Melanoma Research Foundation

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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!: http://donate.melanoma.org

02/21/2026

After sharing her story on Love Is Blind, Emma Betsinger revealed she was born with multiple birthmarks, including one large mark on her arm, that carried a high risk of developing melanoma. She underwent numerous surgeries as a young child and continues to receive yearly skin checks. Her experience is a powerful reminder that melanoma can affect people at any age and that early monitoring and treatment matter.

Pediatric melanoma awareness is critical as it impacts nearly 400 children in the US annually. If your child has unusual moles or birthmarks or changing spots, don’t ignore them. Schedule regular skin checks and talk with a dermatologist about anything new or evolving. Early detection can save lives. Click here to read the full article: https://buff.ly/g9aC7uk

02/21/2026

Acral melanoma is easy to miss. Double check your .

Acral melanoma develops on the palms, soles and under the nails. It is not linked to sun exposure and is often diagnosed at later stages because these areas are frequently overlooked.

Knowing the signs matters. Here’s what to look for when checking your hands, feet and nails:

• Uneven or unusual color
• A spot that is growing or changing
• Bleeding, especially under a nail or on the foot
• A mark without a clear cause
• A lesion that does not heal

Education empowers early detection and early detection can save lives.

Download and share our Acral Melanoma Fact Sheet here: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/776485287/

Continue to raise awareness by encouraging your community to double check their .

02/20/2026

Acral melanoma is rare — but often missed. It appears on the palms, soles and under the nails, and isn’t caused by sun exposure. Because these areas are frequently overlooked, diagnosis often happens later, when treatment is more difficult. That’s why awareness saves lives.

Take a moment today to check your and encourage others to do the same. Education and early detection make a real difference.

Your donation helps us expand outreach, provide critical education and support those facing melanoma with resources and care. Give today and be part of the lifesaving impact. 💙 https://buff.ly/Gjap0T1

02/20/2026

As part of our acral melanoma awareness campaign, join us for the next edition of our Ask the Expert webinar on Tuesday, February 24 from 7–8 pm ET. This webinar bringing together expert insight and the patient perspective on the acral melanoma journey.

This virtual program will feature leading researcher Vito W. Rebecca, PhD, Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, whose work focuses on therapy resistance, metastasis and improving outcomes for patients with rare melanoma subtypes including acral melanoma.

We will also hear from Robert Ainslie, a retired international public health professional living with acral melanoma, who will share his experience navigating diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.

Acral melanoma can be difficult to detect. Checking your can make all the difference. Join us to learn more about this rare melanoma subtype and how education and research help save lives.

Register here: https://buff.ly/DHuoWpy

02/20/2026

On this , we continue to honor and celebrate the incredible caregivers who support melanoma patients throughout their entire journey.

Today, we recognize Terry Brodman, wife and caregiver to MRF board chair and stage IV melanoma survivor, Doug Brodman. Regarding her role, Terry offers, "I never really thought of myself as a caregiver. We went through the journey together. On tough days when help was needed with ordinary things, stepping in just felt natural. But, I think caregiving is just love with its sleeves rolled up."

A special thank you to all the caregivers providing love, support and care!

02/20/2026

During and our Acral Melanoma Awareness Week, we are proud to uplift the voice of Monique Mack, melanoma survivor and the MRF’s 2022 Spokesperson.

Monique was just 11 years old when a dark line on her thumbnail was eventually diagnosed as acral melanoma after nearly a year of concerns being dismissed. Although acral melanoma is rare overall, it is diagnosed more often in people of color.

Too often, harmful misconceptions persist that people of color do not get melanoma. That belief can delay diagnosis and treatment, which can be lifesaving. As part of our Acral Melanoma Awareness Campaign, we are honored to share Monique’s story and continue fighting myths with education to help empower the Black community to advocate for their health.

Read her full blog here: https://buff.ly/IshizSV

02/20/2026

Happy National Caregivers Day! Today we recognize and celebrate the extraordinary people who stand beside patients every step of the way. Caregivers are a vital part of the melanoma journey — providing strength, compassion and steady support while often managing their own challenges behind the scenes. We see you, we appreciate you and we thank you for the difference you make every day. Click here to view our new Melanoma Patient and Caregiver Guide: Stages 0–1 and Stages 2–3 and access our free caregiver resources designed to support you every step of the journey: https://buff.ly/CRAXEhj

02/19/2026

As part of Acral Melanoma Awareness Week, we are honored to highlight the powerful story of acral melanoma patient Terry Tucker, one of our 2025 Denver Gala Courage Awardees.

Terry’s journey with acral melanoma, a rare subtype of melanoma that appears on the hands, feet or under the nails, underscores just how critical awareness and early detection truly are.

Affecting people of all skin tones and often overlooked until it has progressed, this subtype reminds us why education and continued research are essential.

We encourage everyone to double-check their and speak with a dermatologist about any new or changing spots.

Watch Terry's full story here: https://buff.ly/rtDf8KJ

02/19/2026

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Prevention & Awareness Sponsors for making our life-saving mission possible. Your support empowers us to expand melanoma prevention and early detection efforts, and to provide vital resources for treatment, survivorship and ongoing care. Because of you, more people have the knowledge, tools and support they need to stay protected. Together, we are truly making a difference — and saving lives.

02/18/2026

Eric Niles was a healthy 56-year-old when what seemed like a routine podiatry visit for a bloody toenail changed everything. That visit led to a diagnosis of Stage IV acral melanoma.

Because acral melanoma develops on the palms, soles and under the nails, areas people may not think to examine, it is often diagnosed at later stages. Early detection can make a critical difference.

Today, Eric uses his voice to advocate for research, awareness and hope for others facing acral melanoma. This week, we are honored to share Eric’s story and amplify the importance of checking your .

Read Eric’s full blog here: https://buff.ly/YcamdS4

02/18/2026

Orange County, now’s the time! The clock is ticking on regular-rate registration, which ends Thursday, February 19 at 11:59 PM PT. Don’t miss your chance to join the Miles for Melanoma 5K this Sunday, February 22 at Great Park. With the event just days away, we’re 41% to our fundraising goal, and your involvement can make all the difference. Whether you’re walking, running or giving, your support helps drive critical melanoma research and provide resources for patients and families. Be part of the impact—sign up or donate today: https://donate.melanoma.org/site/TR?fr_id=2172&pg=entry

02/17/2026

During Month, raising awareness about sun safety and prevention resources is essential, as many melanoma cases can be prevented and prevention saves lives. Prevention awareness starts young, helping children practice sun safety, avoid sunburns and build habits that support lifelong skin health. The SunAWARE™ curriculum helps children build these lifelong habits that support skin health and melanoma prevention. Through engaging activities and age-appropriate tools, students learn how to protect their skin, understand UV exposure and take pride in caring for their unique skin.

Through SunAWARE™, schools and communities can help empower the next generation with prevention knowledge that lasts a lifetime.

Share this free resource with your school or community today:
https://buff.ly/LfbF5fP

Address

1420 K Street NW Floor 7
Washington D.C., DC
20005

Telephone

+12023479675

Website

http://www.melanoma.org/

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