{"id":149075,"date":"2026-04-30T22:38:37","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T02:38:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=149075"},"modified":"2026-04-30T22:38:37","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T02:38:37","slug":"st-lukes-joins-elite-global-clinical-care-network-for-birthmark-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=149075","title":{"rendered":"St. Luke\u2019s Joins Elite Global Clinical Care Network for Birthmark Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"

Caption: Mother and baby with port wine birthmark.<\/em><\/p>\n

BETHLEHEM, PA<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 St. Luke\u2019s University Health Network (SLUHN) is proud to announce its formal induction into the\u00a0Sturge-Weber Foundation<\/a>\u00a0(SWF) Clinical Care Network. St. Luke\u2019s becomes the\u00a027th institution globally\u00a0to receive this prestigious designation and stands as the\u00a0first and only healthcare provider in the Lehigh Valley \u2013 and only the second in Pennsylvania \u2013 to be recognized for this level of specialized clinical excellence.\u00a0 The addition of St. Luke\u2019s to the Clinical Care Network further strengthens the Sturge-Weber Foundation’s global mission to improve the quality of life and care for people with Sturge-Weber syndrome and associated port wine capillary malformations through ongoing collaboration with clinical partners and pioneers, education, advocacy, research, and patient\/family support.<\/p>\n

Port wine capillary malformations are a specific type of birthmark \u2013 now known to be caused by genetic mutations within the skin itself \u2013 that are present at birth, can be located anywhere on the body, and that will thicken in texture and darken in color over time.\u00a0 Rarely, a port wine birthmark on the face may be associated with glaucoma \u2013 abnormally high pressures in the eye \u2013 and seizures, constituting what is known as Sturge-Weber syndrome. Due to its multi-system nature, patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome often require a highly coordinated “medical home” to manage complex cutaneous, ocular, and neurological symptoms.\u00a0 Until recently, these highly specialized services were largely unavailable in the Lehigh Valley.<\/p>\n

“As a parent of a child with Sturge-Weber syndrome, having a Clinical Care Network in my hometown is truly incredible,\u201d\u00a0says\u00a0Julia Terrell, Director of Community Relations for the Sturge-Weber Foundation. \u201cFor years, families in the Lehigh Valley have had to travel long distances for specialized care\u2014trips that are costly, time-consuming, and hard on patients. The expertise may have always existed, but families didn\u2019t always know where to go or who to trust. Now, having a dedicated team close to home means families have clear direction, trusted care, and no longer feel alone in their journey. That truly warms my heart.”<\/p>\n

Laser-Focused on Patient Care<\/strong><\/p>\n

The invitation to join the Sturge-Weber Foundation\u2019s Clinical Care Network was driven by the internationally recognized expertise of\u00a0Andrew C. Krakowski, MD, who is the Founding Network Chair of St. Luke\u2019s Department of Dermatology and who serves as the lead point of clinical contact for the Birthmark Center at St. Luke\u2019s. The Center originated with a generous donation from The Jeanne and Richard Kaskey Foundation, whose mission is to invest in transformative education and pioneering medical advancements\u2014fueling innovation, accelerating discovery, and expanding access to care worldwide.\u00a0 Dr. Krakowski is a recognized leader in the use of advanced laser surgery to treat port wine birthmarks and associated vascular malformations in both children and adults.\u00a0 His clinical experience is supported by a robust academic portfolio, including his role as\u00a0senior editor\u00a0of the definitive textbook,\u00a0Pediatric Procedural Dermatology<\/em>\u00a0and several recent high-impact, peer-reviewed publications focused on optimizing laser parameters and multidisciplinary protocols for managing port wine birthmarks.\u00a0 \u201cDr. K,\u201d as he is better known to his patients and families, is the only board-certified pediatric dermatologist in the Lehigh Valley, representing one of more than 40 pediatric specialties available through St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital.<\/p>\n

Being inducted into SWF Clinical Care Network is an example of what sets St. Luke\u2019s apart. This past fall, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ranked St. Luke\u2019s #1 \u2013 ahead of Houston Methodist and Mayo Clinic, two of the nation\u2019s most prestigious institutions \u2013 as the nation\u2019s top health system for quality, safety, and patient experience. This objective recognition, based on public data reported to the government, reaffirms St. Luke\u2019s preeminent position among the leading health systems in the country.<\/p>\n

Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Care<\/strong><\/p>\n

While laser surgery is a cornerstone of port wine birthmark treatment, St. Luke\u2019s provides a comprehensive “continuum of care” for pediatric and adult patients alike. Supporting the efforts of the Birthmark Center is a fully integrated team of pediatric and adult specialists across multiple specialties including:<\/p>\n