The cure for melanoma begins with me.

8 summers ago our family lost my sister-in-law, Pam. We lost a funny, kind, loving mom, nana, sister, wife, and I lost my best friend.  Pam had been a part of my life since I was 11 years old. She was in my life longer than my own mother. Pam, or Ella as my kids called her, battled melanoma in her 30s, had surgery, and lived an amazing life for another 25+ years. The second time hit harder.  She fought.  She got treatment. She got to meet her first grandchild. She got married.  But, at the young age of 59, Pam lost her fight with this awful disease. We miss her terribly and make sure her sense of humor and memories live on. 

On Saturday, May 16th, I will walk with her kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and husband, along with many friends, to remember Pam and to help others with their fight.

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 Miles for Melanoma today.