Melanoma March events will be held across the country for the 13th year to raise awareness and support Melanoma Institute Australia’s life-saving research, with the Central Coast march set for Sunday, March 3.
Melanoma Institute Australia’s (MIA) Co-Medical Directors and 2024 Australians of the Year, Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolyer, are urging Australians to join the campaign to raise vital research funds.
Long and Scolyer were named Australians of the Year for revolutionising melanoma treatment and their advocacy for sun-safe behaviour.
During their emotional acceptance speech they called for urgent action to stop the glamourisation of tanning.
“There is nothing healthy about a tan – nothing,” Long said.
“Our bronzed Aussie culture is actually killing us.
“So we call on advertisers and social media influencers to stop glamourising tanning, or using it to sell or entertain.”
MIA’s Melanoma March Central Coast will be held from 9-11am on Sunday, March 3, at Saltwater Creek Reserve, Long Jetty.
Nadine Martin will be marching in honour of her older sister Leah Martin who was diagnosed with advanced melanoma in 2013 and passed away in 2017 at the age of 29.
“It is so important we continue to raise awareness about melanoma and the fact it isn’t just an old person’s disease,” she said.
“Australians need to be aware of their skin health and look for changes.
“If you see a change, don’t put it off; go and get it checked.
“I am marching for Leah and all the people who are going through treatments and fighting for their lives at the hands of this insidious disease.”
Register for the Central Coast march or donate at https://centralcoast.melanomamarch.org.au/