News
SPOTMYUV: Your Sunscreen’s New Best Friend
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 20 May 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Prevention
SPOTMYUV, a small, water-resistant sticker applied to any skin exposed to direct sunlight such as your arm or shoulder, helps the wearer know when it is time to reapply their sunscreen by changing color. Throughout the day, a SPOT sticker works to absorb the sunscreen’s UV protecting ingredients at about the same rate as your skin. The SPOT is clear when you are protected by your sunscreen and quickly turns into a deep purple as the sunscreen loses its effectiveness. By monitoring the SPOT, you get a real-time way to monitor your sunscreen without chancing sunburn.
Melanoma Research Alliance Announces $8.1 million in Research Awards
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 27 April 2021 In News, Prevention, Science, Treatment
The Melanoma Research Alliance, the largest non-profit funder of melanoma research, is proud to announce $8.1 million in funding for 34 new research awards. The awards, issued on the cusp of Melanoma Awareness Month, provide critical funding to address urgent unmet needs in melanoma.
A New Treatment Approach in the Arsenal: Neoadjuvent Therapy
23 April 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, News, Science, Treatment
Surgery is the backbone of melanoma treatment and is curative for the vast majority of patients with localized melanoma. However, even if surgery successfully removes all detectible traces of tumor tissue, some patients will still experience a melanoma relapse. Can neoadjuvant therapy, an experimental approach, reduce the risk of recurrence?
Against the Odds: Racing for Melanoma Research
19 April 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Treatment
Patrick O’Neill along with his four closest college friends and fellow Boat Racing, LLC members, find themselves in a very implausible position: first-time horse owners heading to the Kentucky Derby—horseracing’s pinnacle event.
Summer Kramer: Aligning Passion with Purpose
19 April 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Prevention
Frustrated with her inability to find stylish UPF protective clothing after her own melanoma diagnosis, Summer Kramer founded her own company called SUMMERSKIN. Now, eight years later, she has aligned her passion with purpose through a new partnership with the Melanoma Research Alliance.
UV Exposure & Risk of Cutaneous Melanoma in Skin of Color
By Rachel Fischer, Ph.D., Senior Associate, Scientific Program and Grants Administration | 14 April 2021 In News, Prevention, Science
In JAMA Dermatology, a team led by Adewole S. Adamson, MD, from The University of Texas at Austin, investigates whether there is an association, specifically in People of Color, between UV exposure and melanoma. MRA breaks down what this research means and how it should impact your sun safety practices.
Mitch Diamond Honors His Grandfather’s Legacy By Raising Awareness of Melanoma
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 13 April 2021 In Melanoma Stories
Five years ago, when he was just 8-years old, Mitch Diamond lost his grandfather due to melanoma. Now, for his Bar Mitzvah, he’s asking his friends, family, and community to help him raise awareness of and help prevent melanoma.
A Melanoma Miracle Paid Forward
By Tyler Brown, MRA Senior Associate, Patient Engagement & Operations | 26 March 2021
When Lauren was living in Tanzania, she made a bucket list that included 'seeing a miracle." Little did she know she would become her own melanoma miracle. Almost eight years later, she is just beginning her career as a nurse and continues to be NED.
Dr. James Allison on the Path to More Effective Immunotherapies
24 March 2021 In Science, Treatment
When MRA co-founder and Board Chair Debra Black introduced James Allison of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center at MRA’s 2020 Scientific Retreat, she described him as the man “who changed the way cancer patients are treated forever.” This fitting introduction is due to Allison’s pioneering work to mainstream the...
Craig Finds Meaning in His Melanoma Diagnosis in the COVID-19 Era
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 11 March 2021 In Melanoma Stories
“I believe there is a reason that I’m going through this. If I can help prevent someone else’s melanoma, or make their journey easier, or help advance research – that’d be worth it,” says Craig. “I feel honored to be part of the melanoma community. It’s a powerful community – and I feel obligated to do something in support of it.”