MARCH UPDATES

 This year, more than 100,000 people will hear the words “you have melanoma.”  

And yet, skin cancer remains one of the least discussed public health threats. 

After all, how harmful can a freckle be?

Today I am focusing on a group of people called  “thrivers” – folks in my extended network who have faced, and beat, melanoma. Thrivers not only go through a threatening life event, but they show subsequent growth because of the experience

• Dave C -- I had      melanoma about 15 years ago, fortunately caught it early before it had      spread.  Only 1 lymph node had to be removed, clear after.       Which reminds me I need to get back into the dermatologist.
• Pauline D -- Had      melanoma (twice) and has recovered. 
• David L -- I've      survived many threats to my life, most recently surviving cardiac arrest      and I’ve been dealing with skin cancer for most of my adult life. I first      became aware of my skin cancer sometime in 1995 when I went to a      dermatologist to have a small skin tag removed from one of my eyelids.      After a brief examination, the doctor said I should “forget about” having      the skin tag removed and, instead, have a small suspicious-looking growth      (I hadn’t noticed) removed from one of my cheeks.   
• Paul T -- I am a      melanoma skin cancer survivor and prostate cancer survivor. Thank you,      Paul, for taking this on. Our prayers are with you.
• Leanne G – Last      year, I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma - a small dime-size growth      on my shin that I failed to notice growing and turning black.  It was      spotted because of a different suspicious mole on my back that brought me      to a Dermatologist for a full body mole check (I have since learned it’s      recommended to get these checks once per year when you hit 50 — somehow, I      missed that memo). I had surgery and they got it all, praise God.
• Rick -- Battled      Melanoma 2x over the last 15 years and has won with new treatments.

And then there’s my new friend David Hartshorne – an avid skier, biker, hiker, and swimmer – and one of those guys with endless enthusiasm and positivity. 

David’s 65 now and little did I know that Melanoma hit him hard at age 55. 

See how David’s story ended at https://www.hoag.org/patient-stories/melanoma-survivor-thankful-for-hoags-new-melanoma-advanced-skin/

Do you know someone who has faced melanoma? It would be my privilege to walk in their honor as I strive to raise $100,000 for Melanoma Research Alliance. Nominate them today!

 I have been blown away by your generosity and we are now just shy of halfway to the goal of raising $100,000 for Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA).

MRA-funded investigators have been behind every major breakthrough in melanoma research since its founding, including bringing the brand-new TIL therapy to reality last month. That’s 15 new FDA-approved treatments that have transformed what it means to be diagnosed, treated for, and live with melanoma. 

Thank you for the continued support of this amazing organization and remember to check your skin for changes regularly.

February Recap:

--Miles Walked – 150.35

--Funds Raised -- $49,475

--Two dozen nominations received for people who have been affected by melanoma.