Why Research Matters – Shannon Silliman

Hear more from Shannon Silliman, a pediatric melanoma survivor who was diagnosed when she was 13, as she expresses how research impacted her journey:

During September, I often see the hashtag #morethan4 being used. #morethan4 refers to the 4% of federal funding for all cancer research that is designed to be spread across all types of pediatric cancer. 4%.

Research advances for pediatric melanoma have greatly benefitted me in my own journey. When I was first diagnosed with melanoma, there was only one treatment option. Imagine how scary this thought is that if this doesn’t work, there’s not much else that can be done. Just two years later the unthinkable happened and I had a recurrence, but then learned there were more options for treatment. Having these options was only possible thanks to the research that happened for pediatric melanoma treatment.

When it comes to treatment for pediatric melanoma (and other pediatric cancers) the treatment isn’t as simple as a smaller dose of whatever has been approved for adult use. Pediatric treatment needs its own research done and trials conducted, even if it’s a drug that is already approved for use in adults. This is why there is a greater need for funding for this research than 4%.

Advances in research thanks to additional funding brought forth through advocacy and awareness have made all the difference in my journey as well as others.