April 29, 2013
April 29, 2013 – More than 200 people will gather at Wallace Park in NW Portland on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. for the 2nd Annual AIM for a Cure Portland Melanoma Walk. Participants will walk to increase awareness for melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, and to raise funds for AIM at Melanoma, an international non-profit dedicated to melanoma research, education, awareness, and legislation. This year, the walk will honor Scott Steward (1954-2012) and Ashley Trenner (1972-2013) as well as 25 local melanoma survivors.
“Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the U.S. and here in Oregon we have one of the highest death rates for melanoma,” said Katie Wilkes, a 26-year-old melanoma survivor and coordinator for this year’s walk. “My hope in organizing this event is to build a more robust support system for those impacted by melanoma in Oregon and Washington.”
In addition to planning the Melanoma Walk, Wilkes has been actively involved in supporting Oregon House Bill 2896, which proposes banning minors from using indoor tanning beds.
What: The 2nd Annual Portland AIM for a Cure Melanoma 5k Walk to raise money for melanoma research and prevention.
When: Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m.: Registration opens
9:30 a.m.: 5k walk begins
Where: Wallace Park, NW 25th Ave. & Raleigh Street, Portland, OR
Why: To raise awareness about melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, and to pay tribute to those impacted by melanoma in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Who: Registration is free, but a $50 minimum donation is suggested. Prizes will be awarded to participants who raise money via their personal fundraising page. Register for the walk at http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-action/1158/1159/portland-2013.html.
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Fast Facts about Melanoma
• May is melanoma awareness month.
• Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer.
• Every eight minutes, someone in the United States will be given a melanoma diagnosis and every hour someone will die from the disease.
• Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the United States and worldwide.
• Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old.
• If caught in the earliest stages, melanoma is entirely treatable with a survival rate of nearly 100%. If untreated and allowed to spread, there is no known treatment or cure.
• The rate of new melanoma diagnoses was 36% higher in Oregon than the national average from 2002-2006 and was the 4th highest in the U.S. An estimated 1,220 state residents were diagnosed with melanoma in 2009.
About AIM at Melanoma
The AIM at Melanoma Foundation (AIM) is the largest non-profit international organization focused on increasing support for melanoma research; promoting prevention and education among the general public and medical professionals; and providing comprehensive and easily accessible melanoma resources for patients, survivors, and caregivers. The organization provides toolkits for individuals to host melanoma fundraisers and awareness events in their communities. For more information, visit www.aimatmelanoma.org.
