Summer Sanders –
Growing up in California, learning to swim from an early age and eventually training for competition and the Olympics, gave Summer plenty of opportunities to be outside in the sun. Over time, this led to her hearing the words “you have malignant melanoma”. From that moment, Summer realized the deficit that exists when it comes to education and promoting sun protection and skin cancer awareness. She decided it was time to use her experience to bring the spotlight to sun safety and save lives.
We are saving lives one episode at a time!
Ep. 116
Welcome to the 2023 Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Series – part 8
Have you ever had that dream or goal that goes so far beyond what you think you can do?
Well, speaking of big dreams and going for the gold, my guest today is Summer Sanders. She’s accomplished so many amazing things in her life, winning not only two gold medals, but also a silver and bronze in the 1992 Olympics for swimming, being a TV and sports personality, a mom to 2 incredible children and a wife of an Olympic skier. Though all these incredible moments in her life generate a plethora of questions in my head, I wanted to include her in this series because she has also faced melanoma four times and continues to thrive in her life. Today, she shares her experience of her first diagnosis in 2014 to the present day and why she feels so strongly about sun protection and being an advocate.
When you are in the middle of the chaos, you cannot always see what’s ahead of you. The awe and strength you’ve displayed as you looked back to see how it led you to a place you would’ve never been in. So, even in the hardest moments of your life, if you can keep your perspective and believe me, it can be the most difficult thing to do. But if you can keep your perspective and realize this is leading to something else, then you can start to understand life in a different way.
So getting back to the goal or the dream of the someday. This interview is one of those dream moments for me. Because of my diagnosis back in 2017 and my desire to make something positive out of this, I decided to put a wish list together of people I would want to talk to someday. People who understood what it was like to be challenged and what they did to shine on the other side of that challenge. My previous guest, Mary Elizabeth Williams was on that list from day one. But I also had another guest that I thought someday, just one day, I will have the opportunity to speak with her. And then the opportunity came.
So this is a little different, before we get into my interview with Summer, I felt like I needed to include this excerpt from the beginning of our conversation, to share with you the reason this series is so important and also to hear how compassionate and generous Summer is.
“
…I was almost out of my dermatologist’s office And then I said oh wait, I’m supposed to have you check this. And he’s like eh, I’m not worried about it, we can take it off if you want to. In my mind, Lorie, because you’re right, I never thought this was going to happen to me. Taking it off just meant you take it off and you never see it again. I had no idea that a biopsy was taking place. I had no idea that I would get pathology back. So, yes, I remember getting the call from my dermatologist’s office and the nurse said oh, your pathology came back and we need to see you tomorrow. And anyone who knows how hard it is to get in to see a dermatologist, you know you can’t get an appointment for the next day. And so I said, oh, that doesn’t sound good. And she said it’s not good. She goes, you have a severely atypical malignant melanoma…
”
I think the biggest takeaway from this episode is to be your own advocate! You need to protect yourself. You are responsible for you. You get to make the final decisions. Make sure you have peace in your heart moving forward with everything you decide for yourself.
Summer explained it perfectly how she ended up with melanoma, her life as she faced this multiple times and what makes her such a powerful advocate. I loved hearing her passion for sun safety and living a fulfilled life…even with modifications.
I am so happy that I’ve had this opportunity to bring you so many influential and inspirational people. This is one for me personally. Surround yourself with those who want to help hold you up. Listen to the show so you can feel like you have a friend in whatever struggle you’re facing.
As we get closer to the end of this series, and we’re not there yet… Regardless of what time of year, this topic impacts the world.
I will continue to provide the best and most informative shows I can. We as a community of survivors and thrivers and fighters need to keep LIVING our lives.
My journey with melanoma has once again become the focus. So with that being said, I will be making some changes. I don’t know exactly what all those changes are just yet, but I know as I learn more about my diagnosis, what I need to do to take care of myself, and be an example for you. I will continue to adapt, revise and refine what I’m doing. It’s all about moving forward and living your best life possible.
And knowing what I know now, I need to honor myself. I can’t forecast what the near future holds. I am hopeful that I will have a good story, no great story to tell when this is all said and done. But I have to put my needs first right now. I will continue to release episodes, so you will always have that support and friend here for you.
Just hang in there with me. I know we have what it takes. I know we can do this together. I know the support you give me by being here is so important to reaching others.
You are incredible. You are powerful. You are amazing.
Thank you.
Let’s work together to stop skin cancer and save lives!
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Series
Do you practice sun safety?
- Wear Sunscreen
Summer Sanders, Olympic gold medalist and melanoma survivor, stresses the importance of wearing sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
2. Seek Shade
When possible, seek shade during peak sun hours (10am-4pm). This can include sitting under an umbrella, tree, or wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
3. Cover Up
Wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants can provide an extra layer of protection from harmful UV rays.
4. Check Your Skin
Perform regular skin checks to monitor any changes or abnormalities. If you notice any changes, such as a new mole or a mole that has changed in size or shape, consult a dermatologist.
6. Protect Your Eyes
Wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
7. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy, reducing the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
Summer Sanders emphasizes the importance of taking preventative measures to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of skin cancer and enjoy a safe and healthy summer and also all year around.
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** 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.
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