News & Press
Melanoma Research Foundation and Actor Kevin Nealon Partner to Host Celebrity-Studded Golf Tournament to Fight Melanoma
Washington, D.C.— The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) today announced that actor and comedian Kevin Nealon will join the organization in hosting its first inaugural celebrity-studded golf tournament to fight melanoma. Kevin – a longtime Saturday Night Live cast member and star of the hit series Weeds – recently lost a friend to skin cancer, and decided to fight back by partnering with the MRF to raise funding urgently needed for melanoma research. The tournament will take place on November 12, 2012 at Lakeside Golf Club in Burbank, CA.
“Until recently, I never realized that skin cancer can be deadly. But I’ve learned that melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills someone in this country every hour of every day. Alarmingly, it is not only the fastest growing cancer in young adults but the fastest growing cancer in the world,” said Nealon. “I decided to fight back against melanoma and I invite you to join me.”
Tournament players and sponsors will not only help make a difference in the fight against melanoma, but will also have the opportunity to mingle with some of their favorite celebrities. Each tournament foursome will be joined by one of Kevin’s celebrity friends. Invited celebrities include Mark Wahlberg, Jon Hamm, Larry David, Kurt Russell, Ray Romano and more.
“Melanoma diagnoses are increasing faster than any other cancer, but people with melanoma still face inadequate treatment options,” said Tim Turnham, executive director of the MRF. “The scientific community is on the cusp of major breakthroughs in melanoma research. We are honored to partner with Kevin to strengthen the fight against melanoma.”
As tournament players conclude their rounds, cocktails will be served before a buffet reception and awards presentation.
To register for the tournament or for more information, please contact Torrey Shallcross at [email protected] or by phone at (202) 347-9675.
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About Melanoma
Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike men and women of all ages, all races and skin types. With a 1-in-50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, nearly 76,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2012, resulting in 9,000 deaths. 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.
About Melanoma Research Foundation
The 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, 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.
Media Inquiries:
Lauren Smith, JPA
(202) 591-4065