Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Series - Part 15
Today, we're sailing on a voyage of resilience, hope, and survival, navigating the rough waters of cancer in the company of people whose courage and tenacity illuminate the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity.
In recent years, the fight against skin cancer has gained significant momentum, thanks to the efforts of both individuals and organizations. With awareness campaigns, fundraising events, and innovative research, people all over the world are coming together to make a difference in the battle against this deadly disease.
From sunscreen education to early detection initiatives, these efforts are not only saving lives but also transforming the way we approach skin health. This episode will explore the inspiring stories of those who have taken action, highlighting the impact they have made and the lessons we can learn from their experiences. Whether it's a survivor sharing their journey, a community organizing a sun-safe event, or a company developing groundbreaking technologies, each contribution plays a vital role in combating skin cancer.
We also shed light on the emotional toll of skin cancer, not just for patients, but also on their support team. You'll hear about the innovative science behind fighting cancer, from immunotherapy clinical trials to mobile dermatology clinics.
This episode is not just about cancer stories, but a testament to human resilience and the power of community.
Join us as we recap the inspiring world of individuals and organizations making a difference in the fight against skin cancer, and discover how you too can contribute to this important cause.
The individual episode titles and links for all the guests can be found here:
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Series
Let's work together to stop skin cancer and save lives!
How do you sail through life? Join me on this endeavor! Support the show. I would love to grow this amazing support community.
If you have any thoughts on today’s episode, or topics you’d like me to further touch on, reach me through my WEBSITE at SailingThroughLifePodcast.com
Stay Anchored ⚓
Music Credit: Alex_MakeMusic
** Sailing Through Life Podcast is intended to educate, inspire and support you on your personal journey and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only. If you are suffering from any psychological or medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Lorie Tesny (00:00):
The journey of a cancer survivor is filled with
fear, worry and facing theunknown, but there is also hope,
resilience and the power tomake a difference.
Join me in celebrating thestrength and determination of
these incredible individuals.
Together, we can inspire andempower others.
(00:22):
Hello and welcome to SailingThrough Life.
I'm Lori, your host and friend.
Join me as I shareconversations that give you hope
through the storms of life.
You'll find inspiration throughthe experiences of my guests,
as well as hearing my own crazy,wonderful adventure.
(00:43):
Create the life you desire bydiscovering new ways to focus on
your health and well-beingthrough modifying your habits
and improving your mindset.
Set sail with me on thisjourney to realize the strength
and resilience you have inside.
Let us show you how.
As you sail through life,welcome aboard.
(01:04):
Thank you for being a part ofthis special series dedicated to
melanoma and skin cancerawareness.
This is the 15th and finalepisode for this 2023 series.
Want to be a part of the crew?
(01:25):
If you feel like this showprovides value, consider
contributing to support us so wecan make a difference in
someone's life.
You can learn more atsailingthroughlifepodcastcom.
Cancer touches everyone in oneway or another.
As we've heard over the lastthree months, this diagnosis has
(01:45):
become a part of so many lives.
The statistics are staggering.
I put this special seriestogether to honor those who have
faced a skin cancer or melanomadiagnosis, to provide helpful
tips and first-hand real lifeexperiences.
You also heard about theseriousness of skin cancer, ways
(02:07):
you can protect yourself, howto find support and the goals to
find a cure.
Whether you or someone you lovehas been affected by skin
cancer, this series has become agreat resource.
It is a powerful community thatraises awareness, empowers
people and inspires hope.
Thank you for being a part ofthis invaluable and informative
(02:31):
collection of souls who arestriving to bring the spotlight
and education to prevent futurecancer patients.
In addition to raisingawareness, there are steps that
you can take to reduce your riskof developing melanoma and skin
cancer.
These include wearingprotective clothing and
(02:52):
sunscreen when spending timeoutdoors, avoiding tanning beds
yes, stay out of tanning bedsand regularly checking your skin
for unusual spots.
I cannot emphasize enough theimportance of doing these steps.
My life has been derailed andI've gone through pretty much a
(03:14):
train wreck at times because ofthis diagnosis.
That is why this is soimportant.
My conversations with thesesurvivors in this series focused
on the pursuit of making adifference through advocacy and
the power of resilience.
These are the stories of hopeand determination.
(03:36):
They are a reminder that evenin the darkest times, when
things look most bleak, there'sstill a spark that continues to
grow and becomes a driving forceto push us through and thrive,
even in the face of cancer.
All the survivors shared acommon theme the struggle of
(03:57):
hearing those words you havecancer and being thrust into a
world they could have neverimagined.
They also have something elsein common the ability to take
this adversity and overcome it,to grow from this experience and
(04:19):
make an impact on the worldwith their passion to make a
difference.
Leah Adams started this seriesby sharing her experience as a
survivor and as a caregiver.
She's cared for her fatherafter being diagnosed with stage
4 melanoma.
Leah's story is a powerfulreminder of the effect melanoma
(04:40):
can have on us as individualsand on our loved ones.
Her experience as a caregiverhighlights the importance of
having a strong support systemand resources to navigate the
challenges that come with acancer diagnosis.
Her encounter with melanomabegan at 26 years old, with a
small mole on her chest whichturned her life upside down.
(05:03):
Her drive to become an advocatefor melanoma awareness is
evident in the stories of manysurvivors.
Leah's work has helped to shedlight on the importance of
melanoma prevention and earlydetection.
Her story serves as aninspiration to many survivors
and caregivers and highlightsthe need to continue raising
(05:26):
awareness and supporting thoseaffected by this diagnosis.
Terry Tucker is anotherinspiring survivor who was
diagnosed with a rare melanomacalled Acral Lentiginous, or ALM
, in 2012.
Despite being given a lowchance of survival, he has
(05:46):
persevered through surgeries andtreatments.
He believes that going throughadversity can teach us valuable
lessons and make us betterpeople.
Terry's inspiring story is atestament to the power of
resilience and the human spirit.
His unwavering determination toovercome the odds and his
refusal to give up in the faceof adversity is a beacon of hope
(06:10):
for anyone struggling withtheir own challenges.
Terry's message is clear nomatter what life throws at us,
we all have the power to choosehow we respond.
During his recovery, hediscovered that his setbacks are
not failures but opportunitiesto learn and grow.
Terry's positive mindset anddetermination enabled him to
(06:34):
persevere through the mostdifficult times and emerge
stronger and more resilient thanever before.
Facing a life-threateningdiagnosis at such a young age
can be a daunting experience,but Jess Fanziel is a testament
to the strength and resilienceof the human spirit.
Once again, despite thechallenges she faced, she was
(06:59):
able to overcome them and emergestronger.
The key takeaways from herstory that can inspire all of us
are gratitude, resilience andcommunity.
Throughout her journey, jessfound gratitude to be an
essential part of her healingprocess.
By focusing on the things thatshe was grateful for, she was
(07:19):
able to maintain positiveoutlook and find joy in even the
most difficult moments.
In the face of alife-threatening diagnosis.
She refused to let that defineher.
Instead, she used it as asource of motivation to fight
for her life.
Her journey was not one she hadfaced alone.
(07:40):
Her friends and family ralliedaround her, offering support and
love every step of the way.
This sense of community gaveJess the strength she needed to
keep fighting In the end.
Jess's story shows that, nomatter what life throws our way,
we have the power to overcomeit through the strength of our
(08:02):
spirit and the support of thosearound us.
Summer Sanders, our goldmedalist, shared her personal
experience with melanoma and howit inspired her to advocate for
sun safety.
Spending long days in the poolas she was growing up led to
being exposed to so much UV.
Summer found she was not immuneto the dangers of sun exposure.
(08:25):
She was diagnosed with melanomafour times and underwent
multiple surgeries.
Summer stresses the importanceof regular skin checks with a
dermatologist.
Early detection is crucial intreating melanoma and other skin
cancers.
Hearing her talk about fightingwith her dermatologist to get a
(08:45):
biopsy done even after multiplemelanomas was shocking.
It helps to illustrate why weneed to advocate for ourselves.
She's made wearing sunscreen apart of her routine and wearing
plenty of it to get fullcoverage.
We can all play a role inreducing the incidence of skin
(09:07):
cancer by raising awareness andpromoting healthy habits.
This allows us to continue toenjoy the outdoors without
fearing the sun.
Be smart and protect yourself.
Deconway's story and her sisterRose's poignant reminder of how
(09:28):
melanoma can affect us, not justas the patient, but also as the
support team.
De shares how her sister'sdiagnosis was a more advanced
stage of the disease.
Despite this setback, roseremained positive and determined
throughout her treatmentjourney, inspiring her family to
(09:48):
stay strong as well.
She also touched on thelingering impact that Rose's
diagnosis placed on their family, highlighting the importance of
cherishing the time we havewith our loved ones.
De's involvement in advocatingfor better cancer care and
research through becomingconnected with the Melanoma
(10:09):
Research Foundation to raiseawareness for melanoma research.
Additionally, she's reached outto her local government
representatives.
By raising awareness andencouraging policy changes,
she's making a difference in hercommunity and beyond.
Remember, small actions canlead to big impacts.
(10:29):
By educating yourself andtaking action, you can join the
fight against melanoma and makea difference in the lives of
those affected by this disease.
Jennifer Schultz's journey ispowerful and points out the
physical and emotional toll thatcancer can take on someone's
life.
Her story highlights theimportance of advocating for
(10:53):
yourself and accessing resourcesfor both physical and mental
health support.
As a melanoma survivor,jennifer's advocacy work extends
beyond her own experience andfocuses on educating others
about this disease, as well asthe greater access to care.
Her ongoing life as a survivorsheds light on unique challenges
(11:16):
, such as the anxiety of regularskin checks.
Jennifer's work withorganizations like the Melanoma
Research Foundation and theAmerican Cancer Society's
Advocacy Program underscores theimportance of research in
developing new treatments andtherapies for cancer patients.
She also emphasizes the need toremove barriers to accessing
(11:39):
health care.
Jennifer's story focuses on theimportance of sharing our
stories to inspire and empowerothers.
Her work has already made asignificant impact and her
ongoing efforts to continue tomake a difference in the lives
of those affected by cancer.
A true testament to the power ofhope and the transformative
(12:02):
nature of cancer survival wasMary Elizabeth Williams' story.
Her experience with stage 4melanoma and immunotherapy
clinical trials is a powerfulexample of how science can play
a crucial role not only inextending the life, but also
improving the quality.
In her book, a Series ofCatastrophes and Miracles, mary
(12:24):
Elizabeth shares her raw journeyof her diagnosis, treatment and
, ultimately, survival.
She also sheds light on theimpact that cancer had on her
family and how they navigatedthrough those challenges
together.
Her story highlights theimportance of raising awareness
about cancer and advocating forpatients, and she has been a
(12:46):
dedicated advocate in the spaceever since.
If you are facing this cancerdiagnosis, mary Elizabeth's
story is a reminder that thereis hope and there are options
available.
Some of the most importantthings she shared in her
conversation were the importanceof advocating for yourself and
seeking out the best possiblecare, the potential benefits of
(13:10):
clinical trials and othercutting-edge treatments, and the
transformative power of facingdeath and learning to live again
.
Overall, her story is one thatoffers inspiration to anyone
facing a cancer diagnosis orsupporting a loved one through
this journey.
The AIM at Melanoma Foundationhas provided a supportive and
(13:34):
educational platform tocountless people by guiding them
through a diagnosis, caregivingand creating resources for
support and for healthcareproviders, who play a crucial
role in diagnosing and treatingmelanoma.
In addition to providingsupport and resources for those
diagnosed, the Foundation hasalso worked tirelessly in the
(13:56):
research efforts aimed atimproving our understanding of
melanoma and new treatments forthe disease.
Speaking with Sam Gild, thepresident of AIM at Melanoma,
was an incredible honor.
Aim at Melanoma is a trulyinspiring organization that is
making a significant impact onthis fight against melanoma.
(14:17):
They are making a difference incountless lives and families
across the globe.
Bronwyn Davis is an inspirationfor anyone who is struggling
with cancer diagnosis or chronicillness.
Her journey with SquamouselCarcinoma has taught her the
valuable lessons that she sharesopenly.
(14:38):
In this conversation.
Bronwyn talks about herdiagnosis and how it helped her
gain clarity about life andpriorities.
She realized that she had beenneglecting her health and making
choices that were not alignedwith her values.
This realization helped hermake changes that led to a more
fulfilling life.
She also emphasizes theimportance of taking control of
(15:01):
your life, especially in theface of a serious illness, it's
important to research yourcondition and treatment options
and make informed decisionsabout your care.
This sense of control will helpyou feel more empowered and
less helpless.
Bronwyn reminds us thatresilience, connection and the
power within each of us can helpus live a fulfilling life
(15:24):
despite the challenges we face.
Skin cancer is a serious issueand the statistics are alarming
it is the most common cancer inthe US.
Erika and Snigtus' path towardcreating low ultraviolet is a
perfect example of how personalexperience can spark a mission
(15:44):
to bring about positive change.
During their college years,erika noticed a lack of a
affordable and stylish sunprotective apparel in the market
.
This led her to create lowultraviolet, or LUV, as a brand
that offers fashionable andaccessible sun protection.
They believe that sunprotection should not compromise
(16:05):
on style and that people shouldfeel confident and comfortable
while protecting themselves fromthe sun.
Low ultraviolet is creatingprotective apparel for everyday
life, making sun protection apart of people's daily routines
and to take control of theirlives and live on their own
terms.
(16:26):
Gillian Berry from CoatsSkincare provided valuable
insight and facts on sunprotection that can help us make
informed decisions aboutsunscreen.
Mineral and chemical sunscreensdiffer in the way they protect
the skin.
Mineral sunscreens sit on thetop of the skin and physically
block the sun rays like millionsof little mirrors, while
(16:47):
chemical sunscreens absorb intothe skin and have been found to
harm marine life and damagedcoral reefs, not to mention the
potential harm to our bodies.
Make sure when you're readingsunscreen labels, you look at
what's inside.
Make sure you have broadspectrum protection, which means
it protects against both UVAand UVB rays.
(17:09):
Spf or sun protection factor,indicates the amount of
protection against those UV rays.
Contrary to popular belief, ahigher SPF does not necessarily
mean better protection againstharmful UV.
Sunscreen products do have ashelf life and an expiration
date and it's important to checkthese before using the products
(17:31):
.
Thanks to Gillian and CoatsSkincare for protecting us and
enlightening us on thisimportant topic.
It was a personal story thatinspired the mission to create
Onspot Dermatology, a mobiledermatology clinic.
Don Hunt, the president ofOnspot, witnessed someone close
(17:52):
to him dealing with a melanomadiagnosis.
With the event of a pandemic,he became determined to create a
solution that makes it easierfor people to get the care they
need and potentially save livesby detecting skin cancer early.
The mission goes beyond simplyoffering a service.
It's driven by a deep empathyfor those who face similar
(18:15):
challenges and a desire to makea meaningful impact on their
lives.
It serves as a reminder thateven the most innovative and
sophisticated technology can bedriven by a simple, heartfelt
goal to help others.
My fascinating discussion withVasily Zotov, the pioneering CEO
of Artists Electronics,unveiled the science behind the
(18:36):
groundbreaking Nota Moll Tracker.
This personal and affordabledevice is the size of a small
electric razor and pairs withyour phone to track your moles.
The app includes the ability toadd images and measurements, as
well as a body of the device.
Vasily shares the cutting edgeworld of science and technology
(18:57):
and navigates the evolution ofthe Nota Moll Tracker and other
life changing devices indevelopment, including one for
breast cancer detection.
With a concerning trend of skincancer affecting younger
demographics, our research is akey to the development of the
technology.
I appreciate the invaluablework of pioneers like Vasily,
(19:20):
transforming lives one device ata time.
(19:45):
Each guest story is a livingtestament to the fact that
personal experiences can ignitea mission to affect positive
change.
They may have had difficult ortraumatic experiences in the
past, but they have chosen touse those experiences to help
others.
They have turned their paininto purpose and now they're
(20:05):
working to make the world abetter place.
Their stories are aninspiration to all of us and it
shows us that we can make adifference in the world, no
matter what challenges we havefaced.
Thank you to all my brave andcourageous guests who are
creating a better life byadvocating and sharing those who
are supporting others and theresearch to better lives of
(20:28):
people facing this diagnosis.
Thank you for making this anunbelievable and unforgettable
experience for those who arefacing or struggling with this
disease, and also the people whosupport and care enough to
provide the best possiblesolution for creating a healthy
lifestyle.
(20:49):
Remember, it's not just skincancer.
The individual titles and linksfor all the guests will be in
the episode description.
It's time to feel empowered.
It's time to make every choicecount.
If you or someone you careabout would like to share their
(21:09):
story, or if you know anorganization to help even just
one person, you can message methrough my website.
Supporting the show allows usto continue to make a difference
in someone's life.
You can share this episode withfriends and family and
contribute financially.
Just go tosailingthroughlifepodcastcom to
(21:30):
help out.
Stay Anchored, watch out withyou next time.
The journey of a cancer survivor is filled with
fear, worry and facing theunknown, but there is also hope,
resilience and the power tomake a difference.
Join me in celebrating thestrength and determination of
these incredible individuals.
Together, we can inspire andempower others.
(00:22):
Hello and welcome to SailingThrough Life.
I'm Lori, your host and friend.
Join me as I shareconversations that give you hope
through the storms of life.
You'll find inspiration throughthe experiences of my guests,
as well as hearing my own crazy,wonderful adventure.
(00:43):
Create the life you desire bydiscovering new ways to focus on
your health and well-beingthrough modifying your habits
and improving your mindset.
Set sail with me on thisjourney to realize the strength
and resilience you have inside.
Let us show you how.
As you sail through life,welcome aboard.
(01:04):
Thank you for being a part ofthis special series dedicated to
melanoma and skin cancerawareness.
This is the 15th and finalepisode for this 2023 series.
Want to be a part of the crew?
(01:25):
If you feel like this showprovides value, consider
contributing to support us so wecan make a difference in
someone's life.
You can learn more atsailingthroughlifepodcastcom.
Cancer touches everyone in oneway or another.
As we've heard over the lastthree months, this diagnosis has
(01:45):
become a part of so many lives.
The statistics are staggering.
I put this special seriestogether to honor those who have
faced a skin cancer or melanomadiagnosis, to provide helpful
tips and first-hand real lifeexperiences.
You also heard about theseriousness of skin cancer, ways
(02:07):
you can protect yourself, howto find support and the goals to
find a cure.
Whether you or someone you lovehas been affected by skin
cancer, this series has become agreat resource.
It is a powerful community thatraises awareness, empowers
people and inspires hope.
Thank you for being a part ofthis invaluable and informative
(02:31):
collection of souls who arestriving to bring the spotlight
and education to prevent futurecancer patients.
In addition to raisingawareness, there are steps that
you can take to reduce your riskof developing melanoma and skin
cancer.
These include wearingprotective clothing and
(02:52):
sunscreen when spending timeoutdoors, avoiding tanning beds
yes, stay out of tanning bedsand regularly checking your skin
for unusual spots.
I cannot emphasize enough theimportance of doing these steps.
My life has been derailed andI've gone through pretty much a
(03:14):
train wreck at times because ofthis diagnosis.
That is why this is soimportant.
My conversations with thesesurvivors in this series focused
on the pursuit of making adifference through advocacy and
the power of resilience.
These are the stories of hopeand determination.
(03:36):
They are a reminder that evenin the darkest times, when
things look most bleak, there'sstill a spark that continues to
grow and becomes a driving forceto push us through and thrive,
even in the face of cancer.
All the survivors shared acommon theme the struggle of
(03:57):
hearing those words you havecancer and being thrust into a
world they could have neverimagined.
They also have something elsein common the ability to take
this adversity and overcome it,to grow from this experience and
(04:19):
make an impact on the worldwith their passion to make a
difference.
Leah Adams started this seriesby sharing her experience as a
survivor and as a caregiver.
She's cared for her fatherafter being diagnosed with stage
4 melanoma.
Leah's story is a powerfulreminder of the effect melanoma
(04:40):
can have on us as individualsand on our loved ones.
Her experience as a caregiverhighlights the importance of
having a strong support systemand resources to navigate the
challenges that come with acancer diagnosis.
Her encounter with melanomabegan at 26 years old, with a
small mole on her chest whichturned her life upside down.
(05:03):
Her drive to become an advocatefor melanoma awareness is
evident in the stories of manysurvivors.
Leah's work has helped to shedlight on the importance of
melanoma prevention and earlydetection.
Her story serves as aninspiration to many survivors
and caregivers and highlightsthe need to continue raising
(05:26):
awareness and supporting thoseaffected by this diagnosis.
Terry Tucker is anotherinspiring survivor who was
diagnosed with a rare melanomacalled Acral Lentiginous, or ALM
, in 2012.
Despite being given a lowchance of survival, he has
(05:46):
persevered through surgeries andtreatments.
He believes that going throughadversity can teach us valuable
lessons and make us betterpeople.
Terry's inspiring story is atestament to the power of
resilience and the human spirit.
His unwavering determination toovercome the odds and his
refusal to give up in the faceof adversity is a beacon of hope
(06:10):
for anyone struggling withtheir own challenges.
Terry's message is clear nomatter what life throws at us,
we all have the power to choosehow we respond.
During his recovery, hediscovered that his setbacks are
not failures but opportunitiesto learn and grow.
Terry's positive mindset anddetermination enabled him to
(06:34):
persevere through the mostdifficult times and emerge
stronger and more resilient thanever before.
Facing a life-threateningdiagnosis at such a young age
can be a daunting experience,but Jess Fanziel is a testament
to the strength and resilienceof the human spirit.
Once again, despite thechallenges she faced, she was
(06:59):
able to overcome them and emergestronger.
The key takeaways from herstory that can inspire all of us
are gratitude, resilience andcommunity.
Throughout her journey, jessfound gratitude to be an
essential part of her healingprocess.
By focusing on the things thatshe was grateful for, she was
(07:19):
able to maintain positiveoutlook and find joy in even the
most difficult moments.
In the face of alife-threatening diagnosis.
She refused to let that defineher.
Instead, she used it as asource of motivation to fight
for her life.
Her journey was not one she hadfaced alone.
(07:40):
Her friends and family ralliedaround her, offering support and
love every step of the way.
This sense of community gaveJess the strength she needed to
keep fighting In the end.
Jess's story shows that, nomatter what life throws our way,
we have the power to overcomeit through the strength of our
(08:02):
spirit and the support of thosearound us.
Summer Sanders, our goldmedalist, shared her personal
experience with melanoma and howit inspired her to advocate for
sun safety.
Spending long days in the poolas she was growing up led to
being exposed to so much UV.
Summer found she was not immuneto the dangers of sun exposure.
(08:25):
She was diagnosed with melanomafour times and underwent
multiple surgeries.
Summer stresses the importanceof regular skin checks with a
dermatologist.
Early detection is crucial intreating melanoma and other skin
cancers.
Hearing her talk about fightingwith her dermatologist to get a
(08:45):
biopsy done even after multiplemelanomas was shocking.
It helps to illustrate why weneed to advocate for ourselves.
She's made wearing sunscreen apart of her routine and wearing
plenty of it to get fullcoverage.
We can all play a role inreducing the incidence of skin
(09:07):
cancer by raising awareness andpromoting healthy habits.
This allows us to continue toenjoy the outdoors without
fearing the sun.
Be smart and protect yourself.
Deconway's story and her sisterRose's poignant reminder of how
(09:28):
melanoma can affect us, not justas the patient, but also as the
support team.
De shares how her sister'sdiagnosis was a more advanced
stage of the disease.
Despite this setback, roseremained positive and determined
throughout her treatmentjourney, inspiring her family to
(09:48):
stay strong as well.
She also touched on thelingering impact that Rose's
diagnosis placed on their family, highlighting the importance of
cherishing the time we havewith our loved ones.
De's involvement in advocatingfor better cancer care and
research through becomingconnected with the Melanoma
(10:09):
Research Foundation to raiseawareness for melanoma research.
Additionally, she's reached outto her local government
representatives.
By raising awareness andencouraging policy changes,
she's making a difference in hercommunity and beyond.
Remember, small actions canlead to big impacts.
(10:29):
By educating yourself andtaking action, you can join the
fight against melanoma and makea difference in the lives of
those affected by this disease.
Jennifer Schultz's journey ispowerful and points out the
physical and emotional toll thatcancer can take on someone's
life.
Her story highlights theimportance of advocating for
(10:53):
yourself and accessing resourcesfor both physical and mental
health support.
As a melanoma survivor,jennifer's advocacy work extends
beyond her own experience andfocuses on educating others
about this disease, as well asthe greater access to care.
Her ongoing life as a survivorsheds light on unique challenges
(11:16):
, such as the anxiety of regularskin checks.
Jennifer's work withorganizations like the Melanoma
Research Foundation and theAmerican Cancer Society's
Advocacy Program underscores theimportance of research in
developing new treatments andtherapies for cancer patients.
She also emphasizes the need toremove barriers to accessing
(11:39):
health care.
Jennifer's story focuses on theimportance of sharing our
stories to inspire and empowerothers.
Her work has already made asignificant impact and her
ongoing efforts to continue tomake a difference in the lives
of those affected by cancer.
A true testament to the power ofhope and the transformative
(12:02):
nature of cancer survival wasMary Elizabeth Williams' story.
Her experience with stage 4melanoma and immunotherapy
clinical trials is a powerfulexample of how science can play
a crucial role not only inextending the life, but also
improving the quality.
In her book, a Series ofCatastrophes and Miracles, mary
(12:24):
Elizabeth shares her raw journeyof her diagnosis, treatment and
, ultimately, survival.
She also sheds light on theimpact that cancer had on her
family and how they navigatedthrough those challenges
together.
Her story highlights theimportance of raising awareness
about cancer and advocating forpatients, and she has been a
(12:46):
dedicated advocate in the spaceever since.
If you are facing this cancerdiagnosis, mary Elizabeth's
story is a reminder that thereis hope and there are options
available.
Some of the most importantthings she shared in her
conversation were the importanceof advocating for yourself and
seeking out the best possiblecare, the potential benefits of
(13:10):
clinical trials and othercutting-edge treatments, and the
transformative power of facingdeath and learning to live again
.
Overall, her story is one thatoffers inspiration to anyone
facing a cancer diagnosis orsupporting a loved one through
this journey.
The AIM at Melanoma Foundationhas provided a supportive and
(13:34):
educational platform tocountless people by guiding them
through a diagnosis, caregivingand creating resources for
support and for healthcareproviders, who play a crucial
role in diagnosing and treatingmelanoma.
In addition to providingsupport and resources for those
diagnosed, the Foundation hasalso worked tirelessly in the
(13:56):
research efforts aimed atimproving our understanding of
melanoma and new treatments forthe disease.
Speaking with Sam Gild, thepresident of AIM at Melanoma,
was an incredible honor.
Aim at Melanoma is a trulyinspiring organization that is
making a significant impact onthis fight against melanoma.
(14:17):
They are making a difference incountless lives and families
across the globe.
Bronwyn Davis is an inspirationfor anyone who is struggling
with cancer diagnosis or chronicillness.
Her journey with SquamouselCarcinoma has taught her the
valuable lessons that she sharesopenly.
(14:38):
In this conversation.
Bronwyn talks about herdiagnosis and how it helped her
gain clarity about life andpriorities.
She realized that she had beenneglecting her health and making
choices that were not alignedwith her values.
This realization helped hermake changes that led to a more
fulfilling life.
She also emphasizes theimportance of taking control of
(15:01):
your life, especially in theface of a serious illness, it's
important to research yourcondition and treatment options
and make informed decisionsabout your care.
This sense of control will helpyou feel more empowered and
less helpless.
Bronwyn reminds us thatresilience, connection and the
power within each of us can helpus live a fulfilling life
(15:24):
despite the challenges we face.
Skin cancer is a serious issueand the statistics are alarming
it is the most common cancer inthe US.
Erika and Snigtus' path towardcreating low ultraviolet is a
perfect example of how personalexperience can spark a mission
(15:44):
to bring about positive change.
During their college years,erika noticed a lack of a
affordable and stylish sunprotective apparel in the market
.
This led her to create lowultraviolet, or LUV, as a brand
that offers fashionable andaccessible sun protection.
They believe that sunprotection should not compromise
(16:05):
on style and that people shouldfeel confident and comfortable
while protecting themselves fromthe sun.
Low ultraviolet is creatingprotective apparel for everyday
life, making sun protection apart of people's daily routines
and to take control of theirlives and live on their own
terms.
(16:26):
Gillian Berry from CoatsSkincare provided valuable
insight and facts on sunprotection that can help us make
informed decisions aboutsunscreen.
Mineral and chemical sunscreensdiffer in the way they protect
the skin.
Mineral sunscreens sit on thetop of the skin and physically
block the sun rays like millionsof little mirrors, while
(16:47):
chemical sunscreens absorb intothe skin and have been found to
harm marine life and damagedcoral reefs, not to mention the
potential harm to our bodies.
Make sure when you're readingsunscreen labels, you look at
what's inside.
Make sure you have broadspectrum protection, which means
it protects against both UVAand UVB rays.
(17:09):
Spf or sun protection factor,indicates the amount of
protection against those UV rays.
Contrary to popular belief, ahigher SPF does not necessarily
mean better protection againstharmful UV.
Sunscreen products do have ashelf life and an expiration
date and it's important to checkthese before using the products
(17:31):
.
Thanks to Gillian and CoatsSkincare for protecting us and
enlightening us on thisimportant topic.
It was a personal story thatinspired the mission to create
Onspot Dermatology, a mobiledermatology clinic.
Don Hunt, the president ofOnspot, witnessed someone close
(17:52):
to him dealing with a melanomadiagnosis.
With the event of a pandemic,he became determined to create a
solution that makes it easierfor people to get the care they
need and potentially save livesby detecting skin cancer early.
The mission goes beyond simplyoffering a service.
It's driven by a deep empathyfor those who face similar
(18:15):
challenges and a desire to makea meaningful impact on their
lives.
It serves as a reminder thateven the most innovative and
sophisticated technology can bedriven by a simple, heartfelt
goal to help others.
My fascinating discussion withVasily Zotov, the pioneering CEO
of Artists Electronics,unveiled the science behind the
(18:36):
groundbreaking Nota Moll Tracker.
This personal and affordabledevice is the size of a small
electric razor and pairs withyour phone to track your moles.
The app includes the ability toadd images and measurements, as
well as a body of the device.
Vasily shares the cutting edgeworld of science and technology
(18:57):
and navigates the evolution ofthe Nota Moll Tracker and other
life changing devices indevelopment, including one for
breast cancer detection.
With a concerning trend of skincancer affecting younger
demographics, our research is akey to the development of the
technology.
I appreciate the invaluablework of pioneers like Vasily,
(19:20):
transforming lives one device ata time.
(19:45):
Each guest story is a livingtestament to the fact that
personal experiences can ignitea mission to affect positive
change.
They may have had difficult ortraumatic experiences in the
past, but they have chosen touse those experiences to help
others.
They have turned their paininto purpose and now they're
(20:05):
working to make the world abetter place.
Their stories are aninspiration to all of us and it
shows us that we can make adifference in the world, no
matter what challenges we havefaced.
Thank you to all my brave andcourageous guests who are
creating a better life byadvocating and sharing those who
are supporting others and theresearch to better lives of
(20:28):
people facing this diagnosis.
Thank you for making this anunbelievable and unforgettable
experience for those who arefacing or struggling with this
disease, and also the people whosupport and care enough to
provide the best possiblesolution for creating a healthy
lifestyle.
(20:49):
Remember, it's not just skincancer.
The individual titles and linksfor all the guests will be in
the episode description.
It's time to feel empowered.
It's time to make every choicecount.
If you or someone you careabout would like to share their
(21:09):
story, or if you know anorganization to help even just
one person, you can message methrough my website.
Supporting the show allows usto continue to make a difference
in someone's life.
You can share this episode withfriends and family and
contribute financially.
Just go tosailingthroughlifepodcastcom to
(21:30):
help out.
Stay Anchored, watch out withyou next time.
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