Category: Melanoma Stories
Living Life With Melanoma
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 13 September 2019 In Melanoma Stories
Ken Billett’s life-long journey with melanoma began in 1995 when he took a leap of faith and had a spot checked out on his shoulder at a health expo. He knew that he had had more than his fair share of sunburns growing up in Florida during the 60’s and...
One Day at a Time: Dylan Overcomes Depression & Melanoma
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 12 August 2019 In Melanoma Stories
Melanoma taught Dylan to stay in the moment and to tackle things one day at a time. There were so many things that were outside of Dylan's control, so he decided to focus on the things that he could do something about.
Acral Melanoma & Adjuvant Therapy – One Patient’s Decision
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 23 July 2019 In Melanoma Stories, Treatment
When David was diagnosed with Stage 3 acral melanoma he faced a major decision. The surgery to remove it was successful - but should he move forward with adjuvant therapy to reduce the risk of it returning? Learn more about the benefits - and risks - of this approach and read what David decided.
What Comes Next? The New Normal After Melanoma
7 July 2019 In Melanoma Stories
Although many patients and their loved ones would like to put melanoma behind them, it tends to be a lifetime journey. From life- long prevention concerns, fear of recurrence, feelings of isolation, and survivor’s guilt - get insight into the ‘new normal’ after melanoma.
Mohs Surgery for Melanoma In Situ – Where We Stand
10 June 2019 In Melanoma Stories, Science
While effective and time tested, Wide Local Excision can cause significant scarring and even loss of function when performed in delicate areas. For non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, an alternative ‘tissue-sparing’ procedure is frequently performed called Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Can Mohs Surgery be safely used in melanoma in situ?
Fighting For Her Life with a Clinical trial
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 7 June 2019 In Melanoma Stories, Science, Treatment
Colleen Wittoesch was a regular volunteer at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She came to the hospital every week to help out and spend time with patients and families in the melanoma clinic for going on seven years. Little did she know that in 2016 she too would walk through the clinic doors as a patient.
Highlights from the 2019 Scientific Retreat
30 May 2019 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Melanoma Stories, News, Prevention, Science, Treatment
Over the course of three days, MRA convened over 300 people from across the melanoma research community: patients, doctors, researchers, industry, and government. Participants discussed everything from new treatment approaches such as RNA-based vaccines, strategies to fight back against treatment resistance, and hurdles to testing neo-adjuvant therapies in melanoma.
Police Lieutenant Tackles Melanoma in Phoenix
13 May 2019 In Melanoma Stories, Prevention
After being diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma, Chris Eyrich is committed to raising awareness about melanoma. He works to raise awareness of the unique occupational hazards faced by people who work primarily outdoors, such as police officers and other public servants.
How Jaqueline’s Promise and Persistence Paid Off
5 March 2019 In Melanoma Stories
Melanoma wasn't supposed to happen to Jacqueline. Melanoma was supposed to be a disease that older, white women got, not 21-year-old African Americans. "People often think having more melanin makes them from developing melanoma. But they’re wrong,” Jacqueline says.
Doing Good in Rebecca's Name
7 February 2019 In Melanoma Stories
It was March of 2005 when Christine Garrison’s life changed forever. She received the phone call that no mother ever wants to receive. Her daughter Rebecca’s suspicious mole was, in fact, Stage 3 melanoma.