Category: Melanoma Stories
Championing Clinical Trials
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 2 January 2022 In Melanoma Stories, Science, Treatment
Too often, the first time someone is exposed to clinical trials is when they've been diagnosed with a serious, life threatening illness. Learn how Mary Elizabeth partnered with her doctor Jedd Wolchok to take back control from melanoma.
One Family, One Community, One Goal: Cure Melanoma
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 27 October 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories
Melanoma is personal for Kathy Mason, and positivity is a way of life since her son Ryan’s Stage 3 melanoma diagnosis at only 24-years old.
Challenge Accepted: MRA 2020 - 2021 Annual Report
19 October 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, News, Policy, Prevention, Science, Treatment
This was a year like no other. COVID-19 presented new challenges that required new ways of thinking. At MRA, confronting challenges is part of our DNA. We never stop challenging ourselves, no matter the odds or obstacles, in pursuit of conquering melanoma and saving lives.
Melanoma Isn't Just Another Skin Cancer
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 5 October 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories
Too many people think that melanoma is just another skin cancer – and in 2005, Daisy Helman was one of them. She had just learned that a lump her father noticed on his arm was actually melanoma. “I just assumed that this wasn’t a big deal. Just cut it out – dad will be fine. Looking back, I was so wrong.”
Asking the Tough Questions: Perspectives on Being a Caregiver, Self Care, & Mucosal Melanoma
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 18 September 2021 In Melanoma Stories
“Being a caregiver can be the hardest job,” says Patricia Janiak. “Your loved one might be the one going through this – but we’re the ones who have to put on our brave face while always being a step ahead. We’re the ones who call the doctors, ask the tough questions, and when needed, we push the envelope.”
Mark, Stage 4 Melanoma, & a Personalized Vaccine Clinical Trial
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 6 September 2021 In Melanoma Stories
The melanoma treatment landscape had dramatically changed in the time since Mark was first diagnosed with melanoma. New options had earned FDA approval and many other approaches were actively being tested in clinical trials. Hear Mark's story with a personalized vaccine made to help train his immune system to fight melanoma cells.
Advancing Melanoma Research in Times of Uncertainty
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 9 June 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Policy, Prevention, Science, Treatment
Each year, the annual MRA Scientific Retreat brings hundreds of people from across the melanoma research ecosystem together to exchange ideas, report on scientific progress, celebrate achievements, and mourn the losses. In these ways, the 2021 Retreat was no different.
Against the Odds: Racing for Melanoma Research
19 April 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Treatment
Patrick O’Neill along with his four closest college friends and fellow Boat Racing, LLC members, find themselves in a very implausible position: first-time horse owners heading to the Kentucky Derby—horseracing’s pinnacle event.
Summer Kramer: Aligning Passion with Purpose
19 April 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Prevention
Frustrated with her inability to find stylish UPF protective clothing after her own melanoma diagnosis, Summer Kramer founded her own company called SUMMERSKIN. Now, eight years later, she has aligned her passion with purpose through a new partnership with the Melanoma Research Alliance.
Mitch Diamond Honors His Grandfather’s Legacy By Raising Awareness of Melanoma
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 13 April 2021 In Melanoma Stories
Five years ago, when he was just 8-years old, Mitch Diamond lost his grandfather due to melanoma. Now, for his Bar Mitzvah, he’s asking his friends, family, and community to help him raise awareness of and help prevent melanoma.