About Us...
The Vascular and Lymphatic Malformations Network all started with a Facebook group created by
Jessica Alispahic in 2016. Aimed to unite families living with a Vascular or Lymphatic Malformation.
Jessica’s daughter Amelia was born with a Lymphatic Malformation in her upper chest, airway, floor of her mouth and tongue.
Vascular and Lymphatic Malformations are rare diseases, whilst early diagnosis and treatments are advancing, the support for patients, parents or carers with these malformations is lacking.
This network has been created to unite families, to educate, to bring awareness and offer support to those with or caring for someone with a Vascular or Lymphatic Malformations.
We wanted to help fill this space, to raise awareness and provide support to those living with a malformation and, to be an asset to the clinicians involved.
The Alispahic family
Jessica and Kenan's daughter, Amazing Amelia received care and treatment for her Lymphatic Malformation through the Interventional Radiology department at The Children's Hospital Westmead.
The Alispahic family wanted to give back to the hospital, doctors and nurses that saved their Amazing Amelia. So they began fundraising...
To date the Alispahic family have raised over $200K specifically for the Interventional Radiology department which has purchased much needed equipment like a cryotherapy machine.
Every year the Alispahic family put their runners on and participate in the City2Surf raising funds for the Children's Hospital.
The Alispahic family's efforts serve as a reminder of the positive change that can be achieved when individuals unite for a noble purpose. Their example encourages others to think about how they can also contribute to their communities, whether through fundraising, volunteering or simply spreading awareness.
Jessica has been a guest speaker and a strong advocate at vascular anomalies conferences speaking about their experiences as a family and how to improve the care and treatment for those living with a Vascular or Lymphatic Malformations.
In short, Jess is a beacon of inspiration, setting an example for others to follow and leaving an indelible mark in advocacy for patients, families and care givers affected by Vascular and Lymphatic Malformations.