Please read my story and support my fundraising efforts for the Melanoma Research Foundation!
Melanoma is the deadliest and fastest growing form of skin cancer. My first brush with melanoma was when I was 28 years old and had a suspicious mole removed from my upper thigh/hip. Fast forward 22 years.
Between skin check appointments, I noticed a lymph node in my groin was growing. Because I was in great hands - I regularly see a local Rockville dermatologist as well an INOVA melanoma specialist (Wootton grad, btw!) - I swiftly underwent a needle biopsy to test the cells in the node. Before I knew it I was meeting with an oncologist, having a PET/CT scan, and learning of my treatment plan. My head was spinning, but I was grateful to learn that I could simultaneously receive treatments and carry on with my life. Immunotherapy infusions every 4 weeks kicked off in October and surgery to remove the lymph node was in January. The immunotherapy, which essentially taught my immune system how to detect and fight the cancer, had worked so well that when pathologists examined the node, they found the melanoma was obliterated. To be safe, though, and better ensure all cancer cells in my body are gone, immunotherapy will continue until October, completing one year of treatment.
At a recent appointment with my oncologist I asked how I can give back. I am incredibly grateful to be healthy and have a renewed appreciation of every day. He suggested participating in Miles for Melanoma. So, I bought a new pair of running shoes and began retraining my body to jog a 5K on May 11th!
Every step matters. 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.
Thank you!
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