Welcome to the Melanoma Research Foundation’s website!

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is committed to research, education and advocacy in our national battle to find more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this disease.  We are the primary US non-profit organization serving the melanoma community and welcome your partnership and support of our efforts.

Our programs and services include:

·         RESEARCH:  In 2008 we are investing one million dollars to fund melanoma research grants.  These include 14 Career Development Awards ($50,000 per year for a maximum of two years) and 3 Established Investigator Awards ($100,000 per year for a maximum of two years).  We are committed to attracting the best and brightest young scientists to melanoma research and to funding long-term scientists on the cutting edge of finding answers. We are also supporting the Society for Melanoma Research, the international organization of melanoma scientists, through an annual grant which supports ongoing efforts as well as their annual educational convention.

·         EDUCATION: In addition to this website, we manage the Melanoma Patients Information Page (www.MPIP.org), the international chat room for the melanoma community; and distribute a quarterly newsletter of information, activities and resources.  MRF also sponsors educational symposia around the United States.  I encourage you to check our website to see where and when these symposia will be held in 2008.  In 2007 we initiated a “Melanoma 101” teleconference with a leading melanoma clinician that provided a personal opportunity to both learn more about this disease, as well as asking questions of a leading physician in the melanoma field.  We plan to continue these teleconferences in 2008.  In addition, we have informational materials for distribution and items for sale, such as our magnetic melanoma ribbon, t-shirts and hats, and a hummingbird lapel pin.

·         ADVOCACY: MRF is active in Washington DC. We work to keep melanoma awareness a high priority with elected officials and to encourage their support of research funding.  As well, we are in ongoing communications with the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health.  To increase our presence with federal officials, MRF spearheaded the creation of a Melanoma Alliance of all melanoma organizations in the United States and is the primary funder of this new organization.

Our programs and services, our annual successes, are possible because of the volunteer involvement of medical professionals and people like you.  We invite your partnership and support.  There are so many opportunities to consider:

·         Organizing a community fundraiser to support melanoma research.  This might involve a walk or run, a golf tournament, a social event, a bowl-athon, or any event you want to consider.  We are prepared to work with you in developing your fundraiser.  (The importance of these annual events is critical.  In 2008 we are projecting over $1,000,000 raised through these community fundraisers.)

·          If you cannot organize a fundraising event, you might be interested in supporting an existing event.  Just let us know and we will share your interest with a fundraising volunteer.

·         Becoming an MRF member.  We have an annual appeal to donors and friends asking for their support as a member.  By providing your name and address you will receive membership information annually (as well as our newsletter).

·         Requesting a matching gift from your employer.  Many companies provide support to its employees who are donating to organizations like MRF.  They often match your donation dollar for dollar.  Please ask your employer if they have a matching gift program.

·         Sending a memorial gift.  You can send a donation to MRF in memory of a family member, friend or business associate.  We will notify the family of the deceased of your condolences.

·         Sending a gift in honor of someone.  Looking for a way to honor someone for a birthday, wedding, anniversary or another special occasion?  Let us know and we will notify the person of your best wishes.

·         Are you a marathoner?  Our Miles for Melanoma program can support your registration in a local marathon and help you raise money for research.  Consider running in a marathon as a Miles for Melanoma Team Member.  And if you live in the Washington DC area, we have a special Miles for Melanoma program where you can become involved in a training program that will lead to the group’s participation in a major marathon.

·         Making a major commitment to personally fund a research grant.  Please contact the MRF Office to discuss this opportunity.

·         Thinking about including MRF in your will?  You should talk to your attorney or financial adviser to discuss this opportunity.

On behalf of MRF’s Board of Trustees and Scientific Advisory Committee, thank you for visiting our website.  As I have said, we welcome your partnership and support and encourage you to consider various ways to join MRF and the melanoma community.

Randy Lomax, Chair