For our 20th anniversary, throughout 2017, Xeno Media is implementing Xeno Causes. Each staff member chooses a charity near and dear to them and Xeno Media:
- Makes a cash donation to the charity
- Publicizes the charity through our blog and social media
This month's Xeno Cause is the Melanoma Research Foundation as selected by Lauren Manasse.
In their words:
Mission Statement
To support medical RESEARCH for finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma. To EDUCATE patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. To act as an ADVOCATE for the melanoma community to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure.
The MRF History
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) was founded in 1996 by Diana Ashby, a melanoma patient. Diana created the MRF after three years of battling the deadly cancer, during which time she grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of effective medical treatments for melanoma. Diana was known for having an especially strong sense of compassion for fellow melanoma patients.
Diana's frustration turned to determination after the tragic loss of several friends to melanoma and the third recurrence of her own tumors that summer. She began to investigate alternative therapies and trials for promising new drugs and discovered that the research and development of such new treatments were often stalled due to inadequate funding. The founding of the MRF was the result of Diana's struggle and will to make a difference.
Diana died only eight months after founding the MRF, but today the organization continues to grow. We are thankful for the energy of melanoma patients, families and volunteers who contribute their time and efforts to speed the cure for this deadly cancer, in the legacy of Diana’s initial vision.
Why Lauren supports the Melanoma Research Foundation:
In 2013 I lost a dear friend to melanoma. Shortly thereafter, my father was diagnosed with this potentially life threatening disease. I never realized how deadly this form of cancer could be. Melanoma is less common than other types of skin cancer. If left undetected it is more likely to grow and spread. For these reasons, and to increase awareness, I support research into finding a cure for melanoma.
More information:
