Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, CA, March 23, 2015 – The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) today announced the fourth annual Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk on the Universal Studios Backlot, May 3, 2015. All proceeds from the event go to accelerating the MRF’s mission of advancing research, education and advocacy for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. 

 

This family-friendly event has raised almost $800,000 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 melanoma research funding. 

 

“Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, takes someone’s life every hour of every day,” said Tim Turnham, Executive Director of the MRF. “More work must be done to educate people about the prevention and early detection of this cancer. During the Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk on the Universal Studios Backlot, melanoma patients, caregivers, advocates and families will convene to raise awareness and critically-needed funding for melanoma research, education and advocacy efforts.”

 

Celebrity friends of the Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk on the Universal Studios Backlot include Judd Apatow, Sean Astin, Jason Bateman, Jason Biggs, Vin Diesel, Soleil Moon Frye, Jason George, Tyrese Gibson, Ashley Hinshaw, Rob Lowe, Jeannie Mai, Kellie Martin, Leslie Mann, Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Tamera Mowry-Housley, 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, Bruce Almighty, Spiderman 2, the War of the Worlds plane crash and the village of Whoville, 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. Qualified medical professionals will be available to provide interested participants with free skin screenings. 

 

This year’s event is sponsored by Amgen, Novartis and Bella Skin Institute. 

 

Register now for the 2015 Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk! This event will soon sell out. To participate:

 

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 74,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with diagnosed with Stage I-IV melanoma and another 63,000 will be diagnosed with melanoma in situ – totaling nearly 137,000 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, Tower PR

310-578-9943

 

Lauren Smith Dyer, Melanoma Research Foundation

202-870-8827