Melanoma Network of Canada with the Proud Support of NEUTROGENA® to Hold Largest Strides for Melanoma Walk for Awareness to Date
Five km fundraising walk connects Canadians to the realities of high melanoma rates
OAKVILLE, ON, Sept. 8, 2016 /CNW/ - The Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) is pleased to announce that the makers of NEUTROGENA® are proudly supporting the 5th annual Strides for Melanoma Walk for Awareness on Sunday, September 25th, 2016. With 16 locations this year, the 5 km fundraising walk is the biggest walk since inception.
The Strides for Melanoma annual walk raises funds for national patient support programs and prevention efforts for this potentially fatal form of skin cancer. With thousands of Canadians being diagnosed with melanoma each year, education and prevention is key, as the leading cause of melanoma is overexposure to UV rays from the sun or artificial sources.
"We are thrilled to be supporting Melanoma Network of Canada to raise awareness about the importance of protecting against harmful UV rays," says Shannon MacDonald, Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Inc., Canada, makers of NEUTROGENA® brand products. "Melanoma is a devastating disease that can be prevented by taking simple sun protection measures, like regular sunscreen usage and wearing sun-safe clothing. But it all starts with awareness."
"Last year approximately 6,800 Canadians were diagnosed with melanoma," says Toronto-based dermatologist, Dr. Paul Cohen. "This isn't a small number, yet most people don't believe they're at risk," continued Dr. Cohen. "Educating Canadians on the importance of preventive measures and early detection are crucial to reducing melanoma."
Melanoma is one of the top seven most frequent occurring cancers in Canada and is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in youth ages 15-29.
"When I was diagnosed with melanoma two years ago, my world was turned upside down," says Ashley Chlebo, a 29 year old melanoma survivor. "I was a 27 year old wife and mother to a young son. Luckily, it was caught early and treated, however since then, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about the effects of the sun for fear of a recurrence of melanoma."
Melanoma can be a deadly form of cancer, but if diagnosed early, it is often treatable. As one of few cancers that is preventable and visible to the naked eye, the biggest obstacle Canadians face in the fight against melanoma is a lack of awareness. Strides for Melanoma Walk for Awareness acts as visual representation of how many lives are affected by this disease.
"I am walking for melanoma and for MNC, as their patient support and education programs are so vital to those affected by this dreadful disease," says Chlebo.
The first Strides for Melanoma Walk for Awareness was held in 2011. Each year the fundraiser grows to include new locations and this year is no different. MNC is proud to announce that Kitchener, Hamilton, and Vancouver will be hosting walks this year in addition to the 13 other locations. For more information on how to get involved, please visit: https://www.melanomanetwork.ca/walk2016/.
About NEUTROGENA®: A worldwide leader in premium, dermatologist-recommended skin and hair care products, NEUTROGENA® has been providing consumers with health and beauty improvements for over 60 years in Canada.
About the Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC): MNC was founded as a response to the need for patients in Canada to have a nationally-based organization that coordinates support and educational efforts, provides a strong voice for advocacy, and assists efforts to target funding for melanoma research. Funding raised by MNC goes directly into patient support programs, youth prevention programs as well as treatment and diagnosis research. Please visit www.melanomanetwork.ca for more information.
SOURCE Melanoma Network of Canada
For media inquiries please contact: Maureen Grice, Marketing and Communications Manager, Melanoma Network of Canada, 905.901.5121 ext. 103, [email protected]
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