The potential for changing the trajectory of melanoma research is real with the Melanoma Tissue Bank. By supporting the work of intelligent visionaries, I can be part of this change. Susan Steel is a treasure to both the dedicated researchers who are are seeking the right research tools and to the many many patients and families she guides.
Susan Steel and her staff are an incredibly committed and impeccably gifted group of individuals devoted to nothing short of the complete eradication of melanoma. Perhaps better or equally important, they are going about their mission with a big heart and heavy dose of compassion.
In a world where doctor's offices and clinical prognosis can sometimes feel cold and foreboding, Susan and her group offer personalized attention and hope. During my first call to SOS over a year ago I felt an instant acceptance and flow of attention.
As a engineer for one of the largest engineering companies in the world, I am in complete agreement with the mission of the tissue bank. Clearly the rate of technological and medical advance over the last twenty years are a testament to the power of information sharing. By providing the experts with more and more information, and a platform with which to share and generate ideas, the tissue bank will deliver an unprecedented level of collaboration. I am certain that, just as we have seen similar advances derived from breast and colon cancer banks, the SOS sponsored tissue banks will lead to rapid advances. That is frankly very exciting!
Finally, my brain surgeon recently told me that ten years ago he would have looked at my case and sent me to hospice with six weeks to live. Instead he has said things like, "your disease is remarkable stable" and "you should be incredibly encouraged with the systemic treatments you have received. " I believe today that is in large part due to the counseling, time and attention I received from the Skin of Steel foundation.
Having lost a brother to melanoma in 2010 in downstate Illinois, I cannot tell you how critical it has become for Chicago to become more relevant in melanoma prevention, treatment and research on behalf of the entire Midwest. SKIN OF STEEL is a mighty force putting Chicago on the cusp of joining (4) other cities across the country in an unprecedented collaboration to host a melanoma tissue bank. The bank and the likely greater access to clinical trials will spur innovation and help families achieve better outcomes not possible just (3) years ago. Some Midwestern patients have endured travel to the coasts at considerable expense, largely in part to the patient advocacy of Susan Steel, to stay alive. Furthermore, the medical/intellectual benefits of expanded trials that SOS seeks to bring to Chicago could extend well beyond melanoma as it holds the key to unlocking genetic complexities found in many other cancers. Providing critical data to the emerging field of personalized medicine is an exciting contribution that SKIN OF STEEL is making.
Skin of Steel already has a proven track record. In less than three years they have influenced state and local governments to ban the use of tanning beds by minors and raised the awareness of melanoma risk, turnilng Glenview IL into the first Sun Safe City in the US. Now they are focused on a wider issue.....raising funds to establish a national Melanoma Tissue Bank.
Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the world, killing ones person every hour. The most required aid to research is the supply of fresh frozen tissue. If we hope for a cure we must provide this tissue to all qualified scientists.
Skin of Steel along with four well known research hospitals, has this system in place. The dedication and amazing core of volunteers along with the courage and vision of it's founder, has made this network a reality. Now it needs funding so the work can be implemented and melanoma can be eradicated. Your contribution, whatever the size, can make a difference.
Skin of Steel is an organization that is focused on improving the quality and proximity of care for people diagnosed with melanoma. This nonprofit was founded through one woman's painstaking journey to find help in treatment for a melanoma diagnosis (stage 4) that would paralyze most any other person. The difference is that Susan Steel (the founder of SOS) is not just any other person. Susan has found and spread inspiration by going beyond just seeking treatment for herself. She has made it her life's mission to prevent others from experiencing the challenges she has encountered in receiving treatment for this disease. This organization is supported by family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, medical professionals, hospitals and universities that recognize the need to expand the level of care locally and throughout this country. The proximity of this care is directly correlated with the chances of survival. This is an organization that is founded by one extraordinary woman that will change the course of melanoma patients worldwide. I am proud to call Susan my friend and she is an inspiration to anyone who has or will have the privilege of knowing her.
Skin of Steel is dedicated to raising funds for the first national melanoma tissue bank, which will collect primary tumors for use in research. This is a resource that has been sorely lacking in the melanoma research world, but has led to great advances in other cancer (e.g., breast) research. Getting this national melanoma tissue bank going will be a game changer in melanoma research.
Susan Steel, founder of Skin of Steel, is a walking miracle having Stage 4 Melanoma now for eight years. She has been navigating this horrific disease and would like nothing more than to make it an easier road for anyone ever diagnosed with this same illness. Skin of Steel is working to change the landscape of Melanoma and turn Chicago into a center of excellence in treating this disease. Please, if you can, offer any amount of financial assistance to be part of the this mission and you will be helping to save the lives of many! You can make a difference! Please visit www.skinofsteel.org and make a donation today!
Skin of Steel is an NFP organization that is focused on improving the lives of melanoma patients and their families by establishing Chicago as a Center of Excellence for melanoma research and treatment. Skin of Steel is strong in both advocating for melanoma patients and also advocating and raising funds for Chicago's participation in the first National Melanoma Tissue bank. The tissue can be used for research to provide future therapies and individualized treatments for melanoma patients. Chicago's participation will provide a way to raise melanoma awareness, secure additional doctors specializing in melanoma, and increase clinical trial participation in the midwest.
Skin of Steel is a NFP focused on melanoma research. SOS is unique in its vision as it raises funds for the first national primary melanoma tissue bank. Founder, Susan Steel, her board or directors, advisors and volunteers help facilitate as they move closer to this goal. They've targeted institutions and physicians across the country who are dedicated to work together and openly share their findings in order to develop potentially curative and individualized treatment options for patients with melanoma.
Skin of Steel is an organization that through one woman's personal vision and strength has worked to help change the landscape of melanoma research. She is working to create a tissue bank that will provide needed information and answers to both treat, and hopefully cure this horrible disease that can and does affect people of all ages.
