Students and staff at St. Matthew and Holy Trinity Catholic schools will recognize Vascular Birthmark Awareness Day on May 15 by encouraging awareness, compassion and acceptance for people living with vascular birthmarks.
Organizers say the initiative, symbolized by a simple red heart worn or drawn on the face or neck, is intended to promote understanding and celebrate differences.
For the Phillips family, the awareness day carries personal significance. Their daughter Katie was born with a hemangioma, a vascular birthmark around her eye and face that once posed risks to her vision.
At two weeks old, Katie began treatment following extensive testing.
Today, her family says she is thriving.
“She calls it her beauty mark because she’s fabulous,” her mother, Jess, said.
Katie is expected to begin school at St. Matthew in September 2026, and her family hopes increased awareness will help preserve the confidence she has developed.
“That’s why this matters—we want her to stay exactly who she is,” Jess said.
Principal Marc Tremblay said the school community is looking forward to welcoming Katie.
“We are excited to welcome Katie to St. Matthew, where every child is known, valued, and celebrated,” Tremblay said. “Guided by our faith, we recognize the dignity of each person and the beauty in our differences. Raising awareness helps us build a culture of understanding and kindness, so all students feel confident, included, and proud of who they are.”
School officials said vascular birthmarks are more common than many people realize, but are often rarely discussed, which can lead to misunderstanding.
Across St. Clair Catholic schools, educators are using the awareness day to reinforce messages of inclusion, kindness and acceptance.
The campaign encourages people to wear or create a red heart in support of those living with vascular birthmarks.
“Just wear a heart on your face or neck. It can be a sticker, something you draw, or any creative idea. Make it fun,” Jess said.
Organizers say the initiative is intended to remind students and community members that everyone belongs and differences should be celebrated.
