La Roche-Posay Partners with Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation to Help Bring Protection to High Risk Cancer Patients Nationwide

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- La Roche-Posay, the brand known for sun protection and education, is partnering with Mollie's Fund in its mission to increase awareness for melanoma prevention. Touched by the Mollie Biggane story – the college sophomore was diagnosed with melanoma and tragically died at age 20 – La Roche-Posay is donating 10,000 full-size pieces of its Anthelios 45 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid to cancer patients who are currently undergoing treatment and are at high risk due to compromised immune systems.

The Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation, created in her memory, increases awareness for melanoma prevention, provides information and services on skin cancer detection and supports melanoma patients with education on treatment options.

"We are so honored that La Roche-Posay has chosen to support our foundation," said Jack Biggane, Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation president and Mollie's father. "Together, we can teach the public that skin cancer is preventable and melanoma, if caught early, can be cured."

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than one million skin cancers diagnosed annually.  Of those diagnosed cases, about 65% of melanoma cases and about 90% of non-melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Additionally, new studies show links between melanoma and other forms of cancer; one such study indicates that women with melanoma have a higher risk of other malignancies, including breast cancer[1].

"Through our extensive research and education we know that there is a strong link between melanoma and other types of cancer," explains Yannick Raynaud, general manager of La Roche-Posay. "We feel a social obligation to educate and provide assistance where necessary, and while donating tubes of sunscreen may seem like a simple gesture, it could actually make a significant difference to these patients who often have compromised immune systems and therefore experience a greater sensitivity to the sun."

This donation is a natural extension of the company's SOS – Save Our Skin campaign, which aims to not only inform Americans about the dangers of UV rays and the importance of sun safety, but to also incite true behavioral change, such as incorporating sun protection into one's daily routine and visits to dermatologists for regular skin checks. Now in its third year, the focus of the SOS program continues to be education and skin checks, the campaign's two most important tenets.

"The SOS program has become a national call-to-action to raise awareness and inspire change in terms of sunscreen usage," Raynaud explains. "Through donations and initiatives set forth by the program we hope to make a difference in the lives of those battling various forms of cancer, as well as those who share in their suffering and daily struggle."

Mollie's Fund will distribute 10,000 pieces of Anthelios 45 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid to cancer centers across the country, with 9,500 pieces reaching those in need at The Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. A portion of this donation will help support The Moffitt Cancer Center's Mole Patrol®, a skin cancer screening program that travels to venues around Florida to offer free skin screenings, sunscreen samples and valuable sun safety education to the public. The remaining 500 units will be distributed at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York, NY and Winthrop-University Hospital and Mercy Medical Center in Long Island, NY.

Anthelios 45 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for Face from La Roche-Posay has a suggested retail price of $29.50 and can be purchased at select physicians' offices, select CVS/pharmacy, Ulta, Walgreens and Duane Reade locations, and online at www.laroche-posay.us. 

About LA ROCHE-POSAY

Recommended by more than 25,000 dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay is the dermatologists' brand of choice for their patients' skin. La Roche-Posay offers a unique range of daily skincare developed with dermatologists to meet their standards in efficacy, tolerance and elegant textures for increased compliance. The products, which are developed using a strict formulation charter, include a minimal number of ingredients to reduce side effects and reactivity and are formulated with active ingredients at optimal concentrations for increased efficacy. Additionally, every La Roche-Posay product undergoes stringent clinical testing to guarantee efficacy and safety, even on the most sensitive skin.

About SOS – Save Our Skin

Now in its third year, La Roche-Posay continues its SOS – Save Our Skin to not only inform Americans about the dangers of UV rays and the importance of sun safety, but to also incite true behavioral change, such as incorporating sun protection in their daily routines and visiting their dermatologists for regular skin checks. In partnership with the Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS), the SOS – Save Our Skin campaign lives through a series of initiatives, including skin checks at sporting events, local hospitals and drug stores as well as free skin checks offered to all L'Oreal corporate employees. To learn how to do a self-check and choose the right protection, visit www.sossaveourskin.com.

About MOLLIE'S FUND

The Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation (501c) was created in 2000 in her memory after her death at the age of twenty.  The mission of Mollie's Fund is to increase awareness for melanoma prevention, provide information and services on skin cancer detection, and support melanoma patients through education of the latest treatments. By partnering with leading melanoma institutions, their educational symposiums have supported melanoma patients and their families with current information regarding new therapies and drug trials.   As a leader in the war against skin cancer and melanoma, the foundation has created and produced educational materials for middle, high school and college students.  The lesson plans created by Health teachers of the APHERD organization are aligned with National Health Educational Guidelines.   These resources have been distributed throughout the United States and Canada.  Mollie's Fund has produced public service announcements for radio, television and taxis in NYC and other major cities.  Their psa's have appeared in national newspapers, billboards, trains and the NYC subway system.  Hundreds of millions of Apple and Android users can now download Mollie's Fund interactive guide which provides users facts about the evolution of skin cancer and melanoma.  This FREE application illustrates a self-exam, exhibits mole changes and reinforces behaviors to protect against skin cancer.  Please visit www.molliesfund.org for more information. 

For additional information about La Roche-Posay, visit www.laroche-posay.us and "like" the La Roche-Posay Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LaRochePosayusa. Download the La Roche-Posay "My UV Check" iPhone application at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/myuvcheck-us/id433207689?mt=8.

[1] Ho L, et al. IrJ Med Sci. 2009 Mar 5. [Epub ahead of print]

SOURCE La Roche-Posay