Almost 5 years ago I was diagnosed with melanoma. Over this time I have been through numerous treatment protocols, including 2 clinical trials and have undergone multiple surgeries.

The last 12 months has been the toughest yet, with progression of the disease resulting in recent surgery to remove a melanoma metastasis in my brain. As a result of this surgery I have suffered significant vision loss. There are now many day-to-day activities I find difficult. I can no longer drive. It’s challenging to get around, to read and do many things I used to take for granted. Despite this, I remain positive and focused on the things I can still do. Importantly, one thing I can still do is raise awareness of the dangers of melanoma.

This year it is particularly difficult for me to share my story. Each of the stories you hear at the Melanoma March are deeply personal and scary. Even so, I believe sharing my story is important to raise awareness about this deadly disease. 

Melanoma is not “just a skin cancer”. Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. One person is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes and one person dies from the disease every 6 hours. It is the most common cancer affecting 20–39-year-old Australians and is the third most common cancer in Australia. However, this cancer is largely preventable. 95% of melanomas are caused by overexposure to UV light from the sun.

As a mother of 3 teenagers, I am particularly passionate about getting this message across to our young people. If you have kids or teenagers please warn them about the dangers of skin cancer and encourage sun-safe behaviour.

The glamourisation of tanning in advertising, social media and media is promoting a behaviour which we know kills. Please discourage your teens from posting photos of sunbaking and “fashionable” tan lines and, a behaviour most shocking to me, intentionally tanning in the sun when the UV is highest. 

I continue to receive immunotherapy treatment and am extremely grateful to be in the care of a team of the best medical minds (and hands!) I could hope for, led by Georgina Long at Melanoma Institute Australia. Recent advances in treatment pioneered by MIA clinicians and researchers have tripled the life expectancy for advanced melanoma patients. The research they are doing is truly groundbreaking and is saving lives.

 You can easily support my efforts by making a secure donation. All funds raised will go towards Melanoma Institute Australia’s life-saving research. I would also really appreciate it if you could share my page or comment so more people know about it.  

 

Click 'Donate Now' to make a secure online donation. 

 

Thanks so much for your support!