Thank you for visiting this fundraising page! Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure.  

As many of you are aware, the number of melanoma cases worldwide is increasing faster than any other type of cancer.  When caught early (<1 mm thick), cure rates from excision are good.  However, mortality rates rapidly increase with the depth of tumor invasion.  Unfortunately, chemotherapy is generally unhelpful. 

My aunt died of melanoma in her early 40s.  She was a red-headed, fair-skinned Minnesotan whom I remember as a generous, thoughtful, and fun aunt who loved to laugh with my mom. She developed a funny looking mole on her arm but was told  - "come in some rainy day to have it removed."  Of course, by that time it was too late and she died several years later. 

In the last few decades, awareness of melanoma (and skin cancer, in general) has increased.  Many more people now wear sunscreen and avoid intentional tanning (booths or otherwise).  But, as the incidence figures show (approximately 1 in 50-60 Caucasians will develop melanoma in their lifetime), we have a long way to go.   I hope you'll consider donating to the cause.  This is a new goal for me (in other words, getting faster is no longer in the cards!).  On my 10th marathon, I'd love to have the effort go for this important cause!!!!

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Shuffle Master,

Erin