Connecting the Dots Between Patients and Research
The connection between patients and research seems obvious. Patients win when research delivers new and better treatment options. However, the relationship does not flow in just one direction. It is a reciprocal relationship, as research would not be possible without patient volunteers. Put simply, patients need research, but research also needs patients.
MRA is committed to helping patients and their families understand how research affects them and their treatment decisions, and how patients help to advance research. In 2017, MRA made considerable progress in connecting these dots with the launch of two new tools, the Melanoma Exchange and the Clinical Trial Navigator. These tools bring MRA’s work full circle from helping to develop new treatment approaches to helping patients understand and find the best option for them, while also helping patients advance research.
Melanoma > Exchange Community Leaders
Tracy Callahan
T.J. Sharpe
Jamie Troil Goldfarb
Cheryl Trocke
Melanoma > Exchange, available at www.curemelanoma.org/community is a vibrant online community led by patients and caregivers with firsthand understanding of melanoma and clinical trials and experts from the MRA staff. Together, these community leaders have cultivated a unique environment where patients can get true insight into key milestones such as being diagnosed, choosing and going through treatment or finding the right clinical trial, and addressing any implications with friends and family.
The Melanoma > Exchange is a free and open online community dedicated melanoma treatment and research focused discussion group and support community.
