Melanoma March Denmark to raise money and awareness

Denmark residents will be turning out at this year’s Melanoma March Denmark to raise awareness and funds for cancer.

The march is organised by the Melanoma Institute Australia.

It is part of MIA’s 12th annual Melanoma March campaign which needs to raise $1 million for Australia’s first clinical trial aimed to treat the fear of cancer recurrence experienced by those with advanced disease.

The trial will focus on identifying and supporting advanced melanoma patients experiencing fear and anxiety about their melanoma recurring or progressing, with the findings also set to benefit other cancer patients.

“This Australian-first clinical trial, led by senior clinical researchers at MIA, aims to ensure the emotional needs of cancer patients are recognised and addressed as part of their routine clinical care,” Melanoma Institute Australia CEO Matthew Browne said.

This year, they are asking people to stop the glamourisation of tanning.

A spokesperson said that a tan is skin cells in trauma, and the glamourisation of tanning in advertisements, social media and the media is promoting behaviour that kills.

Denmark resident Jenny Barrow, who lost her son-in-law Mark O’Donnel to stage IV melanoma in 2019, is calling on residents to show support.

Ms Barrow’s son-in-law was diagnosed with melanoma and had 15 tumours in his brain.

“Mark’s illness was completely devastating, and life after his passing continues to be a roller coaster of emotions,” Ms Barrow said.

“Time certainly helps to soften the grief, but will never take it away. It’s such a tragedy that melanoma cut short the life of a wonderful, wonderful man.”

This year’s Melanoma March Denmark is on Saturday, March 18 at Kwoorabup Community Park from 8am–10.30am.

You can register to attend and donate at https://www.melanomamarch.org.au/.