I’m wearing Melanoma Monday colors on my watch in honor of the time I’ve been given.
Today is Melanoma Monday.
No, melanoma is not an Italian lounge singer. It’s cancer of the melanocytes — the part in your body that gives you pigment. (And your moles.) It’s a particularly nasty and aggressive form of cancer; if not caught in time, it can kill you within months. I am a survivor of the disease and am incredibly lucky that my doctor caught mine before it metastasized (spread). That was in 2001. I had a mole on my back that had turned cancerous and cancer cells had penetrated my dermis (a layer of the skin). I’m now missing a chunk of my back around that mole. But I’m also on this side of the grass (thankfully.) I’ve had the joy of experiencing a lifetime of life in the past 12 years. I can’t describe to tell you how grateful I am. If you like my work, thank Dr. Kenny Barraza. He saved my life.
I’ve lost several friends to the disease. And I’ve lost cancer heroes; people who fought it with all their heart. Whitney Watkins, Jimmy Riley and Leonard Warren continue to inspire me.
I once had another cancer survivor tell me I was lucky because I “just had skin cancer.” I don’t think the families of melanoma victims would agree with that sentiment. But that’s when I realized that people didn’t know much about melanoma. And they didn’t know how easy it is to cure if caught early. That’s why my friend Keith Warren and I started the Run from the Sun. His dad was Leonard Warren that I’ve already mentioned. Keith and his family have done an amazing job honoring their father. We’ve raised thousands of dollars for research. And hundreds have been screened because of the Warren family tragedy and my good fortune. I want others to have the chance I had. The chance to live.
If you see me, I’ll be wearing black. That’s the official color for Melanoma Monday. Orange is popular, too. I really don’t care if you wear black, orange, purple, pink or chartreuse as long as you get your skin screened. Know what to look for. A bleeding or itching mole is a red flag. So is one that is asymmetrical or has a ragged border. If the color is two-toned or jet black, get checked immediately. And if it is larger than a pencil eraser, you might want your doctor look at it.
Mine did and I’m still here.
I said 12 years ago if I could live ten years, they’d have a cure. Science didn’t make my deadline, but researchers are closer than ever. We’re working hard to keep funding headed to brilliant, hardworking scientists. And we’re busy raising awareness. I pray for that day when this beast is conquered..
So happy Melanoma Monday. I’m celebrating like I do everyday: I’m appreciating twelve extra years of life I’ve been given.