June 17, 2024 (New York, NY) –The Skin Cancer Foundation, the leading nonprofit organization for public skin cancer education, today officially launched the Save Destination Healthy Skin campaign to raise funds for the purchase of a new RV for the Foundation’s mobile skin cancer screening and education program, Destination Healthy Skin. Nationwide wellness franchise Massage Envy signed on as lead sponsor of the campaign, donating $25,000 in support of the Foundation’s efforts.
About the Destination Healthy Skin Program
Inside the Destination Healthy Skin RV, which travels around the country each year, local volunteer dermatologists provide free full-body skin cancer screenings in private exam rooms. All visitors receive information about skin cancer warning signs and proper sun protection, as well as product samples courtesy of program sponsors.
Skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer. If left untreated, certain skin cancers can cause disfigurement, or even be deadly. Luckily, skin cancer is often curable if detected, diagnosed and treated in its earliest stages. Daily sun protection also significantly reduces skin cancer risk.
Through the Destination Healthy Skin program, volunteer dermatologists have provided more than 29,000 free skin cancer screenings, identified nearly 12,000 potential skin cancers and precancers — including 529 suspected melanomas — and distributed free skin cancer educational materials and sun protection products to more than 100,000 people. The Destination Healthy Skin program provides skin exams for many people who otherwise would not have had the opportunity. About 65 percent of program participants receive their very first skin cancer screening onboard the Destination Healthy Skin RV.
In 2024, the program will be on the road for five and a half months, stopping in 25 cities for approximately 55 events. See the 2024 schedule at DestinationHealthySkin.org/schedule.
About the Save Destination Healthy Skin Campaign
The Destination Healthy Skin RV, a 2010 model purchased by the Foundation in 2014, travels about 10,000 miles each year. The Foundation has put approximately 150,000 miles on the vehicle, and due to general wear and tear, maintenance costs for keeping the RV on the road continue to rise. The Foundation hopes to purchase a newer, more fuel-efficient vehicle for Destination Healthy Skin, with accessibility features that would offer an even better experience for program participants. In addition to purchasing a new vehicle, the Foundation will need to customize the vehicle to create a waiting area and exam rooms.
“Our Destination Healthy Skin RV has helped us bring free skin cancer screenings and educational information to people all over the country,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “This vehicle is an integral part of a lifesaving program, but we need help to purchase a new RV that will allow the program to thrive for many years to come. Our goal is to raise $500,000, and we’re counting on the support of our incredible corporate partners and individual donors to help us get there. Every little bit counts.”
The Foundation soft-launched the campaign at its annual Champions for Change Gala on May 15 in New York City. Following a brief video about the program and the need for a new RV, an in-room pledge drive raised nearly $100,000 to support the campaign.
Massage Envy leads sponsorship efforts for the campaign with a $25,000 donation that the Foundation will highlight on social media this month and encourage followers to match.
“Massage Envy is dedicated to enriching the people’s lives through wellness and self-care,” says Todd Schrader, Massage Envy Franchising CEO. “We are honored to work with The Skin Cancer Foundation to increase access and availability of skin cancer screenings, driving skin cancer education across the country.”
To learn more about the program and make a campaign donation, please visit SkinCancer.org/SaveDHS. Donors have the option to make a one-time gift, provide recurring “monthly maintenance” gifts, or create an online fundraiser to support the Foundation’s efforts. The Foundation will recognize large donations on a plaque inside the new RV. The Save Destination Healthy Skin campaign will run through the end of 2024. If the Foundation meets its fundraising goal, they plan to purchase a new vehicle next winter and, by May 2025, be back on the road for another season of free screening events.
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About The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation saves and improves lives by empowering people to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The Foundation seeks to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. Since its inception in 1979, the Foundation has recommended following a complete sun protection strategy that includes seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, in addition to daily sunscreen use. For more information, visit SkinCancer.org.
Contact:
Ali Venosa, avenosa@skincancer.org; 646.583.7979
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