Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. Melanoma is less common than non-melanoma skin cancers (e.g., basal cell and squamous cell cancers); however, it is the most lethal cancer of the skin. Although melanoma accounts for only 4% of skin cancer cases, it accounts for 79% of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma strikes people of all ages, all races, all economic levels and both sexes. It is the most common cancer for women, ages 25 to 29, and the second most common cancer for women, ages 30 to 34.
The incidence of melanoma is rising faster than that of any other cancer in the United States, about 5% annually. Since 1973, the incidence rate for melanoma has more than doubled from 5.7 per 100,000 to 14.3 per 100,000. This means that approximately 53,600 new melanomas were diagnosed in the United States during 2002. At the current incidence rate, approximately 1 in 75 Americans will develop melanoma in his or her lifetime. Furthermore, an estimated 7,400 people in the United States were expected to die of melanomas during 2002. Since 1973, the mortality rate for melanoma has increased by about 44%.
Despite the epidemic of this disease, melanoma continues to receive only 10% of the funding given to basic research of breast cancer, leukemia/lymphoma, colon, and prostate cancer.
The Melanoma Research Foundation is committed to:
A significant increase in funding for melanoma research, including the recruitment of new scientists and new research through Foundation underwriting and advocacy activities. Our goal is to find new treatments and a cure.
An expansion of educational programs for patients and their families, as well as healthcare professionals who are involved in their case and treatment, and of new awareness efforts for the general public.
2003 Honorees . . .
Allured Publishing, publisher of Skin Inc., an
international magazine for the spa and skin care community, for its commitment
to promote melanoma awareness and prevention.
Dr. Allan Halpern Chief, Department of Dermatology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Center, for his compassionate treatment, care and support of melanoma patients
and for his humanitarian involvement with the melanoma community.
Scott Klau,
Senior Managing Director of Newmark & Co. Real Estate, for his commitment
and leadership in advancing melanoma research through the Annual Don Aronow/MRF
Golf Outing.
Marshall
Ramsey, a nationally syndicated editorial cartoonist and Pulitzer
prize nominee, for his courage and determination as a melanoma survivor and for
his role as a spokesperson for America's spirit.
How you can participate in
the
Melanoma Research
Foundation’s
2003 Wings of Hope Dinner
at
The New York Marriott
Marquis
Honor our Wings of Hope recipients by underwriting
the evening’s flowers, music, favors or the pre-dinner reception. Or consider helping with the design and
printing of the invitation and the Wings of Hope Journal. 2003 Wings
of Hope Dinner, 24 Old Georgetown Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Researcher Table
$15,000
Listing as Honorary Chair of Dinner Committee; Table of ten with prominent seating; Back cover in the Wings of Hope Journal; Special recognition at the Dinner and in the Journal
Educator Table
$10,000
Listing as Vice Chair of Dinner Committee; Table of ten with prominent seating; Front or back inside cover in Wings of Hope Journal; Recognition at the Dinner and in the Journal
Advocate Table
$5,000
Listing as Vice Chair of Dinner; Table of ten; Gold page in Wings of Hope Journal; Recognition in the Journal
Table of Ten
$3,500
Ticket
$350 per person
Extend your congratulations, send your best wishes or include your ad in our Wings of Hope Journal
Back Cover $2,500 (If available)
Front/Back Inside Cover $1,500 (If available) Gold Page $1,000
Silver Page $750
White Page $500
Half Page $250
Name Listing Donation
Contribute a gift for our silent auction
Become an Underwriter