Category: Melanoma Stories
From Dermatology to Treatment: Second Opinions, Clinical Trials & becoming Your Own Best Advocate
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 29 May 2020 In Melanoma Stories, Science, Treatment
Through his journey with melanoma, Patrick has learned the importance of always being his own best advocate, getting second opinions, and considering clinical trials.
Facing Melanoma Together
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 20 May 2020 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories
Measuring the progress of melanoma research through numbers isn’t hard. What’s harder to quantify – or to even put into words – is the individual impact that this research makes in the lives of patients and their loved ones. It's this human impact that Facing Melanoma Together, a series of black and white photographs, helps bring to the forefront.
From Anger to Hope – One Uveal Melanoma Patient’s Journey
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 20 May 2020 In Melanoma Stories
Unlike many of the stories featured by CureMelanoma.org, Melody Burchett’s journey with melanoma didn’t start at her dermatologist’s office. Instead, Melody's journey with melanoma began with a pair of broken glasses that needed replacing, ASAP.
To the Twilight Zone & Back – Ian Schuman’s Story
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 31 March 2020 In Melanoma Stories
For Ian Schuman, the news of his melanoma diagnosis came as a shock. For him, it all started in the spring of 2018 when he noticed a small lump on his left collar bone. As part of preliminary testing before the surgery to remove it, he also had a biopsy.
Dr. Villanueva Takes Aim at NRAS Mutant Melanoma
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 28 March 2020 In Melanoma Stories, Science, Treatment
When Dr. Villanueva began her work in melanoma, some 15 years ago, it was the perfect scientific challenge. How could a disease be so aggressive – and still be such a mystery?
Then things got personal.
Stage 4 Melanoma, a Vaccine Clinical Trial, and the Power of Family & Faith
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 7 February 2020 In Melanoma Stories, Science, Treatment
“Clinical trials allow you to take advantage of the latest research and experiences from doctors and patients who’re blazing the trails. Clinical trials are also a way for you to help the next person who is going to have to go through this. If you have the opportunity to be part of something that helps others, why wouldn’t you at least try it?”
Brown Skin Too: If You Have Skin, You Can Get Skin Cancer
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 6 December 2019 In Melanoma Stories, Prevention
While pervasive, the myth that people of color don’t need to worry about skin cancer, is entirely untrue. And while the rates of skin cancer among people of color are lower than rates for people with lighter skin, low risk doesn’t mean no risk.
Bob Enrolls in Clinical Trial Testing NeoAdjuvant Therapy for Melanoma
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 2 November 2019 In Melanoma Stories, Science, Treatment
After being diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma, Bob chose to enroll in a clinical trial at Georgetown University, comparing the effectiveness of treating melanoma with pembrolizumab before or after surgery, what doctors call neo-adjuvant and adjuvant therapy respectively.
MRA is Raising the Treatment Bar
31 October 2019 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Science, Treatment
We have made unprecedented progress that is transforming what it means to be diagnosed with melanoma. Today, we have more treatment options than ever before—in fact 12 new options have earned FDA approval since MRA's founding. But, it's still not enough.
Take Control After a Melanoma Diagnosis
25 September 2019 In Melanoma Stories, Treatment
You are used to giving the marching orders to your own body, but when cancer steers it in the wrong direction, it can feel like you are no longer in control. Yet this is when it’s most important to take control, stressed melanoma physicians, patients, and advocates at the 2019...