Moreton Bay residents invited to get marching to help end melanoma

Melanoma March kicks off on Bribie Island on Saturday 18 March, and Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) is urging locals to sign up.

One Australian dies from melanoma every six hours, despite the fact that 90% of melanomas can be successfully treated if detected early. Melanoma is the most common cancer affecting 15-39 year-old Australians and the leading cause of cancer death in 20-39 year-olds.

Annual Melanoma March events are held around the country throughout March and early April to raise awareness and fundraising to support life-changing melanoma research. Participants in Bribie Island can walk or march along a short course and can also track their progress online using a new Fitbit integration on their fundraising page.

Melanoma March supports vital melanoma research and is a chance for Australians to remember those lost to melanoma, support Australia’s dedicated melanoma researchers and inspire all Australians to help end melanoma.

Bribie Island local Megghan Holland was diagnosed with conjunctive melanoma in 2001 when she was just 13 years old, after noticing a red lump on the corner of her right eye. The six years that followed saw Megghan undergo an eye resection and neck dissection.
Megghan, who recently gave birth to her first child, has now been cancer free for nine years. She is now working as a registered nurse and deals with skin cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“My melanoma battle inspired me to do my nursing degree so I can help others and play at least a small part in tackling melanoma,” Megghan said. “I have remained in great health which I’m thankful for every day, and I still try to exercise, eat well and of course stay sun safe. I’m really committed to doing what I can to help end melanoma, and I’d love people to join me at the Bribie Island Melanoma March.”

For those who can’t make it to a march, MIA is encouraging Australians to set their own personal challenge or activity to get moving any way they like as part of Move for Melanoma.

Help change the future of thousands of Australians diagnosed with melanoma and register by heading to participate at melanomamarch.org.au or join the Melanoma March community on Facebook @MelanomaMarch.

Melanoma March will be held in Bribie Island on Saturday 18 March at Foreshore Crest Park, Marine Parade, Bellara from 7am.