I was diagnosed with Melanoma at age twenty-two. It was shocking and scary to both my family and I. However, I was always at peace with it and knew everything would work out as God had planned. I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. Through the months of being in and out of surgery, I began to realize someone should do more to bring awareness to young women and children. How will others know how to prevent skin cancer if they are not educated? If I would have known how bad tanning was for me, I would not have done it to myself. I decided that someone should be ME. I decided to start The Melanoma Awareness and Prevention Program (M.A.P.P.) to educate others about skin cancer through a 30 minute interactive presentation. Partnering with the AIM at Melanoma Foundation, I am able to mentor other skin cancer patients, help secure funding for global, innovative research, and bring awareness about melanoma and other types of skin cancer to others.

Through my experience with Melanoma, I am able to:

• educate others about skin cancer

• teach others how to help prevent skin cancer

• make others aware of the dangers of using indoor tanning beds or laying out to get a "base tan"

• educate others on their skin type so they know how vulnerable they are to the sun's rays

• advocate to go with your skin's natural glow

• raise funds for skin cancer research through the AIM at Melanoma Foundation's AIM Walks  

When I am not advocating for MAPP, you will find me working in my clothing boutique, exploring the outdoors with my husband, working out, or playing the role of dog mom.