Dear Family and Friends,

 Our daughter Morgan was born perfectly healthy. When she turned two weeks old, we discovered a red line on her left nostril. First we thought this was just a scratch caused by newborn nails. We were very wrong. This "scratch" soon grew into a birthmark quickly engulfing her nostril. Our pediatrician identified it as a hemangioma, a type of vascular birthmark. He told us it would disappear on its own but we could seek a second opinion. Being concerned parents we contacted a pediatric dermatologist. He advised us that medical intervention was necessary and started Morgan on the steroid, prednisone. This medication stopped further growth of her birthmark. We were told the birthmark could have spread across her face and eye area. The steroids gave Morgan a very swollen appearance. The dermatologist recommended that she have no further treatment until she was four years old. At that time the birthmark on her nostril was the size of a nickel, bright red and distorted the appearance of her nose.

Fortunately, we discovered the Vascular Birthmark Foundation. Through their resources we contacted Dr. Edwin Williams. He has performed two laser procedures and  reconstructive surgery on Morgan's hemangioma. After several years there were still traces remaining of the birthmark. When Morgan was ten we visited Dr. Roy Geronemus in New York City.  He performed laser surgery which further reduced the birthmark’s color and size.  We have been told that had our pediatrician understood the correct way to treat vascular birthmarks, it could have been treated when it was just a line on her face.

This is why we've created "The Frank Catalanotto Foundation, a National Heritage Foundation". Many doctors are not being taught the proper methods to treat these birthmarks. Some of these may be life threatening, growing internally or near the mouth and eyes. In addition, birthmarks can cause emotional stress to children and parents. There are organizations such as the Vascular Birthmark Foundation which will help connect patients with doctors who well versed in appropriate medical procedures. Please help us spread the word. Your tax deductible contribution to "The Frank Catalanotto Foundation, a National Heritage Foundation" will help fund research and assist families in need of information and medical assistance.

Yours truly,

Frank and Barbara Catalanotto