Melanoma International Foundation Hosts the Largest Melanoma Awareness Event in the World

May 12 EVENT WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR PATIENT SUPPORT DURING MELANOMA AWARENESS MONTH

PHILADELPHIA, March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Melanoma International Foundation, (MIF) the largest international organization, devoted to melanoma in the United States, brings this wonderful day of camaraderie to thousands for the 10th consecutive year.  The Safe from the Sun Walk and 5k Run winds participants through the beautiful campus of Villanova University along Philadelphia's Main Line.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120328/DC78410LOGO)

This year, MIF will honor Jedd Wolchok, MD, PhD as Doctor of the Year.  Dr. Wolchok is Director of Immunotherapy at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and MIF Scientific Board Member.  Dr. Wolchok responded to the award announcement by saying: "I consider this to be such an important accolade, especially given MIF's stature in the patient advocacy community."

According to MIF President/Founder, Catherine Poole, survivor, author and patient advocate: "Safe from the Sun is kicked off by a kids' dash from ages two up:  the most upbeat way to start an event for this serious illness that saddens families daily." The day brings more than 100 teams who support a melanoma patient near and dear to them or to honor the memory of one they have lost.  In addition to a fun-filled family day, the event provides a free melanoma screening by area dermatologists.

To find out about Safe from the Sun, go to:  www.safefromthesun.org

ABOUT MELANOMA
Melanoma is a potentially deadly skin cancer. One in 50 Americans have a lifetime risk of developing melanoma and it is quickly growing in incidence.  It is a leading cancer killer among women ages 25 to 29, but it affects both sexes equally. Because of late detection, men over 50 often a high mortality rate.

ABOUT MELANOMA INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION
Melanoma International Foundation, is the largest international melanoma foundation in the U.S. committed to supporting melanoma patients to live longer and better lives. MIF empowers patients with trusted scientific knowledge through the award winning and HONCode certified, www.MelanomaInternational.org website.  The forum, www.melanomaforum.org is the premier patient source for expert-backed moderated information on all aspects of melanoma and treatment, with over 2500 registered members from over 50 nations.  MIF provides free screenings because catching melanoma early increases the likelihood of a cure. MIF also supports research by increasing clinical trial accrual and providing a grant for innovative research.

MIF Contact:  Catherine Poole
610-942-3432 or [email protected]

SOURCE Melanoma International Foundation