility.