Melanoma > Exchange is a free online melanoma treatment and research focused discussion group and support community. Through the Melanoma > Exchange, anyone touched by Melanoma can find support, ask questions, and build community among people who share a similar experience. Group members share personal experiences and insight, the latest treatment news, and more in this supportive setting. The community is led by patients who have been personally affected by melanoma and MRA staff.
The Melanoma > Exchange is led by a passionate group of patients and caregivers with firsthand understanding of melanoma and clinical trials.
Jamie Goldfarb was a new mom when she was stunned to learn that her
melanoma – first diagnosed with Stage II and a year later Stage III – had
returned and progressed to Stage IV, spreading to her liver and pancreas. With
traditional treatments offering little hope, Jamie and her husband, both clinical
trial professionals, turned to experts in the field and were directed to a tumor-
infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) trial at the National Cancer Institute. Though her
condition initially worsened, four months into treatment her tumors began to
shrink dramatically. By 2014, she was declared disease free. Jamie credits the
clinical trial with saving her life and now works to ensure other patients
understand the life-saving potential of clinical research.
Keith Tolley’s melanoma journey began with a mole that had started to grow and
bleed. A biopsy confirmed his worst fear: it was melanoma. Surgeons removed
the tumor and lymph nodes, revealing that the disease had started to spread.
Although initially managed with close monitoring, a recurrence led to a Stage 4
diagnosis. Keith enrolled in a clinical trial testing a personalized cancer vaccine
with immunotherapy, but when his cancer progressed, he pivoted to the proven
combination immunotherapy ipilimumab + nivolumab. While managing side
effects from treatment, scans revealed that it was working – his tumors shrank.
Through it all, Keith leaned on his faith, his family, and his trusted care team.
Today, he’s a strong advocate for clinical trials, crediting them not only with giving
him access to innovative treatments, but with helping pave the way for others.
When Cheryl Adams’ nine-year-old son Graham was diagnosed with melanoma
in 2013, she quickly learned how few treatment options existed for children. After
surgery, Graham’s doctors recommended a “watch and wait” approach. However,
in 2017, the FDA approved ipilimumab for pediatric patients 12 and older with
unresectable or metastatic melanoma – representing the first immunotherapy
option for children – and offering new hope to families like hers. From this
experience, Cheryl emphasizes the importance of seeking second opinions and
pushing for access to top cancer centers and remains hopeful that there will be
more research investments and treatment equity for pediatric melanoma patients.
She gives back by supporting other parents who are going through similar
situations and the biggest piece of advice she offers is to “never settle.”
Read more of Cheryl and Graham’s story
Dr. Beth Strow’s advocacy journey was shaped not only by her diverse medical
training as a dermatologist, but also by her personal battle with melanoma. After
initially detecting an atypical mole on herself in the early 2000s, her disease
progressed over two decades from Stage 1 to Stage 4, involving multiple
surgeries, therapies, and clinical trials. Despite being told she had no options,
she persisted, joining a trial for a BRAF inhibitor that temporarily cleared her liver
metastases. Later, she faced brain metastases and severe side effects from
immunotherapy, eventually stabilizing her disease with BRAF/MEK targeted
therapy and gamma knife radiation. Today, she still undergoes treatment for her
disease. Her experience as both patient and doctor profoundly shaped her
approach to care, emphasizing advocacy, early detection, and compassionate
support. Though she had to retire in 2020 due to side effects, she continues to be
a powerful voice in the melanoma community.
Read more of Dr. Strow’s story
After months of unexplained and extreme pain and many visits to the doctor,
Kellie received a shocking Stage 4 melanoma diagnosis. She started targeted
therapy to treat her advanced disease but soon had trouble tolerating treatment.
Through her own self-advocacy, Kellie was able to make a plan with her
oncologist to receive the lowest possible treatment dose to mitigate further side
effects, while still receiving the treatment that was saving her life. “I continued to
be my own advocate as I researched everything that could keep me alive and
healthy,” she said. Today, Kellie is No Evidence of Disease (NED), and expresses
gratitude for the research and advances in the field of melanoma. She remains
hopeful and excited for future developments that will help improve the lives of all
patients, serving as an advocate and resource to other melanoma patients and
caregivers.
