Chicago Miles for Melanoma 5K

Melanoma patients, survivors, caregivers and supporters gathered at Montrose Beach Park in Chicago on Sunday, July 21 to participate in the Miles for Melanoma 5K to raise funds for the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF). Participants raised $84,164 that will be used toward the MRF mission: To eradicate melanoma by accelerating medical RESEARCH while EDUCATING to and ADVOCATING for the melanoma community.

The MySkin Photography team volunteered at the race and raffled a free MySkin Baseline appointment as we spread the word about our new Total Body Photography business serving Chicagoland. Our team was grateful for this opportunity and humbled by the support we received from the melanoma community.

Our raffle winner, Julie Claussen, ran the 5K to remember her friend Cindy who passed away from melanoma earlier this year. She shares, “Cindy was truly beautiful with blonde hair and blue eyes, which unfortunately put her at higher risk for skin cancer. She enrolled in research studies after standard treatment did not work for her. Research funding is so important to find cures and ensure that insurance covers these treatments.”

In addition to remembering Cindy, Julie honored her sister-in-law who was diagnosed with melanoma, “Thankfully, she was diagnosed early and is 100% cured, which serves as an example of the importance of screening and early detection.”

We are excited to give Julie a completely free MySkin Baseline appointment that includes 38+ clinical images of her entire skin! The images will be used as a baseline during regular skin screenings with her dermatologist, as well as skin self-exams. Total Body Photography, also known as Mole Mapping, is an effective tool to help spot new, changed, or odd-looking moles that need closer examination by your dermatologist. We hope that this set of images provides Julie and her dermatologist peace of mind. As Julie said, when skin cancer is detected early, it is highly treatable!