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Fundraising for Skin Cancer Research, Education and Advocacy Will Continue Despite Pandemic

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

MINNEAPOLIS and WASHINGTON D.C. - Throughout the month of May, Melanoma Awareness Month, skin cancer warriors across the country are sharing their stories in order to raise awareness for prevention and early detection, and support fundraising for the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF).

“The reality is that, no matter what is happening in the world, cancer was here before and cancer is here now. Cancer has no curve,” said Kyleigh LiPira, CEO of the Melanoma Research Foundation. “With campaigns like This is Brave we receive the funding we need for education, research and so much more; but This is Brave also helps us remind people that we’re here. No matter what, the MRF is here to advocate for and help everyone we can through their cancer journey. We’re stronger together.”

Coolibar, the industry leader in sun protective apparel and accessories, and the Official Apparel Partner for the Melanoma Research Foundation, is hosting its third annual This is Brave campaign in the hopes of transforming melanoma from one of the deadliest cancers to one of the most treatable through research, education and advocacy. Coolibar and the MRF are encouraging everyone to increase skin cancer awareness during the month of May by sharing the stories of these warriors with others, and by purchasing a limited-edition UPF 50+ T-shirt.

“As a mission-based company we meet warriors that inspire us every day,” said Michelle Rivard, manager of public relations and strategic partnerships for Coolibar. “Whether they’ve battled stage IV or experienced a skin cancer scare, their courage and strength motivate us to do what we do. Protecting them is a privilege; supporting them is our responsibility. We’re honored that these warriors continue to share their stories and invite us to help this community as best we can.”

Launched in May 2018, This is Brave was inspired by a 10-year-old girl whose brother was diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer, pediatric melanoma, at age nine. When Quinn’s brother Graham was tired of treatments and surgeries for his melanoma, Quinn reminded him to be brave. With the support of Quinn and the rest of Graham’s family, he has continued to be brave, and inspires others to do the same with his family’s story and their ongoing advocacy for the melanoma community.

This year we welcome new warriors. As our collection of stories grows, so does the greater This is Brave community. Cheryl Adams, mother of Graham and Quinn, said it best, “When we tell our story and become part of a platform like this it allows people affected by melanoma to form a circle of strength in which patients and caregivers can share their stories and inspire us.”

With the help of Cheryl and past warriors including Norah O’Donnell, Holly Rowe, Summer Sanders and more, we welcome:

  • Karolina Jasko, Miss Illinois USA 2018
  • Robyn Fine, a survivor turned educator who lost her brother to melanoma in 2015
  • Marit Peterson, a young woman turned advocate and fundraiser who beat pediatric melanoma
  • Jess Vanzeil, an author who lost an eye to ocular melanoma
  • Patrick Guddal, a stage IV melanoma survivor and founder of Connect Melanoma
  • Steve Hamilton, a father and stage IV melanoma survivor
  • Ariel Ginsburg, a real estate broker, event curator, jewelry collaborator, social media influencer and blogger
  • Doug Brodmen, MRF Board Member and stage IV melanoma survivor

About the Melanoma Research Foundation
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. The MRF is a dedicated advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF's work spans all subtypes of melanoma and those fighting it, including cutaneous (skin) melanoma, ocular (eye) melanoma, mucosal melanoma and pediatric melanoma. The MRF's website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org. Find the MRF on Facebook and Twitter.

About Coolibar

Minneapolis-based Coolibar designs and produces technically elegant, UPF 50+ clothing and accessories that enable people to enjoy a sun-safe and active outdoor lifestyle. As a pioneer in the sun-protective clothing industry, their mission has never changed: keep the world safe from sun damage, protect those who suffer from a sun-related condition and prevent everyone else from developing one. Each UPF 50+ fabric created is tested through an independent third party to guarantee that it will block 98% of both UVA and UVB rays for the life of the fabric. Coolibar was the first clothing company to receive The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation and was awarded the Corporate Leadership Award by the Melanoma Research Foundation for its work to increase awareness for skin cancer prevention and detection. For more information visit www.coolibar.com or call 1-800-926-6509. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.