Category: Melanoma Stories
Craig Finds Meaning in His Melanoma Diagnosis in the COVID-19 Era
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 11 March 2021 In Melanoma Stories
“I believe there is a reason that I’m going through this. If I can help prevent someone else’s melanoma, or make their journey easier, or help advance research – that’d be worth it,” says Craig. “I feel honored to be part of the melanoma community. It’s a powerful community – and I feel obligated to do something in support of it.”
Relentless in the Fight: Dr. F. Stephen Hodi
5 March 2021 In Melanoma Stories, Science
Every revolution needs trailblazers—people who restlessly and relentlessly search for paths forward. At MRA, we’re fortunate to partner with innovative trailblazers who are guiding the entire field of melanoma further, such as two time MRA-funded investigator Dr. F. Stephen Hodi.
Denise Kellen is On a Mission to Advance Melanoma Prevention & Early Detection
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 23 February 2021 In Melanoma Stories
Growing up – from June until August – Denise Kellen and her family practically lived at Lido Beach on Long Island’s south shore. They’d swim, play on the surf, read, and sunbathe. Like clockwork she’d develop two to three severe sunburns that would leave her pale skin a fiery red before peeling away. If only Denise knew then what she knows now.
Creating Art to Create Change: The Power to Heal & Mobilize Community
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 11 January 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories
Following the initial shock of her diagnosis and the strain of facing treatments on her own, Barbara was faced with yet another hurdle. Her arm surgery had left it nearly immobile. Not only was this a problem for her daily functioning, it made it extremely difficult for Barbara to pursue her lifelong passion of art.
Mary Jo Rogers: Research Will Get Us There
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 8 December 2020 In Melanoma Stories
With red hair and fair skin, Mary Jo Rogers has always known she was at high risk for melanoma, so she saw her dermatologist regularly. Despite knowing the risk, her 2011 diagnosis of Stage 3C melanoma still came as a big surprise.
Gail: Stage 4 to NED (No Evidence of Disease) Through a Clinical Trial
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 10 November 2020 In Melanoma Stories
Gail was already on her way out the exam room door, following her annual physical, before she remembered to ask about a dry cough she’d had for about a week.
Amy Fights for Acral Melanoma to be Seen
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 28 October 2020 In Melanoma Stories
For patients diagnosed with acral melanoma today, Amy offers the following advice: “You aren’t alone. If you find a spot – any spot, really that looks different or concerns you – get it checked out. Advocate for a biopsy because doctors don’t always know what they are looking for when it comes to acral melanoma.”
Fueling a Revolution: Driving Research Forward
21 October 2020 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, News, Policy, Prevention, Science, Treatment
MRA is powering a revolution in melanoma research. A revolution that is not only benefiting patients with melanoma but also impacting the field of oncology at large.
Take Life as it Comes
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 12 October 2020 In Melanoma Stories
At her local hospital, Karen was told she had both lung and brain cancer. She was in shock – she had been feeling great and was diligent about eating right and exercising. It wasn’t until she met MRA-funded investigator, Dr. Rizwan Haq at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute that she learned that her tumors were actually caused by malignant, stage 4 melanoma. Following radiosurgery and combination immunotherapy, Karen’s melanoma is stable.
Elizabeth McGowan & Outpedaling 'The Big C'
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 18 September 2020 In Melanoma Stories
To celebrate her fifth anniversary of being NED, Elizabeth McGowan set out on a 4,250- mile adventure across the United States, coined 'Heals on Wheels.' Now, 20-years later, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author shares insight into her journey with melanoma and her solo bicycle trek in her book: "Outpedaling ‘The Big C’: My Healing Cycle Across America."