Melanoma Research Foundation

Big News! The MRF has officially rebranded and launched a revamped website! This transformation reflects our unwavering commitment to providing melanoma patients, thrivers, caregivers and the scientific community with trustworthy education, resources and support. The revamped website offers improved navigation, enhanced community engagement and streamlined access to vital information about melanoma prevention, treatment and research progress. Plus, it’s easier than ever to connect, share stories and support our collective goal to eradicate melanoma. Explore the new look and experience it for yourself at www.melanoma.org! Click here to view the full press release: https://buff.ly/40xjyQv

Just 2 weeks away! Join us in Chapel Hill, NC on April 7 for the Together Against Melanoma Patient & Caregiver Symposium, hosted in collaboration with UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. This free event offers expert insights, community connection and support for anyone impacted by melanoma. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with the melanoma community! Registration for in-person tickets closes on April 1. RSVP Here: https://buff.ly/xmpViGV

Exciting melanoma research funding update: we have just learned that House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense Chair Ken Calvert (CA-41) and Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense Chair Mitch McConnell issued a letter to Department of Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, indicating Congressional intent for CDMRP FY25 programs. Contained in that letter was the directive to fund the Melanoma Research Program (MRP) at $40 million for FY25! This funding will enable more research and more melanoma treatment progress for military members and the general public. According to a recent Military Medicine Study, melanoma incidence among service members is 62% greater than civilians and this program seeks to minimize incidence rates across both populations! This major achievement is a direct result of your advocacy over the past month! An incredible 206 advocates with 248 calls to Congress (House and Senate), 50 advocates who went to Capitol Hill, 14 advocacy organizations and 32 researchers who signed an FY25 sign on letter. We are so appreciative of the #melanoma community and your efforts to help protect this vital research funding, and we thank Congressional Appropriators for continued melanoma research funding. While we are optimistic about the future of melanoma funding through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP), we are disappointed to learn of the cuts to the 23 other deserving programs within the CDMRP. The MRF will continue to advocate for melanoma research funding and finding ways to engage patients and caregivers with their lawmakers.

Awareness is key to early detection and better outcomes. Today, we’re shining a light on anal cancer, a disease that can affect anyone, particularly those diagnosed with #MucosalMelanoma. Mucosal melanoma is a rare and aggressive form of melanoma that can develop in the anal region, often with no early warning signs. That’s why education, open conversations and regular screenings are essential in the fight against both mucosal melanoma and anal cancer. This #AnalCancerAwareness day, let’s break the silence and stigma and bring this conversation #OutoftheShadows. Help us share resources and empower others with critical information that can help fight both diseases. Learn more about mucosal melanoma and our #OutoftheShadows campaign here: https://buff.ly/Q2yS9K2

As we continue to raise awareness around #MucosalMelanoma, our #OutOfTheShadows campaign spotlights critical research that advances treatment options and improves outcomes for mucosal melanoma patients. We are proud to recognize Nicole Trepanowski, from Brigham and Women's Hospital, a 2022 recipient of the MRF Medical Student Award, for her research focusing on mucosal melanoma: "Prognosticators of Treatment Response to Immunotherapy in Veteran Mucosal Melanoma Patients: A Real-World Outcomes Study." Her work aims to better understand how mucosal melanoma patients respond to immunotherapy— helping to advance future treatments and improve patient care. Learn more here: https://buff.ly/dXWZZ1W #OutOfTheShadows #MucosalMelanomaAwareness

We're Hiring! Join the MRF as a Development Events Intern to support the Development Department with their nationwide fundraising events, Miles for Melanoma 5K run/walk program and Galas. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/eNhgQmcM

“Attending the Eyes on a Cure symposium was extraordinary. I met fellow OM patients for the first time and found a supportive community that truly understands the journey." – Allie Dashow, OM patient Join us April 26-27, 2025, in Cleveland, OH in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute for Eyes on a Cure—a transformative weekend dedicated to education, connection and empowerment for the OM community. Expert insights on the latest OM research & treatments Build relationships in a supportive, understanding community Engage in wellness sessions, support groups & uplifting activities RSVP Here: https://buff.ly/6wkywhT ?? Scholarships available! Apply by March 28. Email [email protected] for details. #EyesOnACure #OcularMelanoma #OMCommunity #CancerSupport #PatientEmpowerment

We’re just six months away from our 14th Annual Denver Gala on Thursday, September 18—and this year, we’re thrilled to welcome you to our NEW venue, Asterisk Denver! Join us for an unforgettable evening dedicated to advancing our mission-critical work in the fight against melanoma. Your attendance directly supports efforts to eradicate melanoma, bringing us closer to a cure. Together, we’ll celebrate the brave melanoma patients, visionary clinician-scientists and inspiring corporate leaders who are driving awareness, prevention and innovation forward. Let’s come together and celebrate our progress—because PROGRESS IS POWER. Click the link to purchase your ticket or learn more. We can’t wait to see you there! https://buff.ly/z5l3d1m

Denver, the Rocky Mountain gem—let’s rise to the challenge! Registration is now open for the Denver Miles for Melanoma 5K! Lace up your running shoes and join us on Saturday, June 14, at Sloan Lake Park for an unforgettable day of community, awareness and action. Don’t wait—secure your spot now and take advantage of our early bird rates before they disappear on Friday, March 21! Click the link to register today - https://buff.ly/ukU3Wmd

NEWS ALERT – The House of Representatives just voted 54-46 to APPROVE a 57% cut in funding to the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) which includes the Melanoma Research Program (MRP). This cut will dramatically impact the lives of melanoma patients, hindering research that could lead to new FDA approved treatments and diminishing the hope that research brings to so many who are fighting. Here are the facts: Melanoma claims the lives of over 8,290 Americans every year. Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death in young women ages 25 – 30. There are nearly 1.3 million Americans currently living with melanoma. We will not stop in our campaign to restore this funding for melanoma patients and their loved ones. Research Creates Hope. Hope Changes Everything. #melanoma #research #cdmrp #clinicaltrials