TEAM M4M * MELANOMA * MRF

TEAM M4M Washington DC completed the Marine Corps Marathon today 25 October 2009.  24 runners accomplished the task while raising over $36,000.00 for Melanoma Research Foundation. 

Way to go TEAM M4M!

Plan on attending the TEAM M4M Athletes Clinic at Georgetown Running Company, M Street, Washington, DC 8:00 a.m. followed by a 3 mile team run.  Receive tips on injury prevention, proper shoe recommendations, and running and walking techniques.  Participants will receive a 20% discount on merchandise at Georgetown Running on the day of the clinic.

See you there!

TEAM M4M’s Kick-off meeting

is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Mayorga Coffee located in Silver Spring, MD!  Join us at 9 a.m. for this exciting kick-off meeting.  Get to know your teammates and coaches!  Get all the information you will need to train at your ultimate potential.  Learn how to use the firstgiving.com fundraising web site and a multitude of ideas for fundraising while sipping on delicious coffee and tea and snacking on a wide selection of breakfast yummies. 

Mayorga Coffee Factory - 9:00 a.m.

Saturday - May 16, 2009

www.mayorgacoffee.com

8040 Georgia Avenue

Silver Spring, MD 20910

(301) 562-9090

If you are unable to attend, please contact Kendel Paulsen, TEAM M4M Program Director, 703.992.4504 or stennypaulsen@verizon.net, for further information.

BEAT THE BEAST!

TEAM M4M is prepping for 2009! 

Are you ready to help us BEAT the BEAST?  Get ready to choose your race!

Marine Corps Marathon - 25 October 2009

Richmond Marathon and Half Marathon - 14 November 2009

If you’re ready to run, we are ready to train.  Click on ‘Informational Meetings’ listed on the right hand side of this page for information on locations, dates and times.  Hope to see you there! TEAMM4M@melanoma.org

TEAM M4M is proud to announce that TEAM M4M Washington D.C. has just completed the inaugural TEAM M4M marathon!  17 individuals committed to making a difference crossed the finish-line in Philadelphia on 23 November 2008!  Way to go!

TEAM M4M raised over $110,000.00 for Melanoma Research Foundation and melanoma research!

What is Melanoma – It’s just skin cancer, right?!

Yes, but no. Melanoma is one of the most mis-understood cancers around. When you tell someone you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Melanoma, their first reaction is, “Well, that’s just skin cancer, isn’t it? It’s not like you can die from it.”

In 2008, it is estimated that there will be 62,480 new cases diagnosed in the United States. The rate of diagnoses has more than doubled in the United States in the past 30 years. The estimated number of deaths in 2008 is listed at 8,420.*

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It is a cancer that begins in melanocyles (cells that make the pigment melanin). It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.*

When melanoma spreads, cancer cells may show up in nearby lymph nodes. Lymph nodes trap bacteria, cancer cells, or other harmful substances that may be in the lymphatic system. If the cancer has reached the lymph nodes, it may mean that cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body such as the liver, lungs, or brain. In such cases, the cancer cells in the new tumor are still melanoma cells, and the disease is called metastatic melanoma, not liver, lung, or brain cancer.*

Melanoma does not discriminate against age, gender, or race. Those with fair skin, red or blonde hair, and blue eyes have been found to have a greater significance than those of darker complexion. Having a significant number of moles (more than 50) increases a persons’ risk. Personal or family history is a factor. Risk factors also include those with weakened immune systems due to certain cancers, drugs following a transplant or by HIV. Those who suffered severe, blistering sunburns as a child are at increased risk.

Identifying potential signs of melanoma in the skin can be simple if you know what to look for. Often persons will see a change in the shape, size, color or feel of an existing mole. Remembering the ABCD’s of melanoma makes the process easier. “A” – Asymmetry: the shape of one half of the mole doe not match the other. “B” – Border: the edges of the mole/site are not circular, but have developed or appear to be ragged, notched, blurred, or irregular. “C” – Color: the color is not consistent, there are varying shades of black, brown, and tan. “D” – Diameter: the mole has grown, specifically to the size of a pencil’s eraser. Melanoma does not have to have all the signs of ABCD. It can be one or all of the signs, making it a little tricky to identify at times.

Treatment, if the melanoma has entered the lymphatic system, depends significantly on the extent of the disease, the patient’s age and general health, and other factors. People with melanoma are often treated by a team of specialists which may include a dermatologist, surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and a plastic surgeon.

For further information concerning melanoma or any other cancer go to *http://www.cancer.gov.