Friday, November 7, 2008

Making a Difference

And the grand total is…. Drum roll please… $21,744.74!
Thank you to all that made contributions to this great event!

We truly are setting the sun on melanoma. The funds we raised for the Melanoma Foundation of New England have already begun to fight melanoma at its earliest stages. On November 1, 2008 the Paul Sullivan Melanoma Educational Institute held a course in Early Detection and Management of Melanoma for the Non-Dermatologist. This event was funded in-part by proceeds from Terry’s Walk.

The course was attended by family physicians, primary care internists, geriatricians, obstetricians, gynecologists, nurse practitioners, residents, physician assistants, and fellows.
This course updated non-dermatologists on the detection and management of melanoma. They were provided with practical, relevant information about identifying patients at risk for melanoma and providing counseling for high-risk patients, as well as screening for early melanoma.

The participants specifically improved their skills in:
• Identifying patients at risk for melanoma
• Distinguishing between typical and atypical lesions
• Managing patients with newly-diagnosed melanoma
• Interpreting the most recent studies designed to improve early detection of melanoma

Health care professionals, such as dermatologists, are vital for diagnosis and treatment of melanoma; however, most Americans don’t have a dermatologist. Courses like this educate the health care professionals that people see most often, giving patients a greater opportunity for screening and early detection.

The Melanoma Foundation of New England invited my father to the event. He was moved as they shared my mom’s story and how vital early detection is to saving lives. I feel strongly had my mother been diagnosed earlier she would be here today. But through her tragedy, comes a great force to make a difference in someone else’s life. It is comforting to know that in my mom’s memory, we truly are setting the sun on melanoma.

Stay Tuned- Next years date will be posted soon!