Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA, April 2016 – The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) today announced it is partnering with world-renowned actor and long-time melanoma advocate Jason George (Grey’s Anatomy, Sunset Beach) to host the fifth annual Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk on the Universal Studios Backlot on May 1. All proceeds from the event go toward the MRF’s mission of advancing research, education and advocacy for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.  

 

The MRF is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Progress has been made over the past two decades, but there is much more to be done to drive breakthroughs that can help all people facing this cancer live longer and better lives. The family-friendly Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk in Los Angeles has raised over $1 million for melanoma prevention, early detection and research efforts. Participants experience a fun day exploring some of their favorite movie sets while raising awareness and critically-needed funds.   

 

“The MRF is so pleased to partner with Jason George to raise awareness of this deadly cancer. Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the world, impacting people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. A great deal of progress has been made over the past few years but still almost half of people battling melanoma do not have effective treatment options,” said Tim Turnham, executive director of the MRF. “With Jason’s support, the Los Angeles Miles for Melanoma 5k will bring together the local melanoma community to support the development of new and better treatments that people facing a melanoma diagnosis so urgently need.”

 

In addition to the great support of host Jason George, celebrity friends of the Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk on the Universal Studios Backlot include Judd Apatow, Sean Astin, Jason Bateman, Jason Biggs, Teresa Castillo, Vin Diesel, Soleil Moon Frye, Tyrese Gibson, Topher Grace, Ashley Hinshaw, Rob Lowe, Jeannie Mai, Areva Martin, Kellie Martin, Leslie Mann, Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Kevin Nealon, Fred Savage and Molly Simms.

 

Participants in the 5k Run/Walk on the Universal Studios Backlot will experience many of the iconic movie scenes and sets that populate the Universal Studios Backlot, including Jaws, Back to the Future, Charlie’s Angels, Spiderman 2, the War of the Worlds plane crash, the village of Whoville and the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter – just to name a few! Attendees will get sun safety tips and free samples from street fair-type booths, and popular food trucks will be on site with refreshments. 

 

 

The fifth annual Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk on the Universal Studios Backlot is one of nearly 30 Miles for Melanoma Run/Walks presented by Bristol-Myers Squibb that will take place across the country this year. The Miles for Melanoma 5k program is nationally presented by Bristol-Myers Squibb for the second year in a row and nationally sponsored by Novartis Oncology. Additional local sponsorship for the Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk on the Universal Studios Backlot is provided by Amgen and Bella Skin Institute.

 

Visit the MRF’s Miles for Melanoma website, or follow @CureMelanoma and @Miles4Melanoma on Twitter for more information about special guests, prizes and activities during the event. 

 

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Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike men and women of all ages, races and skin types. With a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, nearly 76,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with Stage I-IV melanoma and another 68,000 will be diagnosed with melanoma in situ – totaling nearly 144,000 total diagnoses. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25- to 29-years-old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15- to 29-years-old.

 

The majority of melanomas occur on the skin; in fact, melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma can also occur in the eye (ocular, or uveal melanoma), in mucous membranes (mucosal melanoma), or even beneath fingernails or toenails. 

 

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active 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 and Twitter.

 

 

Amy Gorton

310-578-9943

[email protected]  

 

Lauren Smith Dyer

202-870-8827 

[email protected]