Team Melanoma Beat Down
Mike Mills & Team Melanoma Beat Down
My brother Mike is a strong 37 year old New York City fire fighter. He is a husband and a father to a beautiful five year old daughter. Growing up on Long Island Mike loved being in the sun. He was a lifeguard, enjoyed boating and loved hanging out at the beach. While he did wear sunscreen some of the time, like most young people, most of the time he didn’t. He never had any issues with the surface of his skin.
Mike’s battle with melanoma started in the fall of 2011 when he discovered that he had stage three melanoma. He had surgery followed by intense radiation therapy. When he was finished it all looked good and there was no evidence of disease. After months of recovery things pretty much went back to normal with work and family.
Almost a year to the day of his original surgery, Mike’s cancer returned and metastasized to his small intestines. He now had stage 4 melanoma. Again he had major surgery, which went well but the battle was just beginning. Since the cancer had spread from its original site, surgery and radiation would not be enough. Mike applied for several trials and tried several treatments to no avail. He then was asked to participate in a phase one trial for PDL-1 which he did and it was very successful! We could not be any happier to hear that Mike was NED (no evidence of disease). We have a long way to go in this fight against melanoma, but because of research and new trials the chances of survival are greater than ever. That being said, the most important thing is prevention. Mike is now getting back to what he loves, taking care of his family and being a NYC firefighter.
The only thing better than beating cancer is to never get it in the first place. So please join team “Melanoma Beat Down” and help raise money to help prevent melanoma through increased awareness and education. Let’s beat down melanoma together. Remember, no one fights alone!!
.
Colleen Mills
Purpose: Melanoma Beat Down was formed to help raise awareness of Melanoma Skin Cancer, and to provide support for all those living with Melanoma. Join our team and help support the cause.
Team Captain: Colleen Mills
Team Members: Colleen Mills and You!
The “More Information” button below will take you to a page with more information about the 5k Run/Walk. You can also register online and/or donate from that page.
The “Register Online Now” button below will take you directly to the registration page. On this page you can register for the Run or the Walk and make a donation at the same time.
The “Donation Only” button is for individuals who are NOT attending the event. They are NOT Running or Walking, but wish to make a donation “In Honor Of, or In Memory Of” a TEAM, Person, or Organization.
Be Sun Smart!