Melanoma Research Foundation

Melanoma Research Foundation The MRF’s mission is to eradicate melanoma by accelerating medical RESEARCH while EDUCATING and ADVOCATING for the melanoma community.
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Visit www.melanoma.org to learn more. Donate Today: https://melanoma.org/donate-now/

We’re incredibly grateful to EltaMD Skin Care for supporting the melanoma community as a Research Sponsor of our upcomin...
08/27/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to EltaMD Skin Care for supporting the melanoma community as a Research Sponsor of our upcoming 25th Annual New York Gala! 💙

We’re also proud to celebrate EltaMD’s incredible generosity beyond the gala. Thanks to the support of everyone who purchased the Limited Edition UV Daily SPF 40, EltaMD donated $1 million worth of sunscreen to the MRF, helping expand access to sun protection while supporting critical melanoma research, education and advocacy.

Their continued commitment to the melanoma community helps fuel progress and bring us closer to better treatments and, ultimately, a future without melanoma.

Thank you, EltaMD, for standing with the MRF and investing in the future of melanoma care!

Join us at the 25th Annual New York Gala on Thursday, October 15: https://melanoma.org/2026NYCGala

As part of  , make your vision health a priority with a yearly dilated eye exam. 👁️💙Ocular melanoma (OM) cannot currentl...
08/27/2026

As part of , make your vision health a priority with a yearly dilated eye exam. 👁️💙

Ocular melanoma (OM) cannot currently be prevented, but early detection can play an important role in treatment planning and outcomes. OM accounts for about 5% of all melanoma cases and is most often diagnosed around age 55. Risk factors include light skin, light hair and light eyes, and it is slightly more common in men.

Because OM may develop without noticeable symptoms, a comprehensive dilated eye exam can help detect changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Learn more about ocular melanoma, risk factors and early detection in our Ocular Melanoma Fact Sheet: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/327235643/

San Francisco, today’s your last chance to save! Regular-rate registration for the Miles for Melanoma 5K ends tonight, A...
08/27/2026

San Francisco, today’s your last chance to save! Regular-rate registration for the Miles for Melanoma 5K ends tonight, August 27 at 11:59 PM PT! Join us this Sunday, August 30 at the San Francisco Zoo for an inspiring morning supporting the melanoma community. And the fun doesn’t stop at the finish line, all in-person participants get full-day access to explore the zoo after the 5K! 🦁

Don’t wait, register before rates increase and make your miles count! https://donate.melanoma.org/site/TR?fr_id=2234&pg=entry

08/26/2026

-- For the next installment of our spotlight on research, we are proud to recognize Surya Veerabagu, MD of The University of New Mexico - UNM as a recipient of our 2026 Resident/Fellow Award with funding provided in memory of Lynn Kessler.

Dr. Veerabagu's research project titled, "Cutaneous Ge***al and Acral Melanoma Treatment Trends and Outcomes," will use national cancer registry and insurance claims data to compare treatment outcomes on the national level for Mohs versus traditional WLE for cutaneous melanomas of the face, hands, feet and genitalia.

Related to her work, Dr. Veerabagu offers, "Traditional surgery (wide local excision, WLE) for cutaneous melanoma removes the tumor visible to the human eye with a surrounding margin of normal skin that is then sent to the laboratory for evaluation. If tumor remains, it must be re-excised at a later date. For melanomas on the trunk and limbs, the risks of cancer remaining at the surgical margins, finding more advanced disease, or the melanoma returning is approximately 2%. However, for melanomas of the face, hands, feet, and genitalia, these risks increase to 10%. Since 2020, national guidelines have included Mohs micrographic surgery (Mohs) as a treatment option for certain melanomas in these cosmetically, functionally, and anatomically sensitive areas. Smaller studies have reported recurrence rates of approximately 0.5–1% after Mohs in these sensitive areas, compared with about 10% after traditional WLE, but larger national studies are lacking. We hope to determine whether the promising results seen with Mohs translate into lower recurrence rates and improved overall survival for patients."

To learn more about Veerabagu's work, visit -- https://melanoma.org/news-press/research-grant/surya-veerabagu/

08/26/2026

Twin Cities, it’s time to register! 💙 Watch Robyn Fine, a 13-year Stage IV melanoma survivor, share why the Twin Cities Miles for Melanoma means so much to her. For 11 years, Robyn has participated in this event, running in honor of her brother, Jason, who lost his battle with melanoma just 11 months after his diagnosis.

Her story is a powerful reminder of why this community comes together—to honor those we’ve lost, celebrate survivors and help fund the research that can change what’s possible for patients.

Join Robyn this Sunday, August 30 at Harriet Island Regional Park and make every step count. Regular-rate online registration ends tomorrow, August 27 at 11:59 PM CT. Register today before rates increase: https://donate.melanoma.org/site/TR?fr_id=2204&pg=entry

08/26/2026

-- Today, we are elated to highlight Élise Di Lena MD, CM, PhD, FRCSC, Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellow of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center as a recipient of our 2026 Resident/Fellow Award with funding provided in honor of Richard Draeger.

Dr. Di Lena's research project is titled, "Sex-Specific Mechanisms of Immune Evasion in Cutaneous Melanoma." Reflecting on the importance of this work, Di Lena shares, "For too long, melanoma treatments have taken a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, even though we know men and women respond differently to therapy. My research investigates the unique 'alternative brakes' that male tumors use to shut down the immune system. By decoding these sex-specific differences, we hope to close the survival gap and ensure every patient gets the exact therapy they need to maximize their chance of a cure."

To learn more about Di Lena's work, visit -- https://melanoma.org/news-press/research-grant/elise-di-lena/

Jacksonville, don’t miss Cabana Life's Sample Sale this Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29 at Cabana Life Headqua...
08/25/2026

Jacksonville, don’t miss Cabana Life's Sample Sale this Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29 at Cabana Life Headquarters 💙☀️

Our incredible sponsor, Cabana Life, is hosting a Jax Beach Sample Sale and 10% of your purchase will be directly donated to the MRF’s 6th Annual fundraiser when you mention “GetNaked” at checkout!

Shop sun-safe styles, score great deals and support the fight against melanoma all at the same time. Shop with purpose and help make an impact!

Philadelphia, what a day! 💙🦁 From the first step to the final cheer, you made the Philadelphia Miles for Melanoma 5K unf...
08/25/2026

Philadelphia, what a day! 💙🦁 From the first step to the final cheer, you made the Philadelphia Miles for Melanoma 5K unforgettable. More than 600 participants came together at the Philadelphia Zoo and helped raise over $129,000 for critical melanoma research, education and advocacy.

To every runner, walker, fundraiser, volunteer, sponsor and cheerleader: thank you for making this community so powerful. We’ll see you in 2027!

At the upcoming 15th Annual Denver Gala, we are proud to honor IDEAYA Biosciences with the Corporate Leadership Award. 💙...
08/24/2026

At the upcoming 15th Annual Denver Gala, we are proud to honor IDEAYA Biosciences with the Corporate Leadership Award. 💙

IDEAYA is a precision medicine oncology company focused on discovering and developing transformative therapies for people living with cancer. Their work centers on uncovering hidden vulnerabilities in tumors and developing targeted, biomarker-driven approaches for cancers with significant unmet needs.

For the uveal melanoma community, IDEAYA is advancing clinical-stage research with darovasertib, a potential first-in-class protein kinase C inhibitor being studied for primary and metastatic uveal melanoma. Through innovative research and collaboration with researchers, healthcare providers and the broader oncology community, IDEAYA is working to expand treatment possibilities for patients facing this rare and challenging cancer.

We’re grateful for IDEAYA’s continued commitment to research, innovation and hope for the uveal melanoma community, and we look forward to celebrating their impact at this year’s gala.

Join us for this inspiring evening on Thursday, September 24! Secure your ticket or sponsorship today: https://melanoma.org/2026denvergala

Looking for a trusted resource to help navigate cutaneous melanoma? 💙Beating Melanoma: The Ultimate Patient Guide, by wo...
08/22/2026

Looking for a trusted resource to help navigate cutaneous melanoma? 💙

Beating Melanoma: The Ultimate Patient Guide, by world-renowned skin cancer expert Steven Q. Wang, MD, offers practical, up-to-date information for patients and families. Developed with support from the MRF and Neutrogena, this comprehensive guide can help you better understand your diagnosis and navigate your melanoma journey.

Inside, you’ll find:
🔹 The latest information on melanoma diagnosis, treatment and prevention
🔹 Insights into immunotherapies and targeted therapies
🔹 Online interviews with 25 leading melanoma experts

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment or navigating survivorship, this guide provides valuable information to help you feel more informed and empowered.

Order your free copy today:
https://melanoma.org/melanoma-education/education-institute/educational-literature/

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1420 K Street NW Floor 7
Washington D.C., DC
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