Jody Lee, Purple Polka Day Race Founder and VAA Board Member

“Thanks to all of your love, kindness and support from last year's race we were able to pilot a Polka Dot Day program at 2 different schools in Michigan and Iowa!!!

Today we are sharing pictures and stories from Polka Dot Day 2025 at an elementary school in Michigan!!!

Yes, it happens to be our Boss Lady's school and we are beyond lucky to have the community that we do there. Our school has not 1 or 2 students with vascular birthmarks...but 3!!! We know how rare this is, as many people in our birthmark community go their whole lives without ever meeting another person with a vascular birthmark.

Today our 3 buddies:

-were featured on their school news show (video coming soon)

-handed out bag tags/keychains to everyone with Polka Dot day 2025 on them to sport on their backpacks or wherever they want

-shared a flyer with each student at our school with information about themselves and also a sheet for an activity to ask "what makes YOU unique?"

-had our Principal and Media Teacher fully support them and this initiative

-had our district SUPERINTENDENT take time out of her busy schedule to wish them well and take a picture in support while rocking her 2024 Polka Dot Race LIVE BOLD shirt

-had our high school (where none of them go, remember) support them by teachers, staff and students wearing purple, red and/or polka dots AND also asking students to learn facts about vascular birthmarks

One of the best outcomes from this event has been the number of stories that start with:

"I didn't know what I had was a vascular birthmark!"

"I just learned the name of my vascular birthmark!"

"Oh! My daughter has a (insert birthmark type) and we didn't know there was a community to support us!"

Advocacy helps us change the conversation and elevate communication styles between each and every one of us. Advocacy has allowed students and adults alike to come out of their comfort zone to lead and encourage others to have a voice and know they belong.

Polka Dot-ers, we cannot do any of this WITHOUT you. YOU are the reason we are able to support initiatives like this & we are hoping to do more in the future!

We are truly humbled.”