SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — A young Summerside woman wanted to look tanned before her big day.
Tanning on a sun-bed leading up to her wedding became a routine for Danette Murray, organizer of the sixth annual Walking for a Future without Melanoma fundraiser.
“I had this unusual mole on my arm for as long as I can remember,” said Murray, after completing the five-kilometre walk starting from Green’s Shore in Summerside Sunday morning.
She didn’t think the mole was a big deal.
“I went to see my doctor for something else and he mentioned that I should get the mole checked out, so I went for a biopsy in 2013. The diagnosis came back as skin cancer. It was a huge shock to hear at just 29 years old,” she said.
Murray joined the charitable organization called Melanoma Network of Canada to find support such as counselling, services, and resources.
“My family was also instrumental in my journey and I thank them very much for everything they have done for me.”
“Nearly $6,000 was raised from the walk” that his sister kicked-off in 2014," said Murray’s brother, Randy MacAulay. "The walk began with 40 people and over the years has grown with more than 100 people supporting the worthy cause.
My sister is a survivor. She still goes for check-ups to make sure the melanoma hasn’t returned, but she is doing great."
Murray, now aged 35, warned that skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of sex, age or race.
“Wear sunscreen at least an SPF 30 plus, throw on a hat, avoid the sun when UV radiation is at its highest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., wear protective clothing, sunglasses, avoid indoor tan beds,” said Murray.
“It’s not just the summer you can get a sunburn. It can happen in the fall or winter. You have to take care of your skin and protect it. There is no safe tan."
