MRF Mourns Loss of Acclaimed Author

For Immediate Release: July 20, 2009

Contact:         Deborah J. Danuser

                        Jones Public Affairs

                        (202) 742-5256

                        [email protected]

Melanoma Research Foundation Mourns Loss of

Acclaimed Author

-Frank McCourt dies of metastatic melanoma at age 78-

HILLSBOROUGH, N.J.—The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) announced today that it mourns the loss of Frank McCourt who died on Sunday in New York of metastatic melanoma.  McCourt was 78 years old and had recently contracted meningitis.  He was most famous for his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Angela’s Ashes, and was a teacher of English and creative writing in New York City’s school system for nearly thirty years.

“Mr. McCourt was an extremely talented writer and teacher and he touched the lives of many people,” said Tim Turnham, executive director of the MRF.  “His death highlights the desperate need for new treatments and cures for melanoma–now the fastest growing cancer in the world.”

Metastatic melanoma is the most advanced form of melanoma, as well as the deadliest, in which the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes and other organs in the body.  The Melanoma Research Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for melanoma through its support for medical research.  It is also committed to educating patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma.    

To learn more about the MRF, or to donate, please visit www.melanoma.org.

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About Melanoma

Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike of all ages, all races and both sexes.  In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, nearly 69,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2009, resulting in 8,650 deaths or one person every hour.  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. 

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 Web site is the premier source for melanoma information seekers.  More information is available at www.melanoma.org.