MIF's Safe From The Sun 2017

Safe from the Sun began in 2002 as a small group walking in the King of Prussia Mall to bring melanoma awareness to our community. Achieving an attendance of over 2,500 participants, we now hold SFTS – the largest melanoma awareness event in the world – at Wilson Farm Park in Wayne, PA. At MIF, it is our privilege to host this event and it gives us a special joy to see so many families come together to support and honor their loved ones.

Safe from the Sun has many components, including a 2-mile walk, 5K run, a Kids’ Dash, and awards ceremony. What really brings us pride, though, is our free skin cancer screening. Members of the community are welcome to attend this free screening with no obligation to attend the event itself. Some of the best dermatologists in the area give their valuable time in order to give these skin checks and we are so grateful. Over the years, a number of melanomas have been found early, which makes every bit of work well worth the effort.

All of the proceeds from Safe from the Sun benefit the Melanoma International Foundation’s Patient Services Program. This program provides one-on-one support to those facing a melanoma diagnosis, as well as their loved ones. From help understanding pathology to providing travel scholarships to clinical trials, our patient navigator seeks to understand and overcome the obstacles standing between the patient and the best treatment possible. It is an exciting time in the melanoma landscape, with new treatments being developed all the time. For the first time in decades, options are available for patients to live longer, better lives and it is our goal to help them do just that.

Whether you are currently dealing with a melanoma diagnosis, know someone who is, or just want to have your skin checked, we hope you will join us on April 23, 2017, for Safe from the Sun!