Long summer days on the beach, tanning salons with student discounts, tanning oil...so many ways to get that perfect tan, not to mention lots of social pressure for a girl my age to look tan. I have worked at a summer camp for years as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and I know from firsthand experience that comments like "I have to get rid of my tan-lines" and "Don't worry, the burn will fade into an awesome tan" resonate throughout the dangerously sunny days. The thing is, the term "dangerous" is just the right adjective for the weeks spent on the water. The sun has the power to cause irreparable damage to your skin.

While my summer days are spent with sun-kissed lifeguards who think sun block is counterproductive, my nights and weekends are spent with my fair-skinned, blue-eyed, light haired family members. This is where I see the sun's damage. My parents, both of whom suffered countless sunburns in their youth, are now constantly struggling with skin cancer. My generation has always been aware of the damage ultraviolet radiation can cause, but somehow the short term goal of tanning overrides the long term goal of healthy skin. It took something as extreme as helplessly watching my parents pay for their mistakes for me realize the importance of protecting my skin. 

 

I owe so much to my parents. Knowing that I cannot take away their pain, I am doing my best to provide moral support. I wear sun block to protect my skin, but also to honor them and put their parental worries to ease. Furthermore, I am running for the Melanoma Foundation of New England to thank them for everything they have given me, and to help raise awareness. Students, like my friends at summer camp, deserve to know the dangers of soaking up the sun.

Please help me spread awareness, and thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts.

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