Make a difference
There are many ways that volunteers can help IMPACT Melanoma.
Unlike other non-profits working to combat melanoma, funding basic medical research is not our goal. While research is undoubtedly important, we concentrate on applying the vast scientific knowledge already proven about melanoma, and securing the resources to make an immediate impact. Not in the future. Not tomorrow. Today. Our innovative programs and strategic partnerships with donors and sponsors help reduce incidence rates and the human costs of all types of skin cancer. If you, or someone you love, is affected by this deadly disease, you are not alone. IMPACT Melanoma is here to support you. Learn how you can help.
Over the last 12 years IMPACT Melanoma has worked with state officials, politicians and lobbyists nationwide to pass tanning legislation in each state. We are happy to say that all six New England states have some sort of legislation in place to protect our youth from harmful UV rays emitted by tanning beds. However, there is still work to be done! Use your voice to help the FDA pass national restrictions on indoor tanning beds. Over the last 13 years IMPACT Melanoma has worked with state officials, politicians and lobbyists across the country to pass tanning legislation in each state. We are happy to say that 16 states have some sort of legislation in place to protect our youth from harmful UV rays emitted by tanning beds. Here’s how you can help: Providing a “comment” is a great way to show your support on these topics. Below you can find links to the proposed regulations, as well as information on how to submit a comment in support of these proposed rules. To comment on the Restricted Sale, Distribution, and Use of Sunlamp Products: Read the proposed rule. To comment on the Amendment to the Performance Standard for Sunlamp Products: Read the proposed rule. The Indoor Tanning Story In 2011, the World Health Organization issue a report naming ultraviolet radiation (UV) from both tanning beds and the sun, was a cancer–causing substance. Indoor tanning beds emit UV at a greater amount than the sun and exposure to UV radiation is associated with an increased a risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. At the same time, studies have found a 59% increase in the risk of melanoma in those who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning, and the risk increases with each use. Multiple studies have shown that the exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning damages the DNA in the skin cells. Excessive exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning can lead to premature skin aging, immune suppression and eye damage, including cataracts and ocular melanoma. In addition to these risks, frequent, intentional exposure to UV light may lead to tanning addiction. IMPACT Melanoma along with the American Cancer Society, the American Academy of Dermatology and Melanoma organizations around the county urge everyone to avoid indoor tan and support legislation to ban indoor tanning to teens under age 18. While we would not allow our teens to buy and smoke cigarettes because they cause cancer, the same is true about tanning beds.TAKE ACTION AGAINST INDOOR TANNING
However, there is still work to be done! Use your voice to help the FDA pass national restrictions on indoor tanning beds.
Submit comments on the proposed rule on Regulations.gov.
Submit comments on the proposed rule on Regulations.gov.
Today we know that 35% of American adults, 59% of college students, and 17% of teen have reported using a tanning bed at any time in their lifetime. Close to 30 million people tan indoors in this country annually and of these 2.3 million are teens. In addition more than 70% of these tanning bed users are Caucasian girls and women, aged 16-29. Most startling is that this same group of young women, melanoma is the second most common cancer.
If you have any questions, please email Tracy Sconyers at tsconyers@impactmelaoma.org Facial scanners are an educational tool to help people understand the damaging effects of the sun. Through the use of ultra-violet rays, these scanners allow you to see the layer of skin not visible to the naked eye. Used for middle school students through adults, this tool helps identify the areas of your face most impacted by the sun and shows the benefits of sunscreen in blocking UV rays. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, what better reason to always use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and use common sense. To request a scanner and/or materials, please fill out the appropriate form below. Please note that shipping charges will apply to those who are a for-profit organization. Please note: Shipping charges will apply for those outside of New England. Contact Tracy Sconyers at tsconyers@impactmelanoma.org or 800-557-6352 for more information.
PLEASE NOTE, DUE TO COVID-19, WE ARE STILL NOT ABLE TO SHIP OUT OUR UV FACIAL SCANNERS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CHECK BACK IN THE COMING MONTHS FOR ANY UPDATES TO THIS STATUS.
IMPACT Melanoma provides skin cancer education programs nationwide at health fairs in your community, schools, local events and more. Our UV facial scanners show you the effects of sun damage.
THERE ARE MANY WAYS THAT VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP IMPACT MELANOMA AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
Learn more about the events and programs of IMPACT Melanoma and be inspired to get involved!
Administrative Help
Help in our Concord Massachusetts office with mailings, event prep, etc.
Host an M4M Event
Bring a community fundraiser to your area! IMPACT Melanoma will supply you with a toolkit to help you get started and templates for Martinis, Margarita or Manis for Melanoma.
Event Support
Assist with the general set-up/breakdown, check-in/out, auction spotting, sales, and more at one of our signature events! Events include: Shades of Hope Gala, Golf Tournament & Auction, and more.
Health Fairs
Attend events to educate the public on sun damage and ways to protect your skin. Events include tabling at schools, town health fairs, companies, and special interest groups.
Billy’s Buddies
Billy’s Buddies focuses on providing peer support to patients and caregivers who are facing challenges with their diagnosis. Melanoma survivors who would like to become a Buddy will receive comprehensive training in order to provide a variety of levels of support to the patient with whom they are matched.
Speakers Bureau for Melanoma Survivors
Attend events on behalf of IMPACT Melanoma to share your story. To join the Speakers Bureau, email amason@impactmelanoma.org.
