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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About

Who I am

I am not a doctor.  I am a wife, a mother of young girls, a three time melanoma survivor, and most recently a LA Times bestselling author of Pale Girl SPEAKS.

   

My first diagnosis, at 25, was the result of a yearly skin exam.  A dermatologist who I’d been seeing since high school, pointed out the mole and thought it should be biopsied.  At the time, I had no idea what melanoma was.  I kinda’ went along with the whole idea of the "recommended" yearly exam, but I never really focused on what my doctor was looking for.  Dr. Bach had the diagnostic eye to catch an early stage melanoma and ultimately saved my life.  Ten years later and a lifetime wiser, I owe everything to her.

Melanoma doesn’t define who I am, but it is a part of my history and, in all likelihood, a part of my future - it is my cross to bear.  I’m done questioning or blaming.  Rather, I focus my energies on protecting my girls and educating whomever will listen.  Decked out in my all black, full-body rash guard (armed with sunglasses, a hat and a tube of water-resistant SPF), I have been called the sunscreen guru, the shady lady, the swimming ninja.  These titles I wear willingly and proudly, because I have earned them – the hard way.  And I know I am finally doing something...something important.