I am running the Scotiabank half marathon on October 16 and I have dedicated my run to the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund (DCMF). I recently sat down with the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund’s Executive Director, Danielle Paterson to learn a little more about the charity.

TELL US ABOUT DAVID CORNFIELD?

David Cornfield was a much-loved husband, father and friend, and a successful accountant. Before David passed away from melanoma at the young age of 32, his wish was to spread awareness and make a difference in the fight against melanoma.

Read David’s full bio written by his wife Sari Cornfield  HERE

WHAT IS THE DCMF?

The David Cornfield Melanoma Fund is on a mission to save lives from melanoma through awareness, prevention and research.

Official David Cornfield Melanoma Fund website HERE

WHAT IS MELANOMA?

Melanoma is a common and serious skin cancer, which, if not treated early, is usually fatal. The primary cause of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or indoor tanning. The good news is that melanoma is largely preventable and largely treatable if caught early. This is one cancer that we can tackle head on!

Here are some important facts:
• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada.
• Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer and is increasing in incidence.
• The death rate for melanoma is rising.
• Melanoma is the most common cancer for young adults ages 15-29
• Fair hair, skin and eyes increase the risk of developing melanoma.
• The more severe blistering sunburns received during childhood, the higher the risk of melanoma in adulthood.
• Sun protection is important 365 days a year. The sun can damage your skin in all seasons and conditions.

WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO TO HELP PREVENT MELANOMA?

There are two simple and important things everyone can do to prevent melanoma:

1 PROTECT YOUR SKIN
• Check the UV index
• Seek shade
• Cover up with hats and long clothing
• Wear sunglasses
• Use sunscreen
• Do not use indoor tanning equipment

2 CHECK YOUR SKIN
Melanoma can be treatable if detected early. Check your skin regularly. Report any changes to your doctor.

More melanoma information including protection and prevention tips HERE

HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED WITH DCMF?

Fundraising and awareness are two key areas where people can help.

We rely on donations to do our work. Supporting our runners on the DCMF team in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon or making a donation directly to http://www.dcmf.ca helps us deliver our programs. A donation to DCMF is an investment in melanoma prevention!

We also know that knowledge is power and that sharing knowledge about the importance of protecting and checking your skin can literally save lives. Our award-winning video Dear 16 Year Old Me, has close to 10 million views, was the 7th most shared ad in the world in 2011, was shared by celebrities such as Cindy Crawford and Lauren Conrad and aired on the Today Show. Most importantly, Dear 16 Year Old Me has been credited for saving multiple lives. We encourage everyone to view and share Dear 16 Year Old Me.

Dear 16-year-old Me

 

 

I have been deeply affected by cancer in the last few years and I am on a mission to make a difference. I am a proud ambassador of the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund by committing to protect my skin, #runsunsmart and raise money to save lives from melanoma skin cancer.

Please donate to my personal Scotiabank Charity Challenge Page for the DCMF HERE