International Buddy Booby's Birthmark Read-Along for Tolerance and Awareness
Submitted by duckere on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 16:26.
Last updated on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 02:57.
Vital Stats
ongoing project
05/15/2006
People Impacted:
34000People Involved: 34000
Money Raised: Not a fund-raising event, but an 'awareness' event. However, a portion of the book's profits are donated to the VBF. So far, over $1,000 has been donated.
Project Photos
Project Video
The Problem
There's an URGENT need in schools for public education about vascular birthmarks, and an increase in tolerance towards the children who have them. Statistically, 1 in 10 children (from every country, culture, religion, and socio-economic group) are born with some type of birthmark. Three in 1000 will have a port-wine stain (with an estimated 80% of those, appearing on the face). Despite being a fairly common occurrence, many people without birthmarks will shun a child with a mark, for fear it's contagious or harmful to them in some way. Birthmarks are surrounded by mystery, misinformation, cultural myths, and negative stereotypes. And, unfortunately, many young children are paying a price for the lack of public information about vascular birthmarks in our society. According to published medical journals, many children with birthmarks develop psychological and self-esteem issues as well as suffer from depression and anxiety (especially in social situations). Additional research showed, children with noticeable birthmarks “suffer a significant degree of social stigmatization and have lowered levels of self-esteem,” causing an “adverse effect on social development.” I have a facial port wine stain, and I don't think kid’s lives should be adversely affected, just because they’re born with a mark on their skin. Throughout history, birthmarks (and the people who have them) have been portrayed in literature as hideous, evil, ugly, ashamed, lonely, and other primarily negative connotations. When was the last time you saw a media image of an individual with a birthmark anywhere but a cover-up makeup commercial? No other segment of society would ever allow such stereotypes to perpetuate. But, for some reason, people with birthmarks have never had a positive alternative. Even now, in the 21st century, there are cultures that believe birthmarks are 'the mark of the devil', and children born with them are abandoned! Some cultures believe birthmarks are caused by 'sins of the mother', so there is often guilt, fear, and other stigmas associated with birthmarked children and their families. Even the medical community needs more education about birthmarks-- as evidenced by a recent statistic stating “over 60% of all vascular birthmarks are misdiagnosed“. Many people are ignorant to the fact that birthmarks are not cosmetic issues. They are medical issues that pose no public threat, but can pose tremendous challenges (both physically and emotionally) for the children who have them -- particularly if there's no common understanding or tolerance. Because many children with birthmarks face multiple surgeries throughout their time in school, it’s important to educate their classmates before they develop prejudice based on misinformation. The earlier the better!
Why It's Important
In 2006, after creating a children's book called, "Buddy Booby's Birthmark", I began receiving thousands of emails from parents of children with birthmarks. Despite coming from many different countries, they all shared similar stories about their children having a 'hard time' in school. Most of the struggles were due to the negative treatment they received from classmates. Many of these families invited me to visit their children's schools to share my book. On my days off, I visited as many schools as I could (throughout my home state of NY). I spoke to thousands of students and answered hundreds of intriguing, intelligent questions about birthmarks from kids as young as 4-years-old. I found that just half-an-hour of education and discussion immediately changed kid's attitudes about birthmarks and towards the people who have them. But, I couldn't possibly get to every school in every country. Then, one day I received an email from the parent of a 5-year-old girl with a birthmark. The parent had made arrangements for her daughter's teacher to share "Buddy Booby's Birthmark" with the class, in an effort to educate them about vascular birthmarks and hopefully get them to stop excluding her daughter. I posted the woman's idea on my website. Within days, other parents were asking if they could get involved in spreading awareness by educating their children's classrooms too. The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (www.birthmark.org) suggested I create an actual reading 'event' in conjunction with their annual "Day of Awareness" campaign. The "International Buddy Booby's Birthmark Read-Along for Tolerance and Awareness" was born.
The Read-Along is a group effort to: Educate early school-age children about birthmarks (before they develop prejudices and misconceptions); and Open up the lines of communication between teachers and students about relevant topics such as tolerance, diversity, prejudice, and the pressures for 'physical perfection'.
Teachers,(from both private and public schools anywhere in the world) register on-line (at www.buddyboobysbirthmark.com) and promise to read and discuss the children's book, "Buddy Booby's Birthmark" with their students on May 15th,(in honor of the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation annual Day of Awareness Campaign). By engaging groups of students to discuss characters in the book, no individual child is put in an uncomfortable situation. By inviting students to discuss (as a group), ways in which they're similar to the book's characters (whether they have a birthmark or not), develops a shared experience, empathy, and compassion. Early feedback from the read-alongs proved that when armed with the facts -- children are less likely to fear, shun, or ridicule individuals with birthmarks. In turn, school became a less 'threatening' place for kids with birthmarks. By introducing the concepts of tolerance, compassion, diversity, and global thinking to students in early grades (K-5) -- children with birthmarks will have a better shot at experiencing less anxiety, bullying, and self-esteem issues throughout their time in school. My project is a simple, free, fun opportunity for teachers and children to participate in a global educational effort aimed at increasing tolerance and compassion for each other's differences; promoting self-esteem; and raising birthmark awareness by reducing the prejudice and myths surrounding vascular abnormalities. My project unites children and educators from multiple cultures and countries on one special day each year -- all to discuss tolerance, diversity, and the stigmas and myths surrounding birthmarks.
The Plan Of Action
The "International Buddy Booby's Birthmark Read-Along for Tolerance and Awareness" began with just 7 schools in 2006. Thanks to the support of teachers, parents of children with birthmarks, and adults with birthmarks --the event has grown to include over 250 classrooms and schools representing nearly every state in the U.S.A, Australia, Ireland, England, Germany, Malta, Panama, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands! I have never had the money to 'advertise' or promote the event. It has grown, strictly by word-of-mouth. Just by taking 1/2 hour to share and discuss the children's book, "Buddy Booby's Birthmark" --children are developing an understanding of birthmarks, getting the facts about them, and learning to embrace diversity, not just of race, culture, and religion -- but physical features as well. Teachers have reported "a noticeable improvement" in the way children with birthmarks are treated by their peers after reading and discussing Buddy Booby's Birthmark. And parents have written to say their children with birthmarks are less anxious and apprehensive about social situations when they have the book to use as a tool to teach classmates. With the help of my family, I've developed an easy, on-line registration form for teachers who wish to participate.
The event is free to all participants. All we ask is that they promise to share the book and discuss how the story relates to every child in the class, whether they have a birthmark or not. It seems most everyone has an instance where they've felt 'different' or 'left out'. By discussing those instances together, children are realizing how similar they are because of their differences! Our website (which I developed with my family using educator's suggestions) offers free downloadable resources, including puzzles, coloring pages, book marks, and project ideas and essay suggestions for older children. After the event, we provide every registrant a thank you letter, an official Certificate of Participation, and (provided we have the funding), a free copy of the book for their library. That book remains as a resource in school libraries for years to come, and will hopefully continue to remind children to be more compassionate and tolerant of all types of diversity.
If awarded a grant, I would utilize the funds to:
1) Increase the scope of the "Read-Along" by targeting advertisements to teachers in schools, world-wide.
2) Recruit 500 schools world-wide.
3) Create a more professional version of a DVD presentation I give to kids about living with a birthmark.
4) Provide each participating school with a "Tolerance Packet" as a thank you, including a free copy of the book Buddy Booby's Birthmark, and the DVD.
5) Hire a professional web designer in order to enhance and improve the current Read-Along website (which I maintain on my own). I'd like to allow people the ability to upload their own pictures and feedback from their individual read-alongs.
6) Have the book's text translated into the many languages teachers have requested from me -- including Spanish, French, German, and Chinese.
7) Obtain professional help in developing a formal mailing list and better system to track registrations and send thank-you packets. Right now everything is done by me and my family, by hand -- and, as the Read-Along grows, it's getting harder for us to maintain it alone.
8) Offer additional special incentives for individual students that enter the read-along.
While this event is not a direct 'fund-raising'event--a portion of the profits from "Buddy Booby's Birthmark" go to the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation. Over $1,000 has been given to-date.
How Can Others Get Involved?
TOP TEN WAYS YOU CAN HELP increase tolerance and birthmark awareness in your community:
1) Ask teachers (in pre-school through 5th grade) to register on-line at www.buddyboobysbirthmark.com and participate in the May 15th "International Buddy Booby's Birthmark Read-Along for Tolerance and Awareness".
2) If you see a kid with a birthmark, don't ask them, "What's wrong with your face?" or "What happened to your face?" Just say, "Hi!" and be nice. Get to know them FIRST before making any judgments.
3) Invite community leaders, physicans, and/or teens and adults with birthmarks to participate in local school "Read-Along" events.
4) Learn the facts about birthmarks. They're NOT contagious, they may never 'go away', and they are medical -- not cosmetic-- issues.
5) Don't perpetuate negative stereotypes. Not everyone with a birthmark is unhappy. Not everyone with a birthmark wants to have it removed or feels the need to cover or hide it.
6)Clear your mind about everything anyone has ever told you about 'beauty'. Open your mind and heart, and be your own judge of what's really "beautiful" in a person.
7) Write to your favorite magazines and tv networks. Tell them you'd like to see some more 'diverse' photos (including children and adults with facial differences such as birthmarks) represented in everyday situations.
8)If you see anyone bullying a fellow classmate; be the strongest leader, and defend the classmate that's being bullied.
9) Put yourself in another person's shoes BEFORE you say anything that could be hurtful. THINK before you say anything that could damage a child's self-esteem, or make them feel they aren't accepted 'just the way they are'.
10) Be considerate of the parents or siblings of children with birthmarks. Your rude or negative comments can be just as hurtful to them.
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I learned about the Buddy Booby's Birthmark book on the VBF website and immediately ordered if for my daughter. She has port wine stains on a good portion of the right side of her body and I wanted something to help her as a small child understand what she has and what she may have to go thru in life. This book was perfect, and she loves it. It is very special to her and the only thing that she takes really good care of (she is a destructo with everything else). It has also helped her sisters to understand better. Once she starts school next year, I plan on asking her teacher to read the book in class to make the other students more aware. It's a beautiful book and Evan is an amazing boy for taking part in it's creation and for bringing a positive outlook where there are many a negative brow raised.
I am beyond thrilled to see this project highlighted here! Donna and Evan Ducker are an amazing mother-son team and their Read-Along has created a vehicle for dialogue on a subject some find difficult to address.
Schools are on the front lines when it comes to kids experiencing, processing and responding to physical differences. As a mother of a daughter with a facial birthmark, I can tell you a major conversation piece in her medical treatment is "we'll see how it looks when she is four." Four is the magic age because that is right before SCHOOL starts. Some vascular birthmarks have the ability to heal and resolve on their own over the course of a decade. Parents and doctors are often deciding to put children through painful treatments and surgeries requiring anesthesia not because it is necessary for a child's health, but because they are well aware once kids enter school they will likely be the recipients of negative attention. Anything that can be done to make kids more comfortable with physical differences should be introduced into schools. It may very well reduce the verbal abuse kids experience as well as reduce the number of unnecessary medical procedures kids endure in the name of prevention.
Bravo to the Duckers and to the schools around the world who have embraced the Read-Along thus far. It's a great book and it doesn't cost schools more than the purchase price of a book. I hope the Read-Along continues to build momentum. The Duckers have done an amazing job in making this an International event. Imagine what can be accomplished once more corporations and organizations get involved. I hope showcasing the project here leads to even more support for this amazing program.
I've never met the Duckers in person, but I can still feel them touching my and my daughter's life in a very real way. This program gives me hope my 2 year old's bright smile and swelling self-confidence won't be dimmed when she walks into the classroom in a few years. We won't be having surgery to remove or minimize her birthmark. Instead, we are going to use this program and the Ducker's book to educate my daughter's classmates. My daughter is just a kid like anyone else. The book makes that just as clear to others as it is to us.
Thanks Donna and Evan!
Your fans,
Lisa and Olivia Parker
A few years ago I came across Evan's book because my 4 year old daughter has a hemangioma on her upper lip. I have read it to her many times. It is wonderful because she will be able to relate to the story as she gets older and more aware of her birthmark. It deals with the issues in such a simple and sensitive manner...in a way that is great for kids!
I am also a teacher and have participated in the read-aloud day for the past 2 years, sharing the book with students in grades 1-5. They absolutely loved it and enjoyed all the activities that Evan put together to go along with the book. After reading the book, they were so eager to share their own birthmark stories! I never knew so many kids had birthmarks!!!!
At one point last year I had a student in my class who was being made fun of because he was different (not that he had a birthmark, but he had some other differences that made it difficult for him to make friends, etc.) I shared this book with the students and we discussed tolerance, acceptance, feelings, empathy and other relevant topics. It really helped to generate a meaningful discussion about the situation and hopefully helped to turn things around for him. So even though the specific topic was different, the theme really carried over.
After participating in last years read aloud, I received an additional copy of the book...I have given this copy to our pediatrician so that it can be shared with other patients who have birthmarks. I am so thankful to Evan for all his hard work and his perseverance in this project. It has certainly helped many children (and their parents). With a grant like this, he would be able to reach out to many more children and raise awareness about an important and sensitive issue.
Thanks,
Shannon Hohenadel
Evan and Donna's book has helped us tremendously. We share this book with many of the classrooms in my son's school on read along day. The kids love it and it teaches them to be accepting of others no matter what they look like. It teaches them it is okay to be different. The read along is so special because it gives the forum for the other kids who are curious to ask questions. My son Mason and I have been reading this to classes for a few years and it has given us a way to introduce Mason and his birthmark to the school. When he has a procedure the children no longer stare. They know what to expect and that it does not hurt. I also have given copies of this book to all of Mason's friends, teachers and doctor's offices. I think this book spreads the word that people are people and you need to accept them for what is inside! Thanks to Donna and Evan kids can put a name to a cause....Buddy!
With hope,
Randi DeWall
Bravo that a young man like Evan is making a difference in the lives of so many children and families! My 7 year old daughter Samantha has an extensive port wine stain which travels the length of her body. The stares of curious people are hard to explain to a small child, and after a laser treatment the stares reflect not only curiosity but alarm. We found out about Buddy Booby's Birthmark from a friend last year and our school joined in the Read-Along. We have always tried to find a book to read to Sam's classmates before her first treatment of the year - usually something about how we are all different and that is OK. Finding a book like Buddy was a Godsend. We were able to share the book with her classmates and because of the specific correlation to the birthmark and associated stigma, teasing, etc. - Sam's classmates were even more supportive of her throughout the year. We will read it again this year and every year.
Evan is a shining example of what we all should do - turn what are perceived to be weakness into something that helps others.
We had the opportunity to meet Evan and Donna at the VBF conference in New York City in 2008 and it was a very big deal to Sam and her older sister. He is truly a role model to them - and to the thousands of children that have all kinds of birthmarks and various things that make them look "different". Evan and Donna's book is a beautiful illustration of how all children are beautiful and the need for love and tolerance.
From this family please accept our wholehearted recommendation that Evan and Buddy be awarded this grant. So many children and families will be helped.
Peace,
Val Higgins
Buddy Booby's Birthmark is an extremely inspirational children's book focused on teaching children to accept the differences that everyone has.
My daughter was born with a portwine stain on the right side of her face. It is rare that we make a trip to the store that a stranger doesn't ask, "what happened to the baby's face?", "did she get a rash?", "does the other child look as bad as you?".... or something along those lines. Interestingly enough, those comments do not bother my daughter. What bothers her is the comments from her peers. Without fail, each year new students are added to her school that haven't grown up with her, and naturally they ask those difficult questions.
This is where this wonderful story comes into play. Not only does it help children with birthmarks, but it helps ALL children to understand and be more sensitive to those who have differences.
The yearly Read-Along is a GREAT tool to get this heart-warming story into schools everywhere. The more children that can be reached, the better!
Kudos to Donna and Evan Ducker. This amazing team has helped my family more than they could ever know. I can personally bear witness to the effectivness of this read-along. Although occasionally, there are times when my baby comes home with tears in her eyes because of an insensitive comment, that comment has NEVER come from a child that has heard this story. And once the child that made the comment hears this story, there is not a repeat of the incident!
Thank You Donna and Evan for providing parents like myself with such a wonderful tool to help their children's self-confidence and social growth.
Your BIGGEST Fans,
The Fogle Family
Andrea, Walter, Val and Kayli
Our daughter Veronica was born with a vascular birthmark called a Hemangioma. She also has the H and A in PHACE. I was looking for a kids book about birthmarks and did not find any. Then I found out about Buddy Booby's Birthmark on MSN's Vascular Birthmark support group. I ordered it right away. Later when it came out in hard cover I purchased 2 for our 2 elementary schools. I also asked if I could read the book to my kids classes and answer questions that they had about my daughter. The first several times I could not read the book without bawling. It was so personal. I still have some troubles with it but not as bad. Now that my daughter is in headstart this year I am working on getting her school to participate in Vascular Birthmark Awareness Day on May 15. I will also try and get my other daughter's class to participate at her school. This book has been a Godsend. I wish that there was a children's book describing what a Vascular Birthmark is in a child's words. Someday that may happen.
Thank You Donna and Evan for this wonderful book.
The Herioux Family
Barb, Paul, Jake, Jonathan, Valerie and Veronica
Three years ago I became aware of the Buddy Birthmark Program. Since I have a niece born with a large hemangioma on her wrist, I discovered this program a good lesson for her and others in her class of now second graders. She was always answering peoples questions with "It's an angels kiss". This book gave me a chance to explain the birthmark on Maddie and allowed others to tell me stories about their birthmarks. I was amazed to find so many young children with birthmarks. The book and the handouts gave me a meaningful lesson to share with these children. I went on to read this book to classes in an emotional needs school. The second year there, I read it in the school auditorium to all 80 students in grades K through 5. As my companion I bring my Delta Society and R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dog) certified therapy dog, Sandy, with me. She sits and listens to the story just like the children. I am proud to be involved in such a worthwhile program that has helped so many children. I plan to continue to promote the activities.
Dorothy Allen
DAllen5025@aol.com
Purchased the Buddy Booby's Birthmark book 3 years ago. Serves dual purpose, addresses birthmarks and teaches a great lesson about Bullying. Our elementary school does a wonderful job teaching that Bullying is not OKAY. I wound up purchasing and donating a second copy to my children's elementary school. I am planning on approaching the school this year to allow me to come in and read and share our experience and the book. I would love to see the book made into a short movie. I would purchase that as well to donate to our school for sharing.
The Chase Family
Lianne, Kevin, Casey & Cody
I bought this wonderful book for my grandson who has a large dark blue birthmark and deep scars from attemps to make it less noticable that covers most of the right side of his face. Evan wrote a letter to my grandson and sent another autographed book as a gift to my Grandsons first grade class. The teacher read the book to the class and let Tristen answer questions the other children had. The book made a big difference in Tristen's confidence. He doesn't talk about being teased all the time like he used to. Evan is a remarkable young man and his outreach to children with birthmarks is life changing. Children can be cruel to those that are different because they don't understand. This beautifully illustrated touching book shows how teasing can hurt and promotes tolerance and educates about vascular birthmarks. Every school should have this book as required reading. Thank you Evan and Donna!
Lois Hoffmann and Tristen Bailey
Since Buddy Bobby's Birthmark book came out we have shared it as a family, with our pre school and now our K-8 grade school. The impact has been profound. Children make choices just like adults. I have observed a genuine appreciation for others with difference then themself through the teaching and readings of this book.... We have visited with Evan personally in S. California last year and have developed a relationship with him and those who have a deep care for others through birthmark appreciation. Thankyou Evan and all those who are compassionate to educating our future world citizens! Carol
I had the priviledge of meeting Donna and Evan Ducker two years ago after reading their wonderful book. Being an elementary school principal, I was intrigued by their book and how it could effect the lives of all of my students. We arranged a day when they would visit my school and read their book to the children.
They were the most honest, sincere mother/son authors I had ever met! Their commitment to advancing a knowledge base to children with difffernces was admirable to say the least! All of my students were mesmerized by Evan and Donna as they read their story and answered questions about its purpose.
All children have challenges-some apparent-some hidden. This book gave my students the compassion to interact with all children with love and understanding.
The event was highlighted by a visit from Channel 2's Morning News Show with Hannah Storm and showcased on TV!
I can never thank Donna and Evan enough for what they did for my students. Children still talk about the day Evan came to our school. He is a remarkable young man who changed their opinions on children with differences. His level of maturity is to be commended!
I hope we can meet again!
Christina Teisch
Principal
St. Thomas the Apostle School
West Hempstead,NY
I met Evan and his mother at the Annual Vascular Birthmarks Foundation Conference in Irvine, CA two years ago. I purchased the Buddy Booby book and it immediately became a hit with our then four year old daughter. She took it to her preschool class, and the children were amazed when she told them she was a lot like Buddy Booby too, she once had a birthmark called a hemangioma. Her big brother then asked his Kindergarten teacher if she would read it to his class. She suggested talking to the school Librarian about reading it to all the classes, which she so graciously agreed and by participating she received her signed copy of the book, which will forever be a part of the school. It was so special when she read it to his class, he asked his little sister to be there, and I was amazed how curious the children were and also how many of them too had birthmarks. It is now an annual event at the Hawk Elementary Library each May to commemorate the May 15th Vascular Birthmark Foundation National Day of Awareness. The children in Corinth, TX (a northern suburb of Dallas) are now more aware and in turn more tolerant of children that may look different than them.
Thank you,
The Bolinger's
Brian, Natalie, Nicole "Coco" and Brock
We purchased a Buddy Booby book when our daughter, Anna had surgery to remove her birthmark. Anna was only 11 months old at the time, but we still read the book to her. Our son, Jimmy, who was then 5 years old really enjoyed the book and it also helped him to understand what his baby sister was going through. In addition, he was constanly being asked questions about his sister's very prominent facial birthmark so the book was also "therapeutic" for him. Anna is now 2 and a half years old and still enjoys us reading this book to her. Her big brother is now nearly 8 and enjoys reading it to her himself. We had the pleasure of finally meeting Donna and Evan this past fall at the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation conference in New York City! Buddy Booby is a wonderful book that has helped so many children. Thank you Donna and Evan!
Basia, Jim, Jimmy and Anna Joyce
My six year daughter, Ashlyn, has a port wine birthmark on her face. We have been very fortunate that teasing at school hasn't started yet, but I am very hopeful that as our principal is signing up for the read-along this year, there will be increased tolerance and understanding before teasing ever begins. Most people will ask us "what happened?", assuming she was hurt or burned. It is important not only that people recognize birthmarks for what they are, but that children learn tolerance of all differences. Evan is amazing person who has put himself into the spotlight from a very early age to help educate the world. Donna is an extraordinary mother to not only help him write and publish a book at the age of four, but has helped him grow into the kind of selfless person that puts a huge amount of time and effort into helping the rest of the world educate tolerance and acceptance.
Children with vascular birthmarks need all the help they can get. Our team of pediatric physicians is looking forward to using Evan's book in our clinic to help families help their children with their condition. This book is the only one of its kind. Many thanks to Evan and his mother Donna. Please support Evan and his read-a-long book program in your "Do Something" program. Evan is doing it!!
My almost 2 year old daughter, Cecilie, has a large hemangioma which covers about 1/4 of her face, including her left eye. This developed when she was about 3 weeks old. As you can imagine....my husband and I were beyond freaked out. We were consumed with finding any information that could help our daughter. Besides finding Dr. Lichtenstein at the Illinois Eye Center in Peoria, IL...this book by Evan and his mother was the only other tool that gave us the peace and perspective to manage this in a calm and caring way.
The story is beautiful and will not only help Cecilie understand why she is so special, but has also taught our other 2 children about unconditional love, tact and diversity. It's hard to believe that one little children's book could do all of these things, but it truly does.
We intend to order more copies to give our Pediatric Opthamologist so that he can use them in his international volunteer work with children with vascular birthmarks.
Thank you again to Evan for being such a brave, compassionate,caring boy...those traits that will carry you well through life!
This book was so inspirational. We read it to Carter all the time and he loved it. I had my older son take it into the classroom and read it to his classmates. He talked about his younger brother who has a eyelid hemangioma that developed at about 2 weeks of age. He showed all his pictures and explained that what he has is a birthmark, it does not make him any different than anyone else. Many of the kids had never seen this type of birthmark and had questions. The story helped portray the differences there are in people, but to have an understanding and compassion for everyone. Donna and Evan have done such great work in educating people everywhere. Evan has given so much time,and effort in is work. He has set a great example to children for his remarkable ability. Donna is an amazing mom who got him started on a great path to his future. A big thank you to both of you for spreading such a great awareness and educating all of us on vascular birthmarks!!
Best regards,
Leigha and Carter(eyelid H)
We are so thankful to Evan for the work he has done to make people more aware of birthmarks. My daughter, now 23 years old, grew up with a large hemangioma covering the left side of her face and obstructing her left eye.
Once the birthmark was explained, people (even very small children) were always very understanding and excepting of my daughter's condition. It can be very hard, however, for a small girl to have to answer the questions that come each time meeting someone new. This is especially hard when entering a new class or new school for the first time.
If all children had books read to them or videos shown to them about children with hemangiomas, what they look like, and what they are, it would be less daunting for children like my daughter to face new encounters and large groups.
Keep up the good work Evan, and good luck gaining support from the "Do Something" program, you deserve it! And so do the children with hemangiomas you help!
Donna and Evan Ducker's groundbreaking book has been an inspiration and source of support for all children with birthmarks, as well as those with other conditions that might make them appear "different" than other children. Their campaign to raise tolerance and awareness is exceptional. By including schools in their project, adults and children alike are discussing important social issues, while highlighting the importance of showing compassion and understanding for diversity and difference. The Ducker’s have reached out to classrooms all over the world, and affected change in ways that few people have.
Glenda, Tiffany and Glen
My 4-year-old son has a vascular malformation on his left temple. I found the Buddy Booby book on the VBF website and immediately purchased it. It has proved invaluable in helping my son understand that his birthmark is a part of him. In fact, we are taking him to see a group of specialists for recommendations on possible treatments, but he is adamant that "my birthmark is a part of me and I won't be me without it"! He even reminds us that Buddy Booby chose to keep his birthmark and do good things for others.
His preschool participated in the read-along last May. At the end of the story, the teacher asked the class if they knew anyone with a birthmark, fully expecting that they would all point to my son. Instead, she ended-up with a room full of 3-year-olds, stripping down to their undies to show each other all of their various birthmarks! Buddy Booby does wonders for fostering understanding and acceptance of vascular birthmarks.
Evan is someone that my 3yr old daughter, Ashlynn, looks up to! Ashlynn has a hemangioma that was partially removed close to her 1st birthday. Her hemagioma started out like a very small scratch below her left eye, but soon grew to her cheek. Buddy Booby's Birthmark means so much to my family! I came across this awesome book on the VBF website when Ashlynn was just an infant! I was struggling with how I was going to explain to her why she was born with such a speacial mark. Evan and Donna saved me from wondering anymore how we would have the discussion! By reading Buddy Booby's birthmark to Ashlynn, she was able to relate with Buddy and now she is proud to have her "Angel kiss". She knows that God has made her very special and that she is beautiful for the little girl who is not only beautiful on the outside, but especially on the inside!
We participated in the Buddy Booby Read-Along last May at Ashlynn Parents Day Out program. All of the classes loved it! It touched so many teachers also! We held a fundraiser in Ashlynn's honor to purchase Buddy Booby Birthmark books and were able to raise enough to give one to every elementary school in our county! We even had enough to put in some doctor offices and give to those that cross our path with a speacial "Angel Kiss". We have even gave to those that don't have a birthmark, but have learned about how to show love to those that are "different" from themselves.
Evan is an amazing young man that has touched my heart and I thank him for such an amazing gift!! Thanks Evan for everything you do!!!
while i am not sure how receptive the media would be toward using people with facial birthmarks as models (as symmetry is usually considered the gold standard of "beauty", no matter what other characteristics a person's face or features has), i do think it's important to make the effort to include this 10% of individuals in other portrayals to represent the diversity that is our population.
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Good thing that we can thank to the support of teachers, parents of children with birthmarks new jersey limousines,
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