Laser care for patients who couldn't get it otherwise
A child with a port-wine stain. A teenager with burn scars. A family told treatment would cost thousands, with no way to pay for it. Sciton Cares was started for people like them, and Olympia Morris, PA-C, is proud to be one of the providers taking part.
What is Sciton Cares?
Sciton Cares is a charitable initiative supported by Sciton, the company that makes the BBL, HALO, MOXI and Contour TRL lasers we use in our office every day. It began with one Sciton family and their son's birthmark. Today it's a network of clinics in more than 18 countries.
Here's how it works. Participating providers take on patients who would otherwise go without laser treatment and treat them at no cost for 12 months. The Sturge-Weber Foundation and the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation help connect families with those providers.
Olympia recently treated her first Sciton Cares patient right here in Palm Harbor. We're hoping there will be plenty more.
Conditions the program was built for
Port-wine stains and vascular birthmarks
Port-wine stains, hemangiomas and other vascular birthmarks, including the ones tied to Sturge-Weber syndrome. These are the patients Sciton Cares was created around.
Scars from burns, surgery or injury
Raised, thick scars can pull on the skin, limit movement and draw attention a person never asked for. Laser treatment is one of the tools used to improve how they look and feel over a series of sessions.
Families facing real barriers
There's no formal income test. The program is meant for people who can't get treatment because of cost, access or where they live. Kids are a big focus, but anyone can apply.
From first message to first treatment
Reach out
Email Olympia or call the office. Tell us about the patient, the condition, and what's kept treatment out of reach so far.
We review
Each Sciton Cares provider reviews requests one at a time. Olympia looks at every request herself.
Evaluation
If it looks like a fit, we'll see the patient in person to make sure laser treatment is safe and appropriate, then build a plan.
A year of care
Accepted patients get their laser treatments at no cost for 12 months. Most conditions take a series of sessions, so we schedule them together.
Spots are limited and acceptance isn't guaranteed. Families can also apply through the Sturge-Weber Foundation.
Using what we know where it matters most
Olympia has spent years getting to know these lasers inside and out. Most days that means sun damage, redness and texture. Using the same skills for a kid who has been self-conscious about a birthmark their whole life is a different kind of rewarding.
We already sponsor local causes we believe in. Sciton Cares lets us give something only a laser clinic can give, and that's the treatment itself.
Curious about the technology? Read more about Sciton BBL HEROic and our laser treatments.
The people behind the program
Sturge-Weber Foundation
Supports people living with Sturge-Weber syndrome and port-wine birthmarks. Their site hosts the Sciton Cares patient application.
Apply through SWFVascular Birthmarks Foundation
Connects families with vascular birthmark specialists and keeps the list of Sciton Cares providers, Olympia included.
See provider listSciton Cares
The program's official home, with its story, its impact so far and participating clinics around the world.
Visit Sciton CaresGood to know
Does Sciton Cares cost anything?
Not for accepted patients. Participating providers treat Sciton Cares patients at no cost for 12 months. We'll walk you through exactly what's included before treatment starts.
Who can apply?
The program is built for people living with port-wine stains and other vascular birthmarks, or with raised scars from burns, surgery or injury, who couldn't otherwise get laser treatment. Applications are open to everyone, and children are a big focus.
Is there an age limit?
Sciton Cares doesn't set one, but each provider decides who they can safely treat. Tell us the patient's age when you reach out and we'll let you know.
Do I have to live in Palm Harbor?
No, but you'll need to get to our office for each session over the year, so think about travel. If you live farther away, the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation keeps a list of Sciton Cares providers in other states and countries.
Is acceptance guaranteed?
No. Every provider reviews requests individually and takes on the patients they're best able to help, and spots are limited. Treatment also depends on an in-person medical evaluation.
What happens after 12 months?
The program covers one year of treatment. If more sessions would help after that, we'll talk through your options honestly before the year is up.
Start the conversation
Email Olympia, give us a call, or apply through the Sturge-Weber Foundation. And if this isn't for you but you know a family it could help, please pass it along.
Olympia@olympiaaesthetics.com
Sciton Cares is a charitable initiative supported by Sciton, Inc. Olympia Aesthetics & Wellness is an independent participating provider. Each provider decides which patients they accept, and every treatment plan requires an in-person medical evaluation.
