Tara Gibbs

Tara Gibbs's Fundraiser

Fighting melanoma every step of the way image

Fighting melanoma every step of the way

Join me and help make a difference! Please support my marathon fundraiser.

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$2,355 towards $1,750

Dear Friends and Family:

THIS. IS. PERSONAL. Fighting to find a cure and raise awareness.

Dave was diagnosed with Melanoma in situ in 2013. I had been urging him for a few months to get in and have an abnormal mole on his back looked at. It just didn’t look right. At the time the boys were 8, 5 and 3 years old. I had told Dave that his back didn't look right and he needed to get to a dermatologist, but he was busy at work and we were busy with the boys so he didn't prioritize the visit. When he was diagnosed, the doctor couldn’t reiterate how lucky he was that the melanoma spread in diameter significantly, however remained in the epidermis. This could have had a very different outcome. Our kids now need to be closely screened. Owen needed a revision on a suspicious mole this Spring. Including removal and a number of stitches by a plastic surgeon. Dave is having a revision done on a pre-melanoma they just found on the top of his foot. This is something we will have to worry about for the rest of our lives. I am hoping for more research in this area to pave a healthier path for my children and all those affected by skin cancer.

Did you know one person dies every hour from melanoma?

That’s why I decided to make my Chicago Marathon more meaningful and support Jack H. Marston II Melanoma Fund. Their campaign to fund research and provide awareness programs (early detection saves lives) makes a real difference --- and you can be a part in it.

If you or someone you know has had spots removed, precancerous cells, or have melanoma, you already know. If you have been fortunate so far, let me explain why Jack’s Fund needs your donation.

  • Melanoma is a very serious form of skin cancer. Although accounting for only 4% of total skin cancer cases, it is the leading cause of skin cancer related deaths.
  • Melanoma is the second most common cancer for young adults ages 15-29.
  • The risk of being diagnosed with melanoma doubles with five or more sunburns at any age, and exposure to tanning beds in youth increases that risk by 75%!
  • The risk of developing melanoma is increasing, and most frighteningly, the cases of melanoma amongst young children are on the rise.

Since the risk of melanoma affects or has affected each and every one of us, the work that Jack’s Fund is doing to increase research funding and to develop awareness programs is so important!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

$30 = The rates of melanoma have been rising for the last 30 years.

$54 = One person dies every 54 minutes from melanoma.

$100.35 = 100,350 New cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the US in 2020 (ACS).

$250 = Free skin screening (average fee charged by dermatologist's offices for a skin screening).

$800 = Melanoma costs over $800 million to treat annually.

Check out my fundraising page and please consider making a donation to help me reach my goal of [Your Fundraiser's Goal Will Automatically Go Here].

Giving online is easy and fast, and your support will make a real difference. I appreciate your help!

Tar

#SPF262, #JMT2022