My dad, Steve O'Connor, was diagnosed with Melanoma in the spring of 2021. The cancer was removed and he began receiving treatment with Keytruda to help fight any additional cancers. The treatments seemed to be working well through summer of 2022.

In the late summer of 2022, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and we tried alternative treatments to attack the spreading cancer. After a couple of allergic reactions to the new medicine options, a revised plan was finally setup.

Within the weeks of treatment changes, the cancer had spread to his brain in late September. A treatment round of radiation began in early October. After completing his radiation treatment, my Dad had a fall while walking in the house and was brought to the hospital where it was discovered that the radiation treatment had been unsuccessful. After a few weeks in the hospital, we brought him home where he was able to enjoy his last month in as much comfort as we could provide.

Though not a runner himself, my Dad was always an avid spectator and enjoyed attending our races whenever he could. We knew this would be a great way to help honor his memory and fight this terrible illness.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/williamsburg-va/stephen-oconnor-11049548

Melanoma is the deadliest and fastest growing form of skin cancer and we all want a cure to be found soon. Miles for Melanoma is the way people come together to take action and help support this fight and the mission of the Melanoma Research Foundation.

Every step matters and every step counts. Significant advancement has been made in the past few years in improved detection, new drug treatments and better survival rates. This progress has been built on the breakthroughs made fighting other types of cancers, as well as the existing foundation of melanoma research.

There is more to be done and a long way to go, but the finish line is in sight. The energy, enthusiasm and encouragement from patients, survivors, families, friends, caregivers, and the medical community impacts many lives and many future.

Step up and donate to or join our team today!