Growing up in Australia, I saw the value and importance of robust public education about sun safety and skin cancer prevention. When I moved to Colorado, it was clear that awareness about sun safety and skin cancer was nowhere near where it is in Australia, and due to altitude, people are experiencing high levels of UV exposure. I helped to create the Colorado Melanoma Foundation as a non-profit so we could launch The Sun Bus to serve our communities' needs in this area. Since launching in 2019, the Sun Bus has helped deliver over 7,500 free skin cancer screens in 12 states to date. It has detected many skin cancers and reached thousands of people with educational messaging. Volunteering with the Sun Bus has given me first-hand experience seeing the great need out there for accessible and affordable medical services. I am proud that our organization can help meet some of this need, and I am proud of the wonderful positive feedback we receive from so many places we visit and of the extraordinary work our volunteers do.
I am a Board Certified Dermatologist, Mohs Surgeon and the Co-founder and Medical Director of The Sun Bus. All of my time with The Sun Bus is as a volunteer. We started The Sun Bus to "reduce the burden of skin diseases, including cancer, through effective screening, research and education programs." We have been to at least 11 states and have provided FREE screenings to more than 7,000 participants. We serve rural and underserved populations and have identified hundreds of cancers that may have otherwise gone undetected. We are a group of scientists and clinicians who believe that by educating the public, providing free screenings, free sunscreen and fun interactions with people at festivals and events, we can save lives. Please donate to help us achieve our mission!
The asun Bus came to our agency for a benefits fair and provided free screenings for all of us. They raised my awareness of the importance of sunscreen use and other means to keep my skin healthy. It was a wonderful addition to the event.
As a volunteer providing free skin cancer screenings, I can’t speak highly enough about The Sun Bus and the impact it’s making in our communities. The Sun Bus is a mobile dermatology clinic that brings essential skin screenings, sun safety education, and vital resources directly to those who need them most. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., yet it's also one of the most preventable and treatable when detected early.
At every Sun Bus event, we offer free skin screenings, hand out EltaMD sunscreen and Heliocare samples, and engage in meaningful conversations about sun safety and the importance of self-checks. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful these events are in raising awareness and providing accessible care. For many, this might be their first opportunity to receive a professional skin check, and early detection can be life-changing.
The mission of The Sun Bus is to reduce the burden of skin diseases through proactive screening, education, and research programs. It’s a mission we truly live by. Educating individuals about sun safety, UV exposure, and proper skin care has the potential to save lives, and the gratitude we receive from the communities is immense.
I first volunteered as a Dermatology PA 3 years ago at an event in Pueblo CO. The experience was great as I had been looking for a local charitable organization to get involved with in a regular basis to “give back to my community”. The Sun Bus values and mission align with my own personal ones so it was a perfect match. I’ve increased my time and financial commitment since then and love to feel a part of something so amazing! Even though the expert level dermatological care provided is free, it is not done carelessly or without kindness. The mission truly is to detect skin cancers in the earliest and most treatable stages along with reminding everyone of the dangers of UV exposure especially in higher elevation locations.
The sun bus experience exceeded our expectations, from beginning to end. Timely, professional, approachable and beautiful set up. The appointments filled up immediately, but there was also time for walk-ins at the end of the event. Aside from the screening, they had samples and an aging/skin spot machine where you can see changes in your own skin over time that our employees loved. We would do it again without a doubt!
The Sun Bus (TSB) is an incredible nonprofit, powered by a dedicated and hardworking team.
I became involved with this organization because of its positive impact on people’s lives. The Sun Bus reaches underserved and underrepresented communities, where access to healthcare—particularly for skin health—can be limited or difficult to find. In these areas, TSB has identified numerous cancerous skin lesions, prompting individuals to seek the necessary follow-up care, or providing peace of mind to those concerned about their skin health.
In addition to screenings, TSB offers education on skin health and how to protect oneself from sun damage, helping to reduce the risk of skin cancer later in life.
when I called for an appointment in September the season was almost finished. The lady I spoke to said she would try to squeeze me in somewhere. She realized that it was very important for me to get checked since I had had cancer twice before on my face and I had another lump that was concerning. She stayed in communication with me and did succeed in securing me an appointment. The doctor was great and it turned out the lump was of no concern. I am so grateful to get seen for free and the bus was so easy to get to. To see my skin cancer doctor I would have had to wait for over a month for an appointment. Now I can enjoy the coming holidays with no worries. Thank you Sun Bus you are precious!
Inspired by The Sun Bus and its dedicated team of scientists and medical professionals, I felt compelled to contribute my time, resources, and experience to expand their life-saving mission against skin cancer. The loss of my 32-year-old cousin to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, ignited an unwavering passion within me to raise awareness about prevention and the critical importance of early detection.
Skin cancer, affecting one in five Americans, knows no boundaries. BUT, it does not have to be this way. The Sun Bus embodies a powerful vision of a "World without Skin Cancer" and provides "FREE skin screenings to ALL, especially those in underserved communities." This organization's commitment to making their vision a reality resonates deeply with me, and I'm proud to support their growing efforts to combat this pervasive yet preventable disease.
Choosing the right nonprofit organization to support can be challenging, especially when time and resources are limited. The Sun Bus truly stands out as deserving of your commitment and generosity and there are many ways you can support them. By joining forces with The Sun Bus, we can work towards a future where skin cancer is no longer a prevalent threat, ensuring that vital dermatological services reach those who need them most. Together, we can save lives and create a sun-safe world for generations to come. Follow The Sun Bus on social media today and ask they to visit your town.
This was a great experience and everybody on the bus was very friendly. I also really appreciate the mission to increase sun safety awareness and promote community health.