The subject of skin cancer may seem better suited to a medical Web site. However, many regular readers work within the yacht industry and are therefore under the sun’s rays essentially every day. Similarly, owners and guests need to remain mindful of sun protection. It’s not only appropriate, but essential. And I’m sure the thought, “It won’t happen to me” has crossed your mind on more than one occasion. I’d be lying if I denied ever thinking that. This is why it’s impressive that John Dane III, CEO of Trinity Yachts, has become the national spokesperson for the Melanoma Research Foundation.
The organization is the largest private national organization focused on the most serious type of skin cancer. Notably, the word about Dane supporting the Melanoma Research Foundation didn’t come from Trinity. I actually stumbled across a press release from the organization while searching for an unrelated news item.
Just how serious is this “most serious” skin cancer? According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 62,500 newly diagnosed cases should arise stateside by the end of this year. Additionally, more than 8,400 of them likely will be deadly. By comparison, less than 1,000 people should die from all other skin cancers combined. Furthermore, based on rates from 2003 to 2005, one in 55 people can expect a melanoma diagnosis within their lifetime.
The nonprofit MRF is doing its best to educate people as well as help raise funds for research and a cure. For example, it recently approved more than $1 million for grants. Dane is “thrilled to be part of the MRF’s efforts.” Naturally, he practices what he and the organization preach. He’ll continue doing so, too, as a competitor in the upcoming Olympics in China.
With the temperatures warming up and the season heating up in many of the world’s famed megayacht ports this month, let’s all promise to do a better job of taking care of ourselves.
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