Stephanie’s Soldiers is so much more than just a team name. It represents the army of people who stood beside my mom, Stephanie Heart, throughout her seven-year battle with melanoma. Back in 2019, family, friends, and an entire community of supporters came together as Stephanie’s Soldiers to participate in the Philadelphia Miles for Melanoma walk. This year, I decided to bring the team back in honor of my mom, to carry on the mission she cared so deeply about.

Stephanie’s journey began in 2018, when a dark spot beneath the nail of her left great toe appeared, leading to a diagnosis of acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), a very rare form of melanoma that develops on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or beneath the nails. Due to the way ALM presents, it is often overlooked. Early in Stephanie’s journey, her concerns were initially dismissed by the first medical professional she saw about the spot on her toe. Thankfully, she trusted her instincts and advocated for herself by seeking a second opinion. That act of self-advocacy gave her, and all those who love her, the gift of seven more years of life.

Despite the odds stacked against her, Stephanie refused to back down. For seven years, she beat every prognosis she was given, thanks in no small part to the expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication of her incredible team at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Each and every one of her doctors not only cared for her as their patient, but they went above and beyond, showing her humanity in its truest form. Both her and myself, along with everyone who’s been fighting alongside her all these years, simply cannot thank Fox Chase enough.

On September 17, 2025, melanoma took Stephanie’s life at just 52 years old.

But it will NEVER take away her legacy.

I am dedicated to keeping her voice, her spirit, and the tremendous impact she continues to have on so many people, alive. Whether you donate, join our team, or simply share Stephanie’s story, you can help me do just that.

All proceeds go directly to the Melanoma Research Foundation’s efforts to fund groundbreaking research, promote patient advocacy, raise awareness, and move us toward a future where fewer people and families have to experience the devastation of this horrible disease.

Join me in carrying on Stephanie’s legacy!

With gratitude,

Amanda Heart