Safe from the Sun Spotlight on Teams

4-22-2008 —

 One of the things we, at MIF, love the most is to see teams come together to walk in support of someone fighting melanoma or in memory of someone they lost. It is heartwarming to see the understanding and support that abounds at our events. Below, you will find our "Spotlight on Teams." To join or donate to one of these teams, click on the team name and you will be redirected to a team page.

Team Comerford has been walking since the first year in memory of Jim Comerford. They also walk in honor of Terri Yescavage, who was diagnosed with a melanoma on her toe, and Tom Comerford, Jim's brother, who was diagnosed a year before Jim's death.

Friends of Leroy Coolbreeze walk in memory and support of family and friends who have struggled with melanoma.  Sadly, some lost the battle, while others continue the fight.  It is their hope to raise both awareness and necessary funds to bring about a cure for this disease.

 

Lilly's Warriors walks in memory of Jane Duggan, a woman of great dignity, humor, love of friends & family and faith. This team is living out her legacy by raising funds and, mostly importantly, awareness for the cause Jane so hoped to beat ... melanoma.

Remembering Donald Petko, who passed away in August, 2007, this team will walk to support this important cause. Although Donald will not physically be with them this year, they will continue to walk in his honor and make a difference.

Team Brittany walks in honor of 18 year old Brittany Wills, who lost her battle against melanoma on April 14, 2008.  Brittany's aunt started Team Brittany in the hopes of bringing something positive to a very difficult situation. Our thoughts are with their family at this time.

Team Cathleen walks to remember their dear friend, Cathleen Roe Eagan. Wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend - the brightness and joy Cathleen brought to all will forever be in our hearts. Her spirit and courage during a six-year battle with melanoma was an inspiration to continue the fight against this disease in her honor.

Team Neiberg walks in memory of Lisa Neiberg, who lost her battle against melanoma in 2000. Her light, her rainbow of colors, and her strength continue to inspire her friends and family. Their greatest hope is that in the not-too-distant future, no one else will have to lose a loved on to melanoma.

Team Sue walks to remember Sue DeSalvo, a 34 year old wife and mother who fought melanoma with action, intelligence and faith. Her team embraces Sue's favorite motto: "Hope for a Cure, Have Faith, and Love the Life You Live!"

Team Termite walks to remember Maria Whitehead, a young woman who took the field hockey world by storm and deeply affected the lives of so many with her enthusiasm for life and compassion for those around her. Maria lost her battle against melanoma at the age of 25, only 3 days after walking off the practice field as an assistant coach at Duke University. Her impact will be felt for many years to come.

Team Gregory walks at Safe from the Sun to honor their father, Greg McDonald, and their grandfather John McDonald.  Greg touched everyone he met and at his funeral many people told their family how he was their only friend.  He had an infectious attitude and loved to help others but mostly lived for his family-his wife and two daughters.  John was the life of the party and smitten for life with their grandmother Margaret.  They  walk for the father they loved so deeply who they miss every day.  They walk for the grandfather they never knew but love just as much and know that father and son are together in Heaven.

Mike's Team walks in memory of Mike Filippone, who lost his battle against melanoma in November, 2007, at the age of 34. During his short, yet full life, Mike touched countless lives with his loyalty, optimism, strength, generosity, honesty, and unparalleled sense of humor. Mike's smile and larger than life personality lit up every room and brightened our world. Mike's passion for life will continue to inspire us all.

Denise Schwartz, Team Leader of a small group of Subaru employees, was diagnosed with early stage melanoma in October 2004.  She was lucky that her hairdresser, Lauren, alerted her to a suspicious lesion on her head.  Lauren was aware because she had a friend that, at that time, was dying of melanoma. Lauren's awareness saved her life.  It took two operations to remove the melanoma from Denise's scalp.  Denise walks and raises funds in memory of Nancy Kotolnick.  And, she hopes to make more people aware of the risks associated with sun exposure and the need for routine skin examinations.

Team ACME walks in memory of Richard G. Smith. Richard, who died of melanoma in 1995 at the age of 43, leaving behind a wife and 2 small children. He, along with his wife, were long-time employees of ACME. Team ACME walks in the hopes that they can raise awareness and find a cure so no one will have to loose a parent or a friend to this disease.

Other Teams Supporting MIF:

Register HERE for Safe from the Sun Villanova

Register HERE for  Safe from the Sun Seattle

Would you like your team spotlighted? E-mail lisa@melanomaintl.org with a brief paraagraph describing why your team participates in the Safe from the Sun events.