Candela Corporation is partnering with the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF) to provide pro-bono Vbeam laser treatments to children and adults with birthmarks, port wine stains and other vascular related skin conditions as a kickoff to the VBF 18th Annual Conference on October 5^th.

The treatments will be performed at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York in Manhattan on Friday, October 5 by the center's director, Dr. Roy Geronemus.

"Candela is committed to developing and enhancing innovative technological solutions that change lives. Our partnership with the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation and Dr. Roy Geronemus reflects this commitment," says Geoffrey Crouse, Chief Executive Officer of Candela, in a news release. "We are honored to offer these pro-bono treatments with the gold standard Vbeam Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) to continue our mission to improve patients' quality of life.”

One in ten children are born with a vascular birthmark. The Vbeam PDL is considered the gold-standard for the treatment of port wine stains and vascular anomalies in infants and children, as well as adults. Used by healthcare providers and close to 700 universities and hospitals worldwide, the device is associated with life changing outcomes, high patient tolerability and a low incidence of side effects.

"Vascular lesions, especially those on the face, have serious physical and psychological effects on patients," says Dr. Geronemus. "I am honored to be a part of the effort to provide patients with this life changing treatment. The Vbeam is without a doubt an incredibly safe and effective treatment for these conditions."

Following the Vbeam treatments scheduled for October 5, the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation Annual Conference will take place all day on Saturday, October 6 at Lenox Hill Hospital. The conference will offer educational sessions on the latest research and advancements in treatments for vascular birthmarks, including port wine stains, hemangiomas, and related conditions. Experts will also be available to meet with families throughout the day for sessions on makeup, psychotherapy, insurance issues and support.  Candela is proud to be a key sponsor of this annual initiative.

"Living with a birthmark or other vascular formation can have significant consequences on a patient's life. It's crucial that we educate those who are impacted, as well as the physicians who treat these conditions, on the latest protocols available," says Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, President & Founder of the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation. "We have many patients that are eager to receive treatment, and we are grateful that Candela and Dr. Geronemus are working with us to make it possible."