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Advocacy Update
Welcome!

More than $41,000 raised for skin cancer prevention and detection through “Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ - Chicago”

ROSEMONT, Ill. (Oct. 10, 2018) — On Sat., Sept. 29, more than 200 dermatologists, skin cancer survivors and their families and friends hiked four miles at Busse Woods to tell “Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!” Together, they raised more than $41,000 for SPOT Skin Cancer™ to benefit the American Academy of Dermatology’s skin cancer prevention and detection programs, including free skin cancer screenings, sunscreen dispensers, and permanent shade structures where children learn and play.

“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans in their lifetime,” says board-certified dermatologist Vanessa Lichon, MD, FAAD, co-event chair for Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ – Chicago. “It’s inspiring and humbling to see so many members of our community come together to support the fight against skin cancer.”

It is estimated that more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and one person dies from melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—every hour. In Illinois alone, it is estimated that there will be 2,980 new cases of melanoma this year.

“The number of people with skin cancer in the U.S. continues to grow, so efforts to prevent skin cancer and detect it early are critical,” says board-certified dermatologist Sheetal Mehta, MD, FAAD, co-event chair for Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ – Chicago. “We are so grateful for our sponsors and our hikers for taking a stand against skin cancer and supporting these life-saving programs.”

Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ is part of the AAD’s SPOT Skin Cancer™ campaign to reduce mortality from and the incidence of skin cancer through public awareness, community outreach programs and services, and advocacy that promote the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. Thanks to the AAD’s dedicated donors and hikers, the AAD’s SPOT Skin Cancer™ campaign has provided more than 2.7 million free skin cancer screenings, built more than 370 shade structures, and installed 52 free sunscreen dispensers in public pools and parks.

“By raising awareness through this hike, we want to remind families that skin cancer is preventable with a few simple steps,” said board-certified dermatologist Amy J. Derick, MD, FAAD, medical director and chief executive officer of Derick Dermatology, a sponsor for Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™– Chicago. “Whenever you are outdoors, protect your skin by seeking shade, covering up and wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.”

Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ – Chicago is generously supported by national sponsors Coppertone, Endo Pharmaceuticals, The Allergan Foundation, and EltaMD, Inc. and local sponsors Derick Dermatology, Arlington Dermatology, DuPage Medical Group, Pinnacle Dermatology, Rush University Medical Center, and 101.9 THE MIX Chicago.

In addition to the Chicago event, Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ will include four other fundraising hikes in 2018:

  • Saturday, Nov. 3 – Atlanta
  • Saturday, Nov. 10 – Phoenix
  • Saturday, Nov. 10 – San Diego
  • Saturday, Nov. 10 – Las Vegas

To learn more about Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! ™ or to donate, visit www.aad.org/SCTAH.

About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 19,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair, and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the AAD on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), Instagram (@AADskin1), or YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).