The VBF Parent Advocacy Network is a series of 60-90 minute bi-monthly facilitated virtual sessions established to provide psychosocial and community support to families affected by a vascular birthmark, anomaly, and/or related syndrome (VBARS) and to explore an affected family’s needs. This series explores a different topic each session beyond diagnosis and treatment options. Featuring activities, special guest co-hosts, and tools to equip you in this birthmark journey, attendees are encouraged to turn on their cameras and microphones and participate in the conversation.

We invite parents to join even if they are not needing answers. You might have the answer through experience to help others.

UPCOMING: 

Date: March 11, 2025

Time: 8pm ET / 5pm PT

Note: VBF Parent Advocacy Network Zoom sessions require pre-registration. Once you pre-register, the link to join will follow via e-mail receipt.

Leslie Graff, M.S., C.C.L.S., Psychosocial and Developmental Expert:
Leslie has been the VBF Child Life Specialist for more than 15 years and is the mother of four sons, one of which has a Port Wine Stain Birthmark, which is how she became involved with the VBF. Leslie has a Bachelors in Elementary Education and Masters in Marriage, Family, and Human Development from Brigham Young University. She completed her child life training at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and is a certified child life specialist, trained to address the psychosocial/emotional needs of children and adolescents in relation to their medical conditions by providing psychological preparation, and therapeutic support activities. She worked as a child life specialist at University of California San Francisco Medical Center and was on the faculty at Ohlone College. She has worked with thousands of children in countries around the world as a child life specialist for Operation Smile medical missions She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and 3 sons. One of her sons has a port wine stain.