One thing I would like to come out of this adventure is awareness and funding for the Melanoma International Foundation. I've been an athlete all of my life; I was one of those kids who was on swim team and spent entire summers at the pool in the 1970s, before most of the innovations in sunscreen. These days I cycle, kayak, and do triathlon, so I still spend a lot of time outdoors, but now it's with the benefit of SPF45 sunscreen with micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. My fellow athletes and outdoorsy folks and I are in a high-risk group for having melanoma, and are an important group with whom to raise awareness of melanoma and how to reduce your risk.
Just as important as protecting your skin from the sun is regularly examining your skin for any distinct changes, i.e. a change in a mole, a new mole or a lesion. You should do this regularly, know your skin and bring any changes to the attention of a dermatologist.
The Melanoma International Foundation funds patient assistance programs, providing reassurance and understanding on the journey of having the disease as well as providing free screening and awareness events. They provide education through their professionally moderated forum and helpline. Melanoma can be fatal, especially if not caught early. But there's also a lot of low-hanging fruit in melanoma prevention -- broad-brimmed hats, protective clothing, staying indoors or in the shade during the most intense midday hours.
I am using this bike ride to request pledges and donations to support the excellent and important work of the Melanoma International Foundation. In particular, your pledges here will support the Leroy Coolbreeze Fund at the Melanoma International Foundation.
The Leroy Coolbreeze Fund honors the memory of Ian Copeland, a legendary music agent and bon vivant who brought great joy to many people throughout his too-short life. Along with his brothers Stewart (best known as the drummer in The Police) and Miles (who, among other things, managed The Police and founded IRS Records), Ian brought music into being that changed my life and thrilled me starting in the late 1970s. Their work continues to thrill and excite me to this day. Ian died from melanoma in 2006. My request for your support is a testimony to the value the Copeland family has brought to my life, and the joy I experience daily through listening to and playing the music that they have created.
As my friends and I ride along the Lewis & Clark Trail, please give to this worthy cause. If you can specify the "Leroy Coolbreeze Fund" and "Lynne" in your donation, then the great MIF folks will take it from there, and will know that our Lewis & Clark Trail bike tour is raising your awareness of the importance of melanoma outreach and research, and enabling them to do even more of this important work.
[NOTE: I've front-dated this post so that it stays on top throughout our entire journey. This is too important to get buried.]
Just as important as protecting your skin from the sun is regularly examining your skin for any distinct changes, i.e. a change in a mole, a new mole or a lesion. You should do this regularly, know your skin and bring any changes to the attention of a dermatologist.
The Melanoma International Foundation funds patient assistance programs, providing reassurance and understanding on the journey of having the disease as well as providing free screening and awareness events. They provide education through their professionally moderated forum and helpline. Melanoma can be fatal, especially if not caught early. But there's also a lot of low-hanging fruit in melanoma prevention -- broad-brimmed hats, protective clothing, staying indoors or in the shade during the most intense midday hours.
I am using this bike ride to request pledges and donations to support the excellent and important work of the Melanoma International Foundation. In particular, your pledges here will support the Leroy Coolbreeze Fund at the Melanoma International Foundation.
The Leroy Coolbreeze Fund honors the memory of Ian Copeland, a legendary music agent and bon vivant who brought great joy to many people throughout his too-short life. Along with his brothers Stewart (best known as the drummer in The Police) and Miles (who, among other things, managed The Police and founded IRS Records), Ian brought music into being that changed my life and thrilled me starting in the late 1970s. Their work continues to thrill and excite me to this day. Ian died from melanoma in 2006. My request for your support is a testimony to the value the Copeland family has brought to my life, and the joy I experience daily through listening to and playing the music that they have created.
As my friends and I ride along the Lewis & Clark Trail, please give to this worthy cause. If you can specify the "Leroy Coolbreeze Fund" and "Lynne" in your donation, then the great MIF folks will take it from there, and will know that our Lewis & Clark Trail bike tour is raising your awareness of the importance of melanoma outreach and research, and enabling them to do even more of this important work.
[NOTE: I've front-dated this post so that it stays on top throughout our entire journey. This is too important to get buried.]
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