Samantha Guild –
Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer, but there is hope on the horizon for a cure. Discover the revolutionary breakthroughs that are changing the game in my conversation today with AIM at Melanoma.
We are saving lives one episode at a time!
Ep. 112
Welcome to the 2023 Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Series – part 4
The AIM at Melanoma Foundation has provided a compassionate and educational platform to countless many by guiding them through diagnosis, caregiving, and creating resources for support and for health care providers.
This international organization was founded from the devastating loss a mother experienced when her 26 year old daughter, Charlie, passed away after she was diagnosed with melanoma.
Inspired by Charlie’s enduring spirit of hope, Charlie’s mother, Valerie, started the Charlie Guild Melanoma Foundation to raise money for skin cancer research.
This loving act led to the eventual development of the AIM at Melanoma foundation. Samantha Guild, Charlie’s older sister and now president of AIM, continues their quest for a cure for melanoma through research. Her dedication to this amazing organization proves AIM’s unique efforts stretch beyond the US borders to nations across the globe.
“
…when my sister was diagnosed, I mean, she really thought she was going to beat this thing, but she wanted to make a difference from this whole experience. She didn’t want to think that having developed melanoma and going through the treatments and everything else was for no reason. She needed something worthwhile and important to come of all of it. Sure, obviously, it’s very unfortunate that she couldn’t do it herself, but in a way, she did. I mean, she was the inspiration. She made it clear to everyone that she needed something important to come. And it’s not just her. I think all of us who have lost someone to disease or who knows somebody, even if we know somebody who’s gone through it often, we need to make it, we need a reason. And so we all find different ways of making meaning out of all…
”
Read my story here:
Advances in Fighting Melanoma: Progress and Challenges
Melanoma can have serious and life-threatening consequences. However, significant progress has been made in recent years in the fight against melanoma. Aim at Melanoma is a non-profit foundation founded in memory of a young woman who passed away from stage 4 melanoma. The foundation focuses on providing support, education, and resources for patients and families affected by melanoma. The conversation revolved around the advances and challenges faced in the fight against this disease. The progress in the treatment of melanoma can be attributed to over 600 clinical trials that are recruiting for melanoma treatment options. Improvements in technology and enhanced collaborations have led to the creation of better support programs and increased international collaboration in research.
Aim at Melanoma is unique in that they focus on building infrastructure, particularly a tissue bank that is fully annotated. The organization believes that by collecting tissue samples, they can impact melanoma research in the future.
Empowering Patients and Caregivers with Education and Peer Support
The organization offers many resources and support on its website, including assistance from a physician assistant, side effect management sheets, survivor stories, and the Peer Connect program. Mentors play a crucial role in providing emotional support and helping people navigate the process of cancer treatment.
Education is a key factor in empowering patients and caregivers to make informed decisions about their health. In conclusion, Aim at Melanoma has made significant progress by providing support and resources for those affected by melanoma. This conversation highlighted the importance of peer support and education, which are essential for patients and caregivers dealing with melanoma. With continued commitment and support, it is possible to end melanoma in our lifetime.
We hope that organizations like Aim at Melanoma will continue to support and provide resources for those affected by cancer.
How do you sail through life? Join me on this endeavor!
I would love to grow this amazing support community! Learn more here.
** Sailing Through Life Podcast is intended to educate, inspire and support you on your personal journey and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only. If you are suffering from any psychological or medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.
Sailing Through Life 