November of 2007 changed our lives in so many ways. During this time, our father Jim Hayes suffered severe headaches, which was later identified as 6 lesions on his brain. Based on the formation of these lesions, doctors were pretty sure that the lesions were secondary to metastic cancer. For the next month, our father went for a series of tests to find the location the cancer originated. Doctors looked everywhere, lungs, prostrate, colon etc…, but were unable to detect the origin of the cancer. Finally, our father agreed to go for a biopsy of one of the brain lesions, which as one could expect was extremely painful. The biopsy revealed metastic melanoma. We were in complete shock. Never did we even think about skin cancer nor have we ever heard of the severity of melanoma. The diagnosis of melanoma surprised the doctors as well. The only area that was never examined prior to the biopsy was his skin. Even after the diagnosis, the doctors could not identify any suspicious moles. It was assumed that the melanoma was internal, such as tissue on one of the organs or behind the eyes. Our father tried not to let this diagnosis defeat him and courageously began radiation for the brain lesions and chemotherapy for the melanoma. Unfortunately, his battle was short lived and on March 7, 2008 Jim passed away. Jim was a loving and devoted husband and father as well as a loyal brother, uncle, and friend. His loss has truly made us more aware of the severity melanoma and the need for more public awareness.
The reality of melanoma and its impact on our family does not end with our father’s story. Less than one year after our father’s death, we learned that our cousin, Denise, a mother of two young children who is in her thirties, was diagnosed with melanoma. Fortunately, the melanoma was detected early and has not spread. Nevertheless, Denise battles this disease daily. Denise is an amazing woman, who is using her diagnosis to educate others on the effects sun exposure. She has encouraged our family to go for skin screening and provided advice on how to protect ourselves and children.
Our family experience with melanoma has shed some light on the severity of sun exposure. Through research, we have learned that melanoma is the fastest growing cancer. Melanoma is the most prevalent cancer in women ages 25-29 years and is the second to breast cancer for women 30 to 34 years of age. Melanoma is very treatable when caught in the early stages, but often goes undetected, as it did with our father. There are countless days, when we wonder "what if." Although we cannot take back the past, we would like to move forward and increase public awareness and research on melanoma. Therefore, in memory of our father Jim Hayes and in support of our cousin Denise, we will participate in the Chicago half marathon/5K run on September 13, 2009.
Please join us as we remember our father and support Denise by donating to the Melanoma Research Foundation and share our story to increase awareness. The team Hayes Against Rays will run roughly 56 miles on September 13. Therefore, we have set our goal for $5,600, which is 100 dollars per mile.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support our fundraising efforts.
Many thanks for your support.
Eileen Kenah, Beth Quinn, and Kerri Hayes
***Additional "Hayes Against Rays" runners:
-Joann Hayes Barry (niece of Jim and cousin of Denise)
-Debbie Hayes Schopper (Denise's twin and Jim's niece)