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Each November, the MRF’s CURE OM initiative is proud to bring you the #EyeGetDilated campaign—an awareness campaign that shares powerful patient and survivor stories and reminds all about the importance of routine eye exams. Did you know that a simple dilated eye exam can help detect signs of ocular melanoma early? Throughout the month, we’re sharing resources, expert tips and real-life stories that underscore the critical role of eye health in maintaining good overall health including early detection of cancer.
My name is Ryann Daniels, and I am the MRF’s program coordinator for the CURE OM initiative. If you have questions about OM or need assistance finding resources and support, please contact us at .
Join the CURE OM initiative on this journey to make eye health a priority! The CURE OM initiative is completely supported by the community it serves. With your help, we can do even more to support the ocular melanoma community and provide the resources necessary to provide better outcomes to patient and their loved ones. Please consider making an end of year tax-deductible gift to support the CURE OM initiative.
Warm regards,
Ryann Daniels, MSSA, LISW
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SAVE THE DATE! CURE OM Eyes on a CURE: Ocular Melanoma Patient & Caregiver Symposium |
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Photo: 13th Annual Eyes on a Cure: Patient & Caregiver Symposium
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Location: Cleveland, OH, in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute
Join us for an engaging symposium featuring:
Stay tuned for more details!
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Advancing Ocular Melanoma Research Through the 13th Annual CURE OM Global Science Meeting |
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Photo: 2024 CURE OM Global Science Meeting
CURE OM catalyzed the OM research field through its innovative approach to the 13th Annual CURE OM Global Science Meeting held on Wednesday, October 9. Each year, CURE OM organizes this global science meeting in conjunction with the Society for Melanoma Research Congress (SMR) to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation aimed at discovering effective treatments—and ultimately a cure—for OM. This year’s meeting brought together leading OM researchers and clinicians as well as patients and industry partners to discuss pivotal research, all with the shared goal of improving outcomes for patients.
Key topics included leveraging opportunities and overcoming challenges to advance new targets and preclinical research, adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies, liver-directed treatments, and cell therapies. The meeting underscored the progress made in ocular melanoma research, highlighting collaborative initiatives to advance therapies and improve patient outcomes, while strategizing how to address the unmet need in the field. Participants reinforced the critical need for ongoing collaboration, data sharing, tumor tissue sharing and addressing implementation and access barriers to drive continued advancements in this rare cancer.
To learn more about the key topics discussed, read the CURE OM Global Science Meeting Blog below.
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CURE OM's Latest Scientific Publication Photo: 2023 CURE OM Global Science Meeting
Exciting news! We are thrilled to share the CURE OM initiative’s latest scientific publication. The report from the 2023 CURE OM Global Science meeting, held in Philadelphia, PA, was published on October 9th, 2024 in the journal of Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research. The report focuses on advancements in understanding OM and innovative research, treatment strategies and the importance of patient advocacy. The meeting aimed to enhance collaboration among researchers, clinicians and patients to therapies and clinical trials, fostering a comprehensive dialogue on OM research.
Publication co-author, Dr. Rino S. Seedor, medical oncologist from Jefferson Health, highlighted the importance of the CURE OM Global Science Meeting not only as a collaboration opportunity for researchers, but also highlighted it as an opportunity to advance the landscape of uveal melanoma treatment ultimately benefiting patients. Dr. Seedor shared, “I really look forward to attending the CURE OM Global Science Meeting every year. The CURE OM Global Science Meeting is a unique meeting that brings together experts in the field of ocular melanoma from all across the world. It allows clinicians, researchers, industry partners, and patients to come together to discuss the progress and challenges of ocular melanoma management. In a rare cancer such as ocular melanoma, in order to make progress in the field it is crucial for everyone to work together and not in silos. There is increased awareness and dedicated research into this rare disease, but unmet needs remain in the prevention, detection, and treatment of UM. The 2023 Global Science Meeting marked the first year we held an Industry Panel and a panel to discuss real-world experiences of an FDA approved therapy specifically for metastatic UM, which speaks to the growing interest in UM. I hope that this meeting sparks more multi-institutional collaborations and progress in the field of UM.”
To read the article, click below. |
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| Get Involved with the CURE OM Initiative |
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Photo: Team CURE OM from our 2022 NYC Miles for Melanoma 5K
Here’s how you can get involved: join the Eyes on a CURE: Patient and Caregiver Symposium Planning Committee, participate in the CURE OM Patient and Family Committee, use your voice to advance key legislative melanoma issues and register for Advocacy Days (March 2-4), participate as a research grant reviewer, join a Miles for Melanoma CURE OM team or attend a Gala in Denver or New York City.
Please take a few moments to fill out our brief survey here to express your interest and tell us a bit more about how you would like to get involved to help extend the CURE OM’s mission.
We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a lasting impact! If you have any questions, please contact cureom@melanoma.org.
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| Participate in the VISION Platform Today!
The Virtual Information System to Improve Outcomes and Networks (VISION) Platform was developed in close collaboration with patients, researchers and clinicians to create a central place for the OM community to come together, support one another and share their knowledge and experience to advance research. We believe you’ll find the new enhanced design and features both intuitive and inspiring.
Resources have been specifically developed for the global OM community, including a clinical trials connector tool that helps participants find trials they could be eligible for. A participant reported their experience: “This innovative platform is making a difference by fostering connections and opening doors to finding clinical trials that work for you. Let’s take advantage of these resources and support one another on this journey!” Click here to join today.
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| | Ask the Expert
Virtual | November 20th at 7:30 PM ET
Join this webinar discussion about uveal melanoma (UM) and the importance of annual screenings, including dilated eye exams. Hear firsthand from Dr. Andrew Stacey, associate professor of ocular oncology at the University of Washington and uveal melanoma patient, Garth Corner, about his treatment journey, including the impact on his life and the importance of early intervention. At the conclusion of the discussion, there will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions of the panelists. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain knowledge, support and inspiration. A special thanks to Aura Biosciences for their sponsorship of the CURE OM initiative's educational offerings. Register now to secure your spot. Photo: Team Cure OM for Cary & Vince from our 2024 San Diego Miles for Melanoma 5K
Join an Upcoming Miles for Melanoma 5K and Form/Join an OM Team!
This fall, our Miles for Melanoma 5K program was energized by two exceptional teams who represented the OM community with passion and determination at our Los Angeles and San Diego events. Team Fe De Abuela from LA, led by team captain, Claudia Thatcher, achieved an impressive milestone by raising $17,603.77 in support of our cause. Alongside them, Team Cure OM for Cary & Vince from San Diego, led by the dedicated Denise Nourani, raised an incredible $3,780.90. We are immensely grateful to both of these teams and their captains for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm. Their efforts not only raised crucial funds but also brought awareness and support to those impacted by OM.
Check out our upcoming events below:
Fort Myers, FL on Saturday, December 14th, 2024
Miami, FL on Sunday, February 9th, 2025 Shop for a Cause to support the OM Community this #GivingTuesday with Revo
New York, NY | December 3rd, 2024
The MRF and Revo are thrilled to host an evening of cocktails and conversation around ocular melanoma awareness. This special event will take place on Tuesday, December 3rd, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Revo store in Soho, NY. Guests will enjoy an intimate conversation at 6:15 PM with Dr. James R. Kelly, MD, and Revo CEO, Cliff Robinson, as they discuss the importance of awareness and innovation in fighting ocular melanoma.
Plus, attendees can shop with a purpose, receiving 20% off their purchases, with a percentage of proceeds directly supporting the MRF. Don’t miss this chance to sip, shop and support a cause that matters this #GivingTuesday. Together, we can make a difference!
RSVP to Melissa Breitbart at melissa@live4life.co
Can't attend the event? Not a problem! Stop by the Revo Soho store anytime through December 31st and mention the MRF or visit the link here and use code MRF20 at checkout. Advocacy Days
Washington, DC | March 2 - 4, 2025
Join melanoma patients, caregivers, supporters and advocates from across the country to learn about issues facing the melanoma community, our community’s key legislative priorities and then share your story with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Register here to join us in our nation's capital to help advocate for issues impacting the OM community!
Travel scholarship applications for Advocacy Days will be accepted until Friday, November 29th (5:00pm EST). Please contact advocacy@melanoma.org for more information and to access the scholarship application. |
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Event Recap: Your Next Step is the Cure 5K
On October 5th, Your Next Step is the Cure 5K brought together 200 enthusiastic participants, raising an impressive total of $16,440. Since its inception in November 2017, race directors, OM survivor and caregiver, Bernadette Boyle and Linda O’Brien have grown this event from its humble beginnings when it started at E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin, FL. Each year, they have successfully increased both the number of registrants, and the funds raised, all of which have been donated to CURE OM. This annual event not only highlights the importance of awareness for this rare disease but also emphasizes the necessity of regular eye exams. Bernadette and Linda are dedicated to continuing this mission, ensuring that every step taken is a step toward a cure. We thank them for all the work they do!
Read Jon Davis' OM Patient Story here!
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| | Join an Ocular Melanoma Online Support Group |
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We invite you to participate in our upcoming CURE OM online support groups, which take place monthly on the first Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EST and on the fourth Thursday from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM EST, specifically for patients and caregivers. These monthly groups provide a supportive environment to discuss diagnosis, treatment, medical updates, peer questions, reflections and more. CURE OM online support groups offer a safe space for OM patients to connect and share their experiences. For more information or to join a group, please reach out to education@melanoma.org.
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| OM in the News and Community! |
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Ocumel Canada invites you to attend the FREE 2nd Annual Ocular Melanoma Patient & Caregiver Symposium. Join Ocumel Canada and Save Your Skin Foundation virtually on November 30 and December 1, to gain valuable insights into primary and metastatic OM, treatment options and testing. This event will feature presentations from leading experts and discussions with patients living with OM. Secure your spot today!
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1420 K Street NW, 7th Floor Washington, DC 20005 | Tel: (800) 673-1290
Melanoma Research Foundation © 2024 All rights reserved.
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