Category: Melanoma Stories
WATSKIN Founder Lois Robbins' Journey from Diagnosis to Stylish Sun Protection
By Stephanie Kauffman, MRA President & COO | 12 September 2024 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Melanoma Stories, Prevention
Though the summer is officially over according to the calendar, the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays never take a break. Fall serves as an important time to remember and emphasize the importance of protecting our skin year round.
2025 Scientific Retreat & Patient Forum Scholarship
9 September 2024 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Melanoma Stories, Prevention, Science, Treatment
MRA’s Patient Advocate Scientific Retreat & Patient Forum Scholarship encourages the engagement, education, and inclusion of patient advocates in melanoma research by providing support for their attendance at the Annual Melanoma Exchange Patient Forum and Scientific Retreat.
Sun Safety Spotlight: Dawn Stringer’s Early-Stage Melanoma Diagnosis
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 30 July 2024 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Prevention, Treatment
Being a child of the 90s, sun safety wasn’t a top priority for Dawn Stringer. “I remember always having pink shoulders,” said Dawn of growing up in sunny Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Whether from the sun or from tanning beds, having a tan seemed essential.
RARE Registry: Providing Hope Through Innovation
26 July 2024 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Melanoma Stories, News, Prevention, Science, Treatment
Each year approximately 5,000 patients are diagnosed with acral or mucosal melanoma. These rare melanoma subtypes arise in non-sun exposed areas and are not believed to be caused by UV damage. Due to the relative obscurity of these rare subtypes, patients face mounting challenges ranging from late diagnoses, lack of support,...
MRA's Latest Research Report: We Are Melanoma Research
19 July 2024 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Melanoma Stories, News, Prevention, Science, Treatment
Each year, the Melanoma Research Alliance brings together melanoma thought leaders from across the global research community to exchange ideas, share recent scientific successes and hurdles, forge new collaborations, and connect with the patient advocate community.
Stage 4 Mucosal Melanoma to No Evidence of Disease: Dane Thorp's Journey
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 26 June 2024 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Prevention, Science, Treatment
“I can’t hide the fact that I had melanoma,” said Stage 4 mucosal melanoma survivor Dane Thorp. “And when I share my story with others, I always emphasize the importance of being your own advocate.”
Melanoma Awareness Month 2024: In Case You Missed It
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 30 May 2024 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Melanoma Stories, News, Prevention, Science, Treatment
Throughout the last 31 days, the entire melanoma community has come together to recognize Melanoma Awareness Month. The community heard from leading experts in the field, connected with other patient advocates, and spread awareness of melanoma and the importance of prevention, early detection, and the impact of research.
Kelly McWhinney's Melanoma Journey of Perseverance and Perspective
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 13 May 2024 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Prevention, Science, Treatment
In March of 2022, Kelly McWhinney was a busy mother to her one and two-year-old daughters Mia and Blakely. Life was as hectic as expected for the 27-year-old, but when she noticed that a mole on her back was suddenly changing, she decided to call her dermatologist.
Melanoma Awareness Month: Ways to Get Involved
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 29 April 2024 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Melanoma Stories, News, Prevention, Science, Treatment
Melanoma Awareness Month, held each May, is an occasion to connect and be in community with others who have been touched by melanoma. With this month brings the opportunity to join forces with other melanoma advocates to raise awareness of melanoma research, the importance of early detection, and the many...
Why I Step – Jeff Heaser
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 18 April 2024 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Melanoma Stories, Prevention, Science, Treatment
In the summer of 2017, Jeff Heaser's eldest son, Jake, received a devastating diagnosis: Stage 4 melanoma. Over the following several years to treat his melanoma, Jake underwent multiple surgeries, radiation treatment, BRAF targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and countless blood tests and scans through Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.