In this blog post, we talk about Melanoma. And with a different perspective - that of Emma Betts of 'Dear Melanoma', her family and how she continues to help others, beyond her passing, in 2017. Thank you to Tamra, Emma's Mum who took the time to contribute to this special edition.
"One mole can cause havoc. One mole can change your life." Sarah (Emma's sister)
Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer - the deadliest kind. Every 5 hours a person dies from Melanoma in Australia. Melanoma of the skin was the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2017. It is estimated that it will be the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2021. (www.canceraustralia.gov.au)
How long since you've had a professional skin check? How long since (if ever) have your kids, your grand kids had their skin checked by a qualified professional?
Skin cancers are often thought of as an older person's cancer. BUT...Melanoma is the most common cancer in young Australians (15-39 year old), and approximately 2,500 Australians aged 25-49 years will be diagnosed with Melanoma each year.
How to prevent Melanoma.
"The main preventable cause of melanoma is overexposure to UV radiation from the sun or things such as solarium tanning machines (sunbeds). There are many risk factors that increase the chances of melanoma, including people with fair skin, a high mole count, family history and a pattern of sunburns throughout life, especially during childhood.
Importantly, melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin, even in areas that receive little or no sun exposure e.g. inside the mouth or on the soles of your feet." (melanoma.org.au/)
Emma's Story
Why Emma's story? Leon, Emma's Dad, puts it brilliantly.
"If Emma's story doesn't actually make you go and have a skin check, then I'm not sure what will." (Australian Story).
"Have you seen that mole on your back? It looks a bit suspect?" a fellow diver pointed out to 20 year old Emma, back in 2012. She had it checked when she got home to Australia and it was removed. Her family thought that would be it. It was 1mm deep. Why wouldn't that take care of it? She continued to have very regular check ups to keep an eye on things.
12 months later, she found a lump. In 2013 Emma's diagnosis was terminal. In the short space of a year, the cancer had spread to her vital organs and her body was not responding to treatment. She was given 6 months to live.
The day after she was given her terminal diagnosis, Emma met Rebecca Sparrow who suggested she write about her cancer experience. To get it out and down on paper. Emma decided to start a blog. A very raw and authentic account of her life with cancer. She called it 'Dear Melanoma'.
That blog took off. Really took off, with a reach of stellar proportions. Her story was resonating with 100's of 1000's. Those with Melanoma, those living with cancer, those who had family and friends living with cancer, those, like me, who were drawn to her words, her feelings, this incredible young woman. There was no denying this very real connection, which often brought tears.
"In 2014 Emma was fortunate to be accepted on a clinical trial for the drug Keytruda. Emma was with us for 3 more years, 3 wonderful years to get married, travel and make so many special memories with her husband, family, and friends." (Tamra, Emma's Mum).
It was also in that time that Emma's drive for a positive outcome, her mission to raise awareness and fund raise, picked up pace. In the media often, speaking at schools, community events, her focus, fueling much needed research to help find a cure. She raised in excess of $100,000 organising events like her very own Through The Looking Glass, participating in the Melanoma March (a Melanoma Institute Australia initiative - as an Ambassador too)... the list goes on.
Emma passed away in April of 2017. She was 25 years old.
Emma's Incredible Legacy Lives On
But wait, there's more. There was always more with Emma. In 2016 she started - Love, Emma. An online gift store selling care packages full of goodies to be gifted to those who are having a difficult time; whether it be loss, illness or just to acknowledge a good friend or loved one.
Even though she had zero experience in running an online store, Tamra made a promise to Emma that she would continue on with Love Emma. And she's doing fabulously. Emma would be so proud - and impressed!
Today all profits from Love, Emma go to an incredible vehicle, the Emma Betts PhD Scholarship.
"This Scholarship provides financial support to a PhD student undertaking melanoma research at Melanoma Institute Australia. To understand patient outcomes, treatment options, working towards a cure for this insidious cancer. Emma's greatest wish was to see research continue and that no one would have to experience her life journey." (Tamra Betts).
Leon and Tamra continue to raise awareness and valuable funds for Melanoma research working closely with Melanoma Institute Australia. It's truly inspirational.
Here 's How You Can Help Find a Cure For Melanoma
Shop for your Christmas gifts and those thoughtful gifts for those you love going through difficult times at Love, Emma. Tamra will look after you. She can help you customise your gift box too if that's what you'd like to do.
Donate directly to the Emma Betts PhD Scholarship on the Emma Betts Donation page at Melanoma Institute Australia.
Join a Melanoma March held in March, in your city or town. It's the main fundraiser for Melanoma Institute Australia. The Betts family will be at the Brisbane march and you can donate directly to their page closer to the day. We'll keep you posted. I'll see you there.
What You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk of Melanoma
Add sunscreen application to your morning routine, and book yourself in for a skin check.
The risk of developing melanoma is decreased by 50% when you apply sunscreen daily!* (Skin Cancer Foundation 2020, All About Sunscreen).
Taking a proactive approach at ANY age is key! These simple tips are from Skin Repair Skin Clinic in Townsville.
Where to from here?
In the succeeding weeks, we will be talking about Sun Safety on the Sequins and Sand Facebook page and in our private Facebook group Women 40+ Self Love, Body Love, Summer Confidence. Join in the conversation there. If you have a Melanoma story or would like to share insights that you think would be helpful, please do.
