Category: Melanoma Stories
Perseverance through Advanced Melanoma: Clay Hummer
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 15 November 2023 In Melanoma Stories, Prevention, Science, Treatment
Clay Hummer is no stranger to perseverance, and his journey to today was not always easy. He gave up a career in law that he worked hard for to get completely sober and start a fresh chapter, moving to Texas in his 40s where he met the love of his life Christi. So, when he was diagnosed with melanoma shortly after his move, he knew quite a bit about overcoming a challenge.
A Message from Our CEO on Veterans Day
By Marc Hurlbert, PhD, MRA Chief Executive Officer | 11 November 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Melanoma Stories, News, Policy, Prevention, Science, Treatment
On this Veterans Day, we want to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the brave individuals who have served and sacrificed for our country. We also want to use today to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by veterans when it comes to increased risk of developing melanoma,...
Navy Veteran Ashlynn Soellner's Melanoma Journey
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 8 November 2023 In Melanoma Stories, Prevention, Treatment
Shortly after her active-duty career in the Navy came to an end, Ashlynn began noticing new moles on her body. She scheduled an appointment with her dermatologist, where a lesion on her shoulder was biopsied. Just a couple weeks later, she received an official diagnosis: she had melanoma. “You never think cancer will happen to you, especially when you are young. I was in complete shock,” said Ashlynn.
A History of Sunburns and an Early Stage Melanoma Diagnosis: Jill Roth
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 26 October 2023 In Melanoma Stories, Treatment
Jill Roth has lived her entire life in Dennison, Ohio. There, she grew up in a close-knit family, eventually started her own, and later became a caretaker to her elderly parents. Now retired, she looks back on her upbringing fondly – especially the countless summers spent by the pool.
Advancing Research after a Rare Diagnosis: Janet Yannelli's Acral Melanoma Journey
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 16 October 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Science, Treatment
“I had never heard of acral melanoma, even though I’m a nurse,” remarked Janet Yannelli, lifelong Maine resident. Acral melanoma is a rare melanoma subtype that accounts for about 1-3% of cases each year. Acral melanoma forms on the palms, soles of feet, or under nails.
A Message from Our CEO on Rare Cancer Day
By Marc Hurlbert, PhD, MRA Chief Executive Officer | 30 September 2023 In Melanoma Stories, News, Science
Acral, mucosal, pediatric, and uveal melanomas – what we collectively call rare melanomas – represent an area of profound unmet medical need. Learn what MRA is doing to accelerate research focused on rare melanomas.
Thriving after Advanced Melanoma at 26: John Elson’s Story
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 20 September 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Treatment
John Elson woke up – on his birthday – and discovered a lump in his neck. The New Yorker wasn’t entirely concerned and initially explained it away as a muscle knot. However, when the lump didn’t go away and he noticed a second one near his armpit, alarm bells started...
Living with Intention with Mucosal Melanoma: Eileen Walther’s Story
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 24 August 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Science
In 2018, it had been just over a year since Eileen Walther had been diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, a typically slow-growing form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects white blood cells. After undergoing a chemotherapy regimen known as R-CHOP, she’d been declared cancer free and was ready to get back to...
Compassion, Dignity, & Fashion: Paloma Soledad’s Melanoma Story
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 7 August 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories
Advanced melanoma challenges patients and families in ways they often could never expect. For New Yorker Paloma Soledad, various side effects from her treatment made it difficult to feel comfortable in her everyday clothing. As a creative artist and designer, she saw this as an opportunity to find a solution...
MRA's Latest Research Report: Reaching for the Stars
25 July 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Melanoma Stories, News, Policy, Prevention, Science, Treatment
Each year, MRA convenes global thought leaders from across the melanoma research community to exchange ideas, report on scientific successes and challenges, and network and forge new collaborations.