Melanoma Research Foundation

09/09/2026

09/08/2026

Today, on National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day, we’re shining a light on the incredible nurses who care for children and families navigating cancer.

During Pediatric Melanoma Awareness Month , we’re especially thankful for the pediatric oncology nurses who bring expertise, compassion and reassurance to young melanoma patients and their loved ones. From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, your care makes a lasting difference.

To every nurse supporting the pediatric melanoma community: thank you for being a source of strength, comfort and hope. 💙

Have questions about melanoma? Our Ask a Nurse program is here to help. Email [email protected] for trusted support and guidance.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! ☀️💙

As we soak up the last days of summer with family and friends, don’t forget to stay sun safe! Protect your skin by wearing SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapplying every two hours, seeking shade and choosing UPF sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses when spending time outdoors.

Enjoy the sunshine, but remember, sun protection is always in season!

09/06/2026

A special thank you to Freedom Boat Club in partnership with Brunswick for serving as the Local Presenting Sponsor of this year's Chicago Miles for Melanoma 5K! 💙

Their generous support is helping make this year’s event at Diversey Harbor possible while advancing our mission. We’re officially just 3 weeks away from our rescheduled race date on Sunday, September 27! Don’t miss your chance to join us, make a difference and help us move one step closer to a world without melanoma.

Register today before it’s too late! https://donate.melanoma.org/site/TR?fr_id=2214&pg=entry

09/06/2026

Good food, great company and a great cause! 💙 Join us at Solace Outpost in Falls Church, VA on Wednesday, September 30 for a special giveback night benefiting the MRF and our upcoming DC Wings of Hope event!

The giveback runs from 6 PM–midnight, so stop by anytime during the evening, mention the MRF when you dine and 10% of your purchase will be donated back to support critical melanoma research, education and advocacy.

And be sure to join us from 6–8 PM, when the MRF team will be on-site with a special raffle and giveaways! 🎉 It’s the perfect opportunity to meet fellow members of the melanoma community, learn more about the MRF and enjoy a night out while making a difference.

This special evening is also a great way to build excitement for DC Wings of Hope on Thursday, November 12, right here at Solace Outpost.

Ready to join us at DC Wings of Hope? Click here to purchase your ticket or sponsorship: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-001C000001howkSIAQ/events/vevt:5db7e8df-394e-4a58-bc4e-61e46982487a/home/story

09/05/2026

20 years of Miles for Melanoma New Jersey—and we’re ready to make this anniversary one for the books! With just 3 weeks to go until race day on Sunday, September 27, our community is already at 55% of our fundraising goal. Now, we need your help to reach the finish line!

Rally your friends and family, build your team and start fundraising today. Every mile and every dollar helps advance critical melanoma research, education and advocacy. Let’s make 20 years of impact our most powerful year yet. Join us and help New Jersey reach its goal! 🏃‍♀️💙 https://buff.ly/kUHpjEg

09/04/2026

Research funded by is helping uncover new clues about how the immune system fights melanoma. 💙🔬

We’re proud to highlight Lilit Karapetyan, MD, recipient of a 2023 Career Development Award funded through the 3rd Annual event.

Dr. Karapetyan’s research explored how two key immune molecules, APRIL and TACI, influence the immune environment in melanoma and the development of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS)—immune hubs within tumors that are associated with stronger anti-tumor responses.

Her work uncovered several important findings, including evidence that APRIL-TACI signaling may help support mature TLS and that TACI-rich areas are associated with heightened immune activity. She also made an unexpected discovery: surrounding fat tissue showed particularly high levels of APRIL, TACI and BAFF-R, suggesting it may play an important role in shaping immune responses around melanoma.

This is why funding research matters. Every event helps support scientists like Dr. Karapetyan as they pursue discoveries that can advance our understanding of melanoma and help move us closer to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Join us for the 6th Annual on October 22 and help fund the next generation of melanoma research. Get your tickets today: https://getnakedjax.org/

09/04/2026

Join us for Together Against Melanoma: An Educational Symposium for Patients and Caregivers on Saturday, Sept. 26. Held in partnership with Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson and the UMBC, this one-day free event will cover the latest advances in melanoma treatments and research.

Session Spotlight: Navigating Your Melanoma Journey
This session brings together a Melanoma Nurse Navigator, Patient Navigator and an Oncology Social Worker to provide guidance on the many aspects of the melanoma journey that happen beyond the treatment room. You’ll learn about:
🩺 Coordinating your care and managing treatment and side effects
🤝 Accessing financial assistance and finding supportive services
📞 Communicating effectively with your healthcare team
Whether you're a patient, caregiver or advocate, the symposium offers valuable support, resources and opportunities to connect with the melanoma community. Register today: https://buff.ly/8tE8yx1

09/03/2026

San Diego, who’s ready to make every mile matter?

The Miles for Melanoma 5K at De Anza Cove Park is just 6 weeks away, and we’re getting ready for an incredible day of community, connection and impact. We’re excited to have Jeff Zevely, CBS 8 San Diego reporter and host of The Zevely Zone, back as this year’s emcee! Jeff will help bring the energy as our community comes together to honor loved ones, celebrate survivors and support the fight against melanoma.

Grab your spot, rally your team and start fundraising! https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SanDiego/SanDiegoMFM

09/03/2026

We’re proud to announce that Sapna Patel, MD will receive the Humanitarian Award at our upcoming 15th Annual Denver Gala! 💙

Dr. Patel is being recognized for her extraordinary commitment to fighting melanoma through exemplary patient care, cutting-edge research and scientific leadership.

As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Denver Gala and the MRF’s 30th anniversary, we’re honored to recognize a leader whose work embodies the progress, hope and innovation we’re striving to advance.

Join us on Thursday, September 24 at Asterisk Denver as we come together to celebrate incredible leaders like Dr. Patel while raising critical funds for melanoma research, education and advocacy. Get your tickets and join us for this special evening: https://melanoma.org/2026denvergala