Melanoma Research Foundation

Thank you to everyone who made the 4th Annual #GetNakedJax presented by Dream Finders Homes such an incredible success! Your dedication to raising awareness and funds for melanoma means the world to us. Thanks to you, #GetNakedJax raised an outstanding $234,073.53 (and counting!). These funds will support groundbreaking research conducted by Dr. Berico. His study, A Gene Regulatory Network Driving Melanoma Immune Evasion, explores how melanoma cells evade detection by the immune system. His team discovered that certain genes help cancer cells “hide,” making immunotherapy less effective for some patients. By targeting these genes, this research could improve immunotherapy outcomes, helping more patients benefit from life-saving treatments. Learn more about Dr. Berico's research here: https://buff.ly/3YIDf8y There's still time to contribute to funding this vital research grant, helping us advance our fight against melanoma. To make a donation, visit buff.ly/47gsRHz We hope to see you again next year for another impactful event. Together, we’re making a real difference!

Just diagnosed with cutaneous #melanoma stage 0 or 1 and want to learn more? Check out our new Melanoma Patient Guide! The Melanoma Patient Guide: Stage 0-1 is designed to empower individuals diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma in its early stages, providing essential information on understanding the condition, how doctors determine your melanoma stage, how to communicate effectively with your healthcare team, resources for support and how to adopt preventive measures for long-term well-being. Download a free copy now and take charge of your health! https://buff.ly/40o5c6B

#RFPAnnouncement -- the 2025 MRF Medical Student and Resident/Fellow Research Grant RFPs are now available! These one-year grants provide support for clinical or lab-based research projects focused on prevention, early-detection, behaviors that impact melanoma risk, treatment and more! Med Student grant applications are due Nov. 18 and Resident/Fellow grant applications are due Feb 3. For more information about grant eligibility and application process, please visit -

In just a few hours, the Together Against Melanoma: Patient & Caregiver Symposium in partnership with Saint John's Cancer Institute (formerly John Wayne Cancer Institute) at Providence will be live! Make sure you join us today at 8:00am PST as there will be updates on the latest in diagnosis, treatment and supportive care for cutaneous melanoma. We look forward to seeing you there! https://lnkd.in/gE7hfFac

It’s National Estate Planning Awareness Week! Thoughtful planning not only secures your future but can also create a lasting legacy to support causes you care about, like melanoma research. Click the link to access a free online tool to make the process easier and even set up an optional legacy gift. Now’s the perfect time to start the conversation and protect what matters most! https://buff.ly/49E2eM9 P.S. If you've already included the MRF in your estate plans, please let us know by emailing lreilly@melanoma.org. We would love to thank you for your generosity! #NationalEstatePlanningAwarenessWeek #EstatePlanning

New York, we are beyond grateful for the AMAZING night we shared! Last night wasn’t just a celebration of the melanoma community—it was a powerful demonstration of how we can come together to drive progress. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised $943,062, but we’re still over $300,000 away from hitting our goal. We need your help to not only hit our goal but to help fund our pediatric melanoma research grant through our ‘Fund a Grant’ initiative. By contributing, you’ll directly support groundbreaking research to help children fighting melanoma. Let’s keep the momentum going and hit our goal together! Your support shows us that Progress is Power. If you’d still like to contribute with a tax-deductible donation, click here: https://buff.ly/4eUEGGD

Curious about TIL Cell Therapy? Join Dr. Jose Lutzky and Gary Alan Klevens, a special patient guest, for an Ask the Expert webinar on November 7! Learn about the cutting-edge advancements in TIL therapy and get an exclusive look at Gary's journey from diagnosis to treatment. Plus, engage in a live Q&A session with Dr. Lutzky and Gary! Register today: https://buff.ly/3Y5MbTQ

#ThrowbackThursday to the incredible highlights from last year’s New York Gala! The wait is finally over—our 23rd Annual Gala kicks off TONIGHT at 6 PM ET. We’re thrilled to reunite with everyone as we celebrate the melanoma community and the amazing progress we’ve achieved together. Don’t forget to share your favorite moments from the evening using our hashtag #MRFNYCGala24! Can’t attend in person? No worries! You can still join the celebration by making a donation or participating in our silent auction online. Just click here to get involved: https://buff.ly/48c614c

Mike and Patty Pophal’s journey with Miles for Melanoma began in an incredibly personal way when their daughter, Grace, was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma during her senior year at Ohio State. Grace endured multiple brain surgeries and treatments, but tragically passed away in 2023. In her memory, Patty has become a passionate advocate for melanoma awareness, acting as the Committee Chair for the Miles for Melanoma Cleveland 5K event, which has grown significantly, raising over $150,000 this past year. Patty’s mission is to ensure that no parent has to experience the loss of a child to cancer. She is working to establish a $1 million grant for pediatric melanoma research and continues to champion the cause through policy advocacy and fundraising. ETHERFAX proudly supports Patty, Mike and the Melanoma Research Foundation’s work to find a cure for melanoma and honor Grace’s legacy. Click here to read the full article: https://buff.ly/4fda9n2

“This project aims to identify how solar UV promotes melanoma by affecting the behavior of melanocytes through changes in neighboring epidermal cells. By identifying the proteins and pathways involved, we aim to develop strategies for melanoma prevention, offering new hope to patients at risk.” This #MRFResearchWednesday, learn more about Elena Ezhkova, PhD, MS of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai who recently received an Established Investigator Award. Elena's work which was funded as a #Prevention Grant in honor of 2023 #GetNaked spokesperson Teddi Mellencamp focuses on UV-Induced Epigenetic Changes in the Epidermis in Promoting Melanoma. Read more about Elena's lifesaving research - https://lnkd.in/gz7zMgft