I have been exceptionally fortunate to have a great dermatologist, Dr. Mark Sornson of Sharp Rees-Stealey, who caught my first melanoma when it was just an ugly mole on my arm. That was 10 years ago and he also caught another little bugger when it was just in situ. So, the first thing I want to say is "check your skin regularly" for moles behaving oddly. As a surfer, I've known too many friends and acquaintances who have been brought down by melanoma and my heart is still broken for the young husband and father who had been a youth in my church only a few years before melanoma took him from his family and friends.

It would be a real boon to have your support for the work of the Melanoma Research Foundation. I'm going to be walking (with brief episodes of trotting) at the Miles for Melanoma event starting at Aztec Cove on Mission Bay Saturday, November 3. If you'd like to join me, that would be thrill! If not, i would welcome your donation. 

As a survivor of melanoma, the news is very encouraging even just in the last year. New approaches to treatment and new treatments are being tested in research institutes all over. This is a great time to contribute to potentially major strides in treatment and care.

Thanks for your involvement!

Doug