Melanoma Research Alliance

This week Team MRA had the pleasure of visiting MRA funded investigator Vito W. Rebecca, Ph.D.'s lab at Johns Hopkins Medicine to share updates and discuss all things #melanoma #research! Dr. Rebecca and colleagues presented some of their research focusing on treatment resistance and disease progression in #acral melanoma, as well as health disparities that exist within the acral patient community. MRA then shared updates on our RARE Registry, sparking discussion around our shared missions to expand research participation and advance discoveries in the rare melanoma subtypes. We then heard from rising high school sophomore Heman Bekele, who was named "America’s Top Young Scientist" in 2023 for developing a compound-based bar of soap designed to treat skin cancer. Heman is working under the guidance of Dr. Rebecca this summer. The group then enjoyed an evening at the Oriole's game. Thank you for having us, Dr. Rebecca and colleagues! We look forward to future collaborations.

“I can’t hide the fact that I had melanoma,” said Stage 4 mucosal melanoma survivor Dane Thorp. “And when I share my story with others, I always emphasize the importance of being your own advocate.” Dane was only 34 years old and just a few months away from welcoming his first child with his wife Jenny when he was diagnosed with mucosal melanoma, a rare subtype that develops in the mucous membranes of the body. Read Dane's inspiring story: https://lnkd.in/g8JZt3Sa

We are thrilled to welcome Dana Deighton as the new Director of Communications and Engagement at the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA)! In her role, Dana will oversee all aspects of MRA’s integrated communications and engagement strategies and programming. She will lead our robust communication strategies across multiple channels, the scientific and patient community, donor audiences, and corporate partners to elevate and enhance MRA’s public profile. With over 25 years of experience in corporate marketing, publishing, and medical research communications, Dana brings a wealth of expertise and passion to our team. Previously, she led marketing efforts and strategic partnerships for the National Institute of Health's “All of Us Research Program” at Scripps Research Translational Institute, a groundbreaking initiative advancing precision, a groundbreaking initiative advancing precision medicine. Dana's impressive career also includes roles at Inspire, National Geographic, and significant contributions to various cancer research and patient advocacy committees. Stephanie Kauffman, MRA’s President and COO, shares our excitement: "Dana is a dynamic and experienced leader with an impressive record leading communications for mission-driven organizations. Her commitment to advancing scientific research and patient engagement is palpable, and I am thrilled she is bringing her considerable talents to MRA." Dana is equally enthusiastic: "I am inspired by MRA’s mission and enthusiastic about our continued impact on melanoma research to drive improved outcomes, the scientific and patient community, and beyond. I look forward to working with this talented community to tell the MRA story and continue our trajectory of growth." Please join us in welcoming Dana Deighton to the MRA family! #MelanomaResearch #CancerResearch #PatientEngagement #WelcomeDanaDeighton #MRA #TeamMRA #CommunicationsLeadership #NonProfitLeadership #HealthcareCommunications

MRA's Chief Executive Officer Dr. Marc Hurlbert is featured in The ASCO Post discussing the melanoma research landscape and how MRA's guiding mission to cure and prevent melanoma has contributed towards its progress. He overviews research advancements from the past 17 years, and highlights the need for more investments so that no patient is left behind. "Despite the remarkable, unparalleled progress in developing new treatments for advanced melanoma, our work shows us that fewer than half of patients respond to treatment in the first-line setting." He goes on to outline four high-priority research focus areas for MRA: rare melanomas; treatment-resistant melanomas; brain metastasis and leptomeningeal disease; and prevention and early intervention. In addition to investing in these four scientific priority areas, MRA will continue to support hypothesis-driven translational research through its annual Request for Proposals (RFP). "In the years ahead, we aim to actively engage numerous partners to help us rapidly advance research and quickly get more effective therapies into the hands of patients with late-stage melanomas, and other cancers, that are not benefiting from the myriad of treatment options developed over the past decade. There is no time to waste. These patients and their families are depending on us," Dr. Hurlbert writes. https://lnkd.in/gM3GVFMC

Every summer, millions of people plan to hit the road. According to one travel survey, 75% of Americans are planning a road trip this summer. A good chunk of those trips will likely be during the 4th of July weekend when a record 60 million-plus people are expected to travel by car. As you gear up for summer road trips, don't forget to protect your skin from harmful UV rays! 🚗🌞 There are two types of UV radiation from the sun that can lead to skin cancer: UVB rays, which mainly cause sunburn, and UVA rays, which contribute to tanning and premature aging. While the windshields of most cars are treated to provide some protection from UV rays, side windows, back windows, and sunroofs are not. This leaves drivers and passengers more vulnerable to deep-penetrating UV exposure that can cause premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Road Trip Tips & Essentials When You are in Your Car (For All Seasons, Not Just Summer): 1) Sunscreen: Keep a bottle of broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, in the car. Reapply every two to three hours, especially on long trips or when stuck in traffic. 2) Protective Clothing: Slip on a loose long-sleeved shirt in a breathable fabric for added protection. UPF clothing is preferred. 3) Sunglasses: Not just a fashion statement! Sunglasses with UV protection are crucial for maintaining healthy eyes. Harmful UV rays can cause long-term damage, including uveal melanoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. 4) Window Shades: Investing in quality window shades is a game-changer, especially for children. It creates a shaded, protective ride and keeps the car cooler. - Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and worldwide. - 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. - Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Over 100,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year, and one person will die from melanoma every hour of every day. Stay safe and enjoy your travels! 🌟 #SkinCancerAwareness #RoadTripTips #MelanomaPrevention

The leveraged finance and private equity communities came together last night for the 13th annual Leveraged Finance Fights Melanoma (LFFM) benefit and cocktail party at the The Museum of Modern Art. The benefit was attended by over 1,000 people and raised a record $4 million dollars to support MRA’s global legion of scientists pursuing high impact, lifesaving melanoma research. The event honored legendary financier, philanthropist, medical research innovator, public health advocate, and MRA board member, Michael Milken for his extraordinary contributions to cancer research. LFFM was founded in 2011 by Brendan Dillon (Veritas Capital) and Jeff Rowbottom (General Atlantic), who were both diagnosed with melanoma. Since then, it has raised more than $27 million to support MRA’s ambitious melanoma research agenda. The event was co-chaired by Clare B., Brendan Dillon, Kerry Dolan, Lee Grinberg, Jason Kanner, Matthew Manin, Eliza McDougall, Erwin Mock, George Mueller, Geoff Oltmans, Kevin Pluff, Jeff Rowbottom, Ian Schuman, Brian Steinhardt, Cade Thompson, Trevor Watt, Eric Wedel. The evening was sponsored by industry leading giants with Visionary Sponsors including Veritas Capital, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Apollo Global Management, Inc.|MidCap Financial, HPS Investment Partners, LLC. General Atlantic, General Atlantic Foundation, and White & Case LLP served as Title Sponsors with Fitch Ratings and Leonard Green & Partners (LGP) as Presenting Sponsors. Thank you to all of our incredible sponsors and attendees who help make our investments in research possible! We remain grateful for your extraordinary support in advancing faster cures, better treatments, and improved outcomes for those impacted by a melanoma diagnosis. https://lnkd.in/g2J8QBzu

Leveraged Finance Fights Melanoma Event Alert! This Wednesday evening, June 12, 2024 over 1,200 leveraged finance and private equity leaders from more than 100 firms will converge at the The Museum of Modern Art for the 13th annual Leveraged Finance Fights Melanoma benefit for Melanoma Research Alliance. The incredibly generous leveraged finance and private equity community has raised over $25 million for melanoma research advancing new treatment breakthroughs, clinical trials and improving detection and diagnosis technologies. What LFFM does is truly remarkable. Everyone who supports LFFM brings about the true intersection of science, innovation, heart and humanity. This year's celebration of science will feature a special toast to legendary financier, philanthropist, medical research innovator, public health advocate and MRA Board member, Michael Milken. Thank you to our event co-chairs for their tireless efforts: Clare B., Brendan Dillon, Kerry Dolan, Lee Grinberg, Jason Kanner, Matthew Manin, Eliza McDougall, Erwin Mock, George Mueller, Geoff Oltmans, Kevin Pluff, Jeff Rowbottom, Ian Schuman, Brian Steinhardt, Cade Thompson, Trevor Watt, Eric Wedel. Our deepest gratitude to all of our sponsors, including LFFM visionary sponsors Veritas Capital, Apollo Global Management, Inc.| MidCap Financial, Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, and HPS Investment Partners, LLC; title sponsors General Atlantic, General Atlantic Foundation, White & Case LLP and presenting sponsors Fitch Ratings and Leonard Green & Partners (LGP).

Congrats to the Replimune team! #melanoma #research #clinicaltrial

Throughout the last 31 days, the entire melanoma community has come together to recognize Melanoma Awareness Month. The community heard from leading experts in the field, connected with other patient advocates, and spread awareness of melanoma and the importance of prevention, early detection, and the impact of research. Inspired by the power of community and wanting to give those impacted by melanoma as many opportunities to connect as possible, the Melanoma Research Alliance planned several opportunities to engage throughout the month. In case you missed any of it, we have recapped MRA's Melanoma Awareness Month programming. https://lnkd.in/gT3_F6GD

Today is #DontFryDay - a reminder to practice sun safety every day as we kick off the summer season! In addition to wearing protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade - applying (and reapplying) sunscreen is an integral part of any effective sun safety routine. What better way to start stocking up on your sunscreen for the summer than by checking out Oprah Daily's First Annual Sun Awards, which features many of MRA's sunscreen partners. & thank you for sharing insights from MRA, Kate Sandoval Box! https://lnkd.in/gAWi6rDC