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| | The Magnitude of Leaving a Legacy
Did you know that only 33% of Americans have a will? August is National Make-A-Will month and while the task of making a will often seems overwhelming, it is a critically important tool to both take care of your loved ones and support the causes you care about long into the future. Over the years, many donors have thoughtfully included the MRF in their estate plans. Their generosity has enabled us to fund more research, create programs to directly support patients and caregivers and continue our fight to cure melanoma.
We recently launched a free tool, Freethat will help you create a will to document your wishes. If you have questions, we are happy to help. Please email lreilly@melanoma.org.
Kyleigh M. LiPira, MBA
CEO
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| Honor the Melanoma Community at the Denver Gala! |
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| We are less than ONE MONTH away from our remarkable 13th Annual Denver Gala on Thursday, September 19 at the Infinity Park Event Center! As a key component of the event, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) will be honored with the Corporate Responsibility Award in recognition of their exceptional dedication and significant contributions to melanoma treatments and patient care. The MRF will present and honor Robert Breeze, MD from UCHealth Neurosciences Center with the Humanitarian Award for his dedication to fighting melanoma through exemplary patient care, cutting edge research and scientific leadership. The MRF will also celebrate Kelly Gallagher-Abbott, David A. Henry and Nancy Nelson (posthumous), accepted on her behalf by brother and event emcee Mike Nelson for the bravery they exemplified in facing melanoma. Lisa Twining, BSN, RN, Oncology Nurse Navigator at Sarah Cannon will receive the Compassionate Care Award in recognition of her unparalleled dedication and compassion in which she treats her patients. Gala attendees will celebrate the melanoma community through a seated dinner, an exciting auction featuring unique items and experiences including a signed Cale Makar Jersey, hike and paint outings all the way to Hamilton tickets, special presentations and an exciting Fund-a-Grant that will help enable the next groundbreaking treatment. |
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| | Teddi Mellencamp Headlines the New York City Gala! |
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| The MRF is thrilled to announce that TV personality, wellness coach, co-host of the “Two Ts in a Pod” podcast, 2023 #GetNaked Spokesperson and melanoma patient, Teddi Mellencampoin us for an evening of inspiration to make a lasting impact on the melanoma community! As a melanoma patient and advocate, Teddi’s dedication to eradicating melanoma is deeply personal. This inspirational evening honors the melanoma community, including courageous patients, caregivers and trailblazing clinicians, all while helping raise critical funds to drive melanoma research and treatment innovation. Join us for an unforgettable night and be part of the mission to find a cure. Click here to read the full press release. |
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| New York Gala Volunteer Highlight – Susan Reynolds |
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| Struck by the devastating loss of her brother-in-law Michael to melanoma, Susan Reynolds felt a profound need to take action against this relentless disease. Michael, who lost his mother to melanoma as an infant and courageously battled it himself for 25 years, left a lasting impact on Susan with his unwavering strength and love, especially during her own grief over losing her son. Determined to honor Michael’s memory and protect others from the same fate, Susan was drawn to the MRF. She has since become a dedicated member of the NYC Gala’s Host Committee and has taken on key volunteer roles, all driven by her deep commitment to fighting melanoma and supporting the community affected by it. Read her full story below. |
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| | | Update on Federal Commitment to Melanoma Research |
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Before leaving for August recess, both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees released their markups for the FY25 Defense Appropriations Bill. Both chambers of Congress indicated $40 million in support for the Defense-funded Melanoma Research Program (MRP), part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). While this amount does not indicate an increase in funding from previous years, the MRF is pleased to see continued and steady support of the MRP, particularly as the Republican-controlled House and Democratic majority Senate have previewed very different budgetary priorities in their appropriations work.
Congress will return from recess after Labor Day and when they do, they must vote on, pass and conference all twelve appropriations bills before the end of the fiscal year on September 30. Failure to agree on spending amounts between the House and Senate, a likely scenario due to the differences in party control, will jeopardize their ability to pass the new federal budget before the deadline. However, should Congress find themselves unable to meet the deadline, they could issue a continuing resolution to keep the federal government funded until a resolution can be found.
The MRF will continue to monitor Congressional activity and keep our advocates up to date on when federal budgetary decisions are issued.
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| Understanding Melanoma Clinical Trials |
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| Clinical trials are crucial in the fight against melanoma, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments while contributing to the advancement of medical research. By participating in a clinical trial, patients help scientists and doctors discover more effective ways to treat and potentially cure melanoma. The Melanoma Clinical Trial Finder is an invaluable tool that connects patients with trials tailored to their specific diagnosis, ensuring they receive the most up-to-date care options available. Additionally, the Understanding Clinical Trials in Melanoma Animated Patient Video provides an easy-to-understand overview of how clinical trials work, the potential benefits, and what to expect when participating- you will also hear from experts in clinical trials and two patients who have experienced melanoma clinical trials. Together, these resources empower patients to make informed decisions about their treatment journey and contribute to life-saving research.
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| | Upcoming Miles for Melanoma 5ks |
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| We’re almost halfway through our Miles for Melanoma 5K season! Don’t miss out and get ready to join us this fall: New York, NY (September 14), Morristown, NJ (September 15), Seattle, WA (October 5), Los Angeles, CA (October 6), San Diego, CA (October 20), Atlanta, GA (November 3) and San Francisco, CA (November 10). Don’t wait—register now, rally your team and take advantage of our exciting fundraising rewards. Your involvement plays a crucial role in the fight against melanoma. Join us and be part of the change—we can make a difference together! |
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| Patty Pophal's Interview with New Day Cleveland and Apex Skin! |
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| Patty Pophal has been a leader in the Cleveland Miles for Melanoma community for years, chairing the community to raise over $100,000 for melanoma research. Check out her interview with New Day Cleveland and Apex Skin to hear about why she is so passionate about this cause and why she encourages all to join us, participate and donate to support our mission. Watch the full interview below. |
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We encourage you to join us at the next Together Against Melanoma: Patient & Caregiver Symposium held in partnership with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center on Saturday, September 14 from 9:00am – 3:00pm ET. This hybrid educational event convenes melanoma patients, caregivers and supporters for a one day engaging symposium that covers topics ranging from diagnosis, treatment and supportive care. Both cutaneous and ocular melanoma community members are encouraged to register and attend! Click the button below to view the agenda and register today!
Educational Events Recap: Advancing Knowledge through Collaboration!
On August 8, we held our Ask the Expert webinar titled “Surgical Management of Melanoma” which highlighted how surgery plays a key role in the melanoma treatment landscape. This webinar featured melanoma experts Drs. Sanjay Bagaria, James Jakub and Leila Tolaymat from the Mayo Clinic in Florida. Click the button below to watch the full video and the other recordings from our previous Ask the Expert series.
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| | Get Ready for the 4th Annual #GetNakedJax |
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#GetNakedJax presented by Dream Finder Homes will take place on Thursday, October 10 at the Yards Greenhouse in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. #GetNakedJax unites the greater Jacksonville melanoma community for an evening of cocktails, dinner, live entertainment by The Band Be Easy, a spectacular live auction and speakers who will highlight the importance of melanoma awareness and prevention. The event celebrates the progress that has been made in the melanoma community and raises funds to advance medical research, to educate patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and to act as an advocate for the melanoma community.
To learn more, support and/or attend this year’s #GetNakedJax event, click below.
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| Bonfire Merch – #SpotTheDog During Pediatric Melanoma Awareness Month |
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| Summer’s wrapping up—grab your merch before it’s gone! Shop our vibrant collection today and make a difference in the fight against melanoma. With Pediatric Melanoma Awareness Month just around the corner in September, don’t miss out on our special pediatric melanoma shirts to show your support. Each purchase directly aids our mission to advance melanoma research, educate patients and doctors and advocate for those affected by melanoma. Click below to shop our merch and support the cause today! |
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