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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Stories

Lauren's Story

When I was 17 my life changed. I found out I had Stage 2 melanoma.

I used to try and tan all the time not realizing I'm a pale girl with freckles, and laying out in the sun for hours is probably not the best idea. I then noticed a small bump on my upper left shoulder, and thought nothing of it because I was a teenager who knew nothing about melanoma or skin cancer in general.  So it got bigger a lot faster, to the point I could see the lump through my shirt. My mom saw it and made a appointment with my doctor who removed it as soon as she saw it.

It only took a week to get a phone call that I had cancer. I'll never forget coming home from school with my whole family sitting on the couch waiting for me to get home. It happend so fast after that. I went into surgery at UCLA hospital where they removed a huge part of my shoulder and some lymph nodes. My family was of course very worried about me and my friends as well. I'm 28 years old now, and still have surgeries to this day (had one 6 months ago).  But because of them I have been cancer free! It definatly has changed my life. I used to be very upset about all my scars, but I think now that I'm older I realize that I shouldnt be ashamed I should be proud because I am a Survivor! These scars are a reminder of how strong I am. Same with anyone going through the same thing I did. I regret not knowing the dangers of it when I was younger, but I wouldnt be who I am today without having that experience.

Now I bug everyone to always wear their sunscreen! =)

Christine's Story

Cancer, it’s a word I don’t think I’ll ever get used to saying. Twenty-three, that’s how old I was when I got the dreaded phone call from my dermatologist. That, “Hi Christine, How are you? I’ve got good news and bad news.” Yeah, that call. “The bad news, you have Melanoma. The good news, we caught it early.” A small, irregular mole showed up on the backside of my right arm. My mom noticed it and insisted that I get it checked out. I was resistant; I thought ‘it’s okay.’ My dermatologist told me time and time again, “The sun is dangerous, wear sun block, don’t tan” but I always said, “It will never happen to me.” Read more

A Mom's Story

My mothers first battle with melanoma was in 2005. She had a small spot on her neck, below her left ear. It was melanoma. It was removed and the doctors gave her a clean bill of health. Fast forward to 2010, the melanoma was back, in the same spot, but larger and more aggressive. Despite that, the doctors removed it, and once again gave her a clean bill of health, this was in May. At the end of September, I received a call that my mom had been taken to the hospital for difficulty breathing. Read more

Josh's Story

About a year ago, I thought I was going to lose my health insurance due to low hours at the restaurant where I work while I pursue my comedy and acting career. I made all my doctor appointments to get a clean bill of health just in case I did lose my insurance. I hadn't been to my dermatologist for 4 years. Before I went, I noticed a small mole on my chest, no bigger than any other beauty mark or mole I have all over my body, but this one had a bit of red in it, and it just looked a bit odd to me. Read more

Maxine's Story

About 8 years ago on a pretty regular basis, I slithered into my leotard and tights and headed to an exercise class 3 mornings a week. Somewhere between the beat of the pounding music and the racing of my heart I was tapped on the shoulder by a young woman who rather shyly said, "I hope you don't mind, but are you aware that you have a dark spot on your back?" I responded by thanking her and telling her that though I was not aware of it, I did freckle and perhaps that's what it was. Read more