“In 2012, I was diagnosed with desmoplastic melanoma on the mucosal membrane of a nerve in my left mandible. I underwent a free-flap surgery that involved removing my left mandible and reconstructing it using my left fibula. This was a 10-hour surgery followed by a seven-day hospital stay. After surgery, I completed 30 radiation treatments. 

Over the next seven years, I underwent 15 additional surgeries. While these procedures were reconstructive, the radiation significantly limited how much could safely be done at one time. I have been NED since my initial surgery. After completing semi-annual scans for the first five years, I now continue with annual scans. 

Over the past 12 years, our Life Is Sweet team has raised more than $60,000 for Miles for Melanoma. My family and I work year-round to raise funds and educate others about melanoma. We create fabric bags and marker/colored-pencil holders that we sell at craft fairs. Each item includes a tag that shares a brief summary of my story, and we display our Miles for Melanoma sign at every event. Nearly every time, people stop to share how melanoma has affected them or someone they love. 

Raising money for melanoma research is deeply important to me. When I was diagnosed, there were only two medications available to treat melanoma, and outcomes were often poor. Today, there are countless treatment options and combinations. A close friend of mine—one of the only other people I know with desmoplastic melanoma—is alive today because of TIL therapy. After many unsuccessful treatments, TIL was her last option. 

Multiple times each year, friends reach out to me seeking guidance for a loved one newly diagnosed with melanoma. Some have thankfully survived, while others have not—often because the cancer was caught too late. These experiences continue to reinforce why advocacy, education and research matter so much to me. 

I raise money to help find a cure and give others a fighting chance until a cure is found.” 

We are thrilled to announce that Newport Dermatology & Laser Associates will be hosting on-site and complimentary skin screenings on event day! Early detection is especially critical for melanoma, one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer, as routine screenings can help identify suspicious moles or changes early—when treatment is most effective and outcomes are significantly improved. 

The 5K walk/run will bring together the Orange County melanoma community with a goal of raising $35,000 in support of critical melanoma research.   

In addition to raising essential funds to support melanoma research, this event helps elevate public awareness around early detection and prevention of cutaneous melanoma and educate the public about the rare melanoma subtypes including pediatric melanoma, ocular melanoma, mucosal melanoma and acral lentiginous melanoma. The Miles for Melanoma program also highlights the importance of sun safety and scheduling annual dermatological skin checks. 

The MRF welcomes our national sponsors to the Orange County event this February. Our National Prevention Partner is Neutrogena and our National Apparel Partner is Coolibar.  

All in-person and registered participants will receive our Miles for Melanoma UPF50+ Coolibar shirt. To register for this year’s event, click here. Online regular rate registration will close on Thursday, February 19 at 11:59 pm PT but on-site registration will be available on event day. 

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About the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)   
 

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research to develop effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous melanoma and the melanoma rare subtypes. The MRF is a dedicated advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. 

The MRF’s website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org. Find the MRF on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. 

Media Contact  

Virginia Snider 

Development Marketing Manager 

VSnider@melanoma.org 

“Margaret, my wife, was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma in 2005. What began as a “bothersome mole” on her foot soon changed our lives forever, progressing to stage 4 in less than a year. We were blessed to live near the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University in Atlanta, the only NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center in Georgia, where she received treatment.

When she was first diagnosed, the only “cure” was surgery and a lot of experimental treatments. We lost count of her surgeries, though there were likely between 12 and 15. She endured many different treatments with horrible side effects. Throughout it all, our surgical and medical oncologists were caring and honest about the nature of these treatments for this incurable disease. We had complete faith in them and their dedication to finding a treatment that would heal her.

The Melanoma Research Foundation sponsored a conference at Emory where Margaret was invited to share her journey. This event brought together the melanoma community, including patients and care partners. It was through this experience that we learned about the MRF’s commitment to finding a cure and supporting those living with the disease. 

Their purpose is completely in line with our deep desire and commitment to those with melanoma.  We decided to leave a large portion of our estate to find a cure and support those with it. We are honored to include MRF in our estate plan.  We are not rich but God has richly blessed us.  Margaret passed away Feb 26, 2022 after fighting this disease for 17 years. She fought the good fight for these years. Through our gift to MRF, we want to reduce the number of people that develop it and to find a cure for those who do.” – Keith Murdock

We are excited to share that Dayanara Torres, melanoma thriver, Former Miss Universe, actress, TV/radio host and the MRF’s 2020 #GetNaked Spokesperson, will serve as the event’s emcee! In early 2019, Dayanara was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma and used her platform to educate millions about skin cancer awareness during treatment. Her efforts sparked a documented increase in Hispanic patients seeking dermatological screenings and we are honored to have her join us in continuing to raise awareness and save lives. 

We’re also thrilled to welcome our National Apparel Partner, Coolibar, to the Miami event. Coolibar provided this season’s limited-edition UPF 50+ long-sleeve race shirt and shares our commitment to skin cancer prevention. Coolibar’s mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts and athletes protect their skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer through innovative sun-protective apparel. 

In that same spirit of prevention and early detection, we’re proud to offer complimentary on-site skin screenings on event day, making it easier for participants to take an important step in protecting their skin health. 

The 5K walk/run will bring together the Miami melanoma community with a goal of raising $43,000 in support of critical melanoma research.   

In addition to raising essential funds to support melanoma research, this event helps elevate public awareness around early detection and prevention of cutaneous melanoma and educate the public about the rare melanoma subtypes including pediatric melanoma, ocular melanoma, mucosal melanoma and acral lentiginous melanoma. The Miles for Melanoma program also highlights the importance of sun safety and scheduling annual dermatological skin checks. 

The MRF welcomes a wide range of new and returning local and national sponsors to the Miami event this February. Our Local Sponsors include BloqUV, Derm360, DermCare Management, Fit2Run and One Change. Our National Prevention Partner is Neutrogena and our National Apparel Partner is Coolibar.  

All in-person and registered participants will receive our Miles for Melanoma UPF50+ Coolibar shirt. To register for this year’s event, click here. Online regular rate registration will close on Thursday, February 5 at 11:59 pm ET but on-site registration will be available on event day. 

### 

About the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)   
 

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research to develop effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous melanoma and the melanoma rare subtypes. The MRF is a dedicated advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. 

The MRF’s website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org. Find the MRF on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. 

Media Contact  

Virginia Snider 

Development Marketing Manager 

VSnider@melanoma.org 

Teresa responded to her diagnosis with unwavering determination. She embraced a new way of living — shifting to a completely vegan lifestyle, studying natural healing methods and committing herself to both medical treatment and prayer. Working closely with her doctors at UCLA, she fought tirelessly, and by the summer of 2016, she had overcome the disease. Her recovery was a triumph of discipline, hope and unshakeable belief.

In late 2017, Teresa faced another heartbreaking setback when the melanoma metastasized to her liver. Once again, she fought back with courage and resilience. After a long and difficult battle, she entered remission a second time. But when new tumors later appeared throughout her body, she began another round of immunotherapy and joined a clinical trial. The treatments were grueling, yet her spirit remained unbreakable.

Today, at 79 years old, Teresa continues her fight — and her doctors are witnessing what they Teresa Arredondo Ocular Melanoma Thriver call a miracle. Her tumors are shrinking, some have disappeared completely, and her overall response defies medical explanation. To those who know her, her progress is nothing short of divine grace at work.

Teresa is not yet cancer-free, but she is “faith-full.” For 15 years, she has faced cancer with courage, prayer and trust in God’s plan for her life. Through every trial, she has chosen hope and perseverance, inspiring all who love her. Her children and grandchildren call her living proof that miracles still walk this earth — a testament to the power of faith, family and the human spirit.

The 5K walk/run will bring together the Fort Myers melanoma community with a goal of raising $45,000 in support of critical melanoma research.  

In addition to raising essential funds to support melanoma research, this event helps elevate public awareness around early detection and prevention of cutaneous melanoma and educate about rare melanoma subtypes. The Miles for Melanoma program also highlights the importance of sun safety and scheduling annual dermatological skin checks. 

The MRF team is thrilled to welcome a wide range of new and returning local and national sponsors to the Fort Myers event this December. Our Local Sponsors include Dermatology Solutions, Dermpath Diagnostics, Medrock Pharmacy and Moffitt Cancer Center. Our National Prevention Partner is Neutrogena and our National Apparel Partner is Coolibar.  

All in-person and registered participants will receive our Miles for Melanoma UPF50+ Coolibar shirt. To register for this year’s event, visit 2025 Fort Myers Miles for Melanoma – Melanoma Research Foundation. Regular rate registration will close on Wednesday, December 10 at 11:59 pm ET. 

### 

About the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)   
 

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research to develop effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous melanoma and the melanoma rare subtypes. The MRF is a dedicated advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. 

The MRF’s website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org. Find the MRF on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. 

Media Contact  

Virginia Snider 

Development Marketing Manager 

VSnider@melanoma.org 

The 5K walk/run will bring together the Tampa Bay melanoma community with a goal of raising $30,000 in support of critical melanoma research.  

In addition to raising essential funds to support melanoma research, this event helps elevate public awareness around early detection and prevention of cutaneous melanoma and educate about rare melanoma subtypes. The Miles for Melanoma program also highlights the importance of sun safety and scheduling annual dermatological skin checks. 

The MRF team is thrilled to welcome a wide range of local and national sponsors to the Tampa Bay event this December. Our Local Sponsors include Advanced Dermatology, Bristol Myers Squibb, Moffitt Cancer Center and OB’s Best Fresh Veg. Our National Prevention Partner is Neutrogena and our National Apparel Partner is Coolibar.  

All in-person and registered participants will receive our Miles for Melanoma UPF50+ Coolibar. To register for this year’s event, visit 2025 Tampa Bay Miles for Melanoma – Melanoma Research Foundation. Regular rate registration will close on Wednesday, December 3 at 11:59 pm ET. 

### 

About the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)   
 

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research to develop effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous melanoma and the melanoma rare subtypes. The MRF is a dedicated advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. 

The MRF’s website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org. Find the MRF on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. 

Media Contact  

Virginia Snider 

Development Marketing Manager 

VSnider@melanoma.org 

By David Perez, BA, Georgetown University School of Medicine and Rebecca I. Hartman, MD, MPH, Professor of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School and member of the MRF Board of Directors

National data suggests Veterans are 1.7 times more likely to develop any skin cancer and 2.3 times more likely to develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.¹ Other risk factors including age, sex, race, ethnicity, area of residence and work-related exposures to toxic chemicals and radiation from flight, have also been associated with increased skin cancer risk among Veterans, most of whom are non-Hispanic White men, older than 65, and reside in rural areas with restricted access to healthcare.^2-5 Although some studies have reported less use of sunscreen and shade as well as a lack of skin cancer risk knowledge in active duty service members,⁶ other studies have not replicated this finding in Veterans.¹ Additionally, from 2009 and 2017, Veterans experienced slightly lower five-year melanoma survival rates than the general US population, although Veterans experienced a significant improvement in metastatic disease survival from 2015-2017, more so than the general population, possibly reflecting improved access and/or improved response to new treatments like immunotherapy.^7-8 While new treatments such as immunotherapy have improved outcomes for Veterans with advanced melanoma, these treatments have high costs and potential side effects and not all patients respond, making efforts to reduce new cases of advanced melanoma critical in this high-risk population.^8-9 

Although the risk of any type of skin cancer is elevated among Veterans compared to the general population across age groups, fewer than one-third of Veterans report receiving a full-body skin exam.^1,10 Research suggests that for Veterans, seeing a dermatologist regularly, approximately every 6 to 12 months, may be associated with earlier detection of melanoma, before it becomes thick and harder to treat.⁴ Other studies indicate that biannually screening non-Hispanic White males aged 60 years or older, including Veterans in this demographic population, may be cost-effective, but more research is needed to examine the effect of tailored skin cancer screening in Veterans on skin cancer outcomes.^4,11 

To reduce skin cancer risk in this population, potential strategies include raising awareness about sun protection, making sunscreen more available, and providing personalized medical treatments.^12–14 Increasing access to dermatology care through teledermatology can also be useful, particularly for veterans in rural areas. Training primary care doctors to recognize concerning skin lesions would help ensure that Veterans receive timely care without needing dermatologic referrals and do not undergo unnecessary biopsies. Novel technologies may also improve the speed and access of skin cancer diagnoses, especially in rural populations.  

Melanoma represents a preventable yet fatal risk to Veteran health, making it an urgent public health concern. To address the elevated risk of skin cancer among Veterans, public health initiatives should prioritize education, early detection and improved access to care. Ongoing research is needed to better understand the factors driving this risk and to identify effective strategies for preventing and treating skin cancers in this population. 

References 

Rosenberg, A. R., Tabacchi, M., Ngo, K. H., Wallendorf, M., Rosman, I. S., Cornelius, L. A., & Demehri, S. (2019). Skin cancer precursor immunotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma prevention. JCI insight, 4(6), e125476. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.125476  

I trusted my gut (and really wanted glasses to match my twin sister) and got a second opinion. He dilated my eyes and instantly knew something was wrong. He could clearly see a melanoma tumor wrapped around my optic nerve and immediately called in for a same-day appointment with an ophthalmologist. My diagnosis was confirmed and I was off to Stanford to meet with an ocular oncologist just a couple days later. I had enucleation of my left eye two weeks after my wedding.

If it wasn’t for a dilated eye exam we wouldn’t have caught this scary tumor. We also learned I have the genetic condition BAP1 which causes all kinds of other cancers. I’m now being monitored regularly and am happy to say I’ve been cancer free since 2018!

Also, random side note: four months later I found out I had two (unrelated) brain aneurysms. One had started leaking — a precursor to rupture — and if it wasn’t for cancer and that feeling something was off, I’m positive I wouldn’t be here. Second random side note: my same optometrist found my friend’s brain tumor two years after he diagnosed me through a dilated eye exam!

A dilated eye exam started all of that and is the easiest way to detect ocular melanoma!

The scan showed something unusual. My eye was dilated, and my optometrist referred me to an ophthalmologist “just to be safe,” noting that he often sent patients for a second look. A few days later, with my husband waiting in the car because of pandemic restrictions, the ophthalmologist told me I had a large tumor in my eye, and with calm urgency said, “You have uveal melanoma.” I was shocked. They quickly arranged for me to see an ocular oncologist in the same practice just three days later.

After reviewing my case and measuring the tumor, the ocular oncologist presented two treatment paths: surgical removal of the eye (enucleation) or plaque radiation therapy. I decided to proceed with plaque radiation, fully aware that my vision in that eye could be significantly altered or even lost. When surgery began to place the plaque, he discovered that the tumor had grown another 15 to 20 percent in just those three weeks. He was stunned by its aggressiveness and later told me that had he known it would grow that rapidly, he likely would have recommended enucleation from the beginning.

Plaque radiation therapy involves a gold-plated disc embedded with radioactive seeds that is sutured directly onto the eye for several days, tailored precisely to the tumor’s size. Because mine was larger than originally planned, the plaque had to remain in place an additional day to ensure the radiation could reach the entire tumor. He warned me that the extended radiation exposure might severely damage my eye and that there was still a chance I could need enucleation in the future. My mindset at the time was: here we are, we will take it step by step. I held onto both my faith and my hope.

The recovery was long and often painful, and the aftermath has included three years of complications: high eye pressure, ongoing glaucoma treatment, and frequent specialist appointments. My vision is limited, and the eye certainly does not look the same, however it is still mine. You absolutely can live a full, normal, beautiful life with one functioning eye.

Uveal melanoma is rare, diagnosed in only about five out of one million people. Although the primary tumor is local to the eye, this cancer can metastasize, most commonly to the liver, but also to the lungs and bones. There is currently no cure. Recent advances, including a few newly FDA-approved treatments, are helping prolong life, although research still lags behind due to the cancer’s rarity.

Because of the metastatic risk, I have ongoing monitoring with scans every six months. I work with both an ocular oncologist and a medical oncologist. I recently reached the milestone of five years post-diagnosis, something that felt impossible in those first terrifying months. The follow-ups continue, although I move forward with gratitude.

Looking back, I will never forget the expression on my ocular oncologist’s face when I told him my last eye exam had been ten to fifteen years earlier. There is so much that can be seen through a simple eye exam. When life is busy and everything seems fine, annual appointments are the first thing we push aside. I did too. I thought I was healthy. I took my eyesight and my body for granted.

The experience changed everything. In many ways, I see more clearly today with one eye than I ever did with two. I see what matters: slowing down, paying attention, appreciating the ordinary moments, celebrating the gift of another day. There are challenges, of course. Life does not stop being messy. Yet there is overwhelming blessing in being here to witness it all.

My family and friends have been an unbelievable source of support throughout this entire journey, lifting me up through the hardest moments and celebrating each milestone alongside me.

If sharing my story encourages even one person to stop delaying their routine exams, to listen to their body, to take charge of their health, then I believe this journey has purpose. Schedule that eye exam. Get your eyes dilated. Keep up with your medical checkups. Do not wait for something to go wrong. Caring for your health is not an inconvenience. It is an investment in the life and future you want to experience.

I wake up each morning thankful that I am here to say these words. Thankful for the doctors who caught something I could not see. Thankful for that $40 decision. Thankful for every single new day.