Research. Educate. Advocate.

To support medical RESEARCH for finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma. To EDUCATE patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. To act as an ADVOCATE for the melanoma community to raise the awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma.

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Covered Up

Hats, sun protective clothing, rash guards and sunglasses, look no further for my top picks!

Four Eyes

For years I was under the impression that I could purchase a pair of sunglasses on my way out of the pharmacy and my eyes would be protected - I mean the glasses always have that little "100% UV protection" sticker, right? Well...wrong.  A recent conversation with an optometrist opened my eyes to the fact that the UV protection on a pair of inexpensive sunglasses is not the same as the protection you get from a good pair of sunglasses.  Apparently, inexpensive sunglasses are sprayed with a UV film which, over time, will peel and fade.  (If you're like me, and keep sunglasses jostling around in your purse, chances are the film is long gone.) Good sunglasses, purchased at a store that specializes in glasses, have UV protection built into the lens.  The danger with a bad pair of sunglasses is that a dark lens makes our pupils dilate, thus letting in more UV rays (and yes, you can get melanoma in your eyes).  If you're wearing dark glasses with a worn-down, peeled-off UV film, you're doing more harm than good. Tip: Most optical shops have a UV meter to test the amount of UV protection in sunglasses.  If you have a pair you're wondering about, take them in.  Many places will test for free!