The Skin Cancer Foundation Raises $800,000 at Annual Champions for Change Gala

Christie Brinkley | Image Credit: The Skin Cancer Foundation

On May 14, The Skin Cancer Foundation held its signature annual fundraising Champions for Change Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. The event raised more than $800,000 to support the organization’s educational campaigns, community programs and research initiatives.

More than 400 guests attended, including The Skin Cancer Foundation donors, industry and physician allies, celebrity supporters and members of the media. Notable guests included Brendan Fraser, Diane Lane and Uma Thurman. Actress, entrepreneur and author Christie Brinkley hosted the evening and shared her personal skin cancer journey with guests in her opening remarks.

“I imagine no one feels ready to hear that they have skin cancer for the first time, and neither was I,” Brinkley said. “It felt very personal. I hope that sharing my story changes that experience for others and reminds them to protect the lovely skin they are in.”

In line with the theme for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s annual Journal this year, the Foundation debuted a video during the evening called “Skin Cancer Is Personal” that features the stories of skin cancer warriors. President Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, also spoke about how the Foundation provides support and resources for newly diagnosed patients during her speech.

“As doctors, we have limited time during our busy days to be able provide additional support for the patient’s journey beyond their appointment,” said Sarnoff. “That’s why The Skin Cancer Foundation has become such an important partner for dermatologists. We’re so grateful for all our corporate partners, friends and donors, as well as the members of the media, who come together to support our work each year.”

The Foundation awarded its annual Media Impact Award to HealthCentral, the flagship website of HealthCentral Corporation. A leading media platform for patients living with chronic or serious illnesses, HealthCentral partnered with the Foundation on its “Skin Cancer in Skin of Color” campaign, a series of educational online articles and social media posts focused on the prevention, detection, and treatment of skin cancer in people of color.

Next, the Foundation recognized its Photobiology Committee, a group of experts in the study of the interaction of ultraviolet radiation and the skin. These dermatologists define the Foundation’s sun protection guidelines and set the criteria for products in the Seal of Recommendation program. Committee members volunteer their time and expertise to the Foundation, and each year they review third-party testing data for hundreds of sun-protective products to determine if they qualify for the Seal. Steven Q. Wang, MD, director of dermatologic oncology, chief of dermatology at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and chair of The Skin Cancer Foundation Photobiology Committee, accepted this special recognition on behalf of the Committee.

The evening culminated with the Champions for Change Award presentation recognizing La Roche-Posay, which has been a member of the Foundation’s Corporate Council since 2007. Many of its sun protection products have earned the Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. For the past 15 years, La Roche-Posay has supported the fight against skin cancer through its annual public health awareness and educational campaign, SOS — Save Our Skin, which educates the public on the dangers of UV rays, develops broad-spectrum sunscreens suitable for all skin tones and types, and encourages easy integration of sun protection into daily life, including annual skin cancer screenings. Tyler Steele, vice president of medical relations, La Roche-Posay/CeraVe/Vichy, accepted the award on the company’s behalf.

The event co-chairs were April Franzino, Stephanie Schweitzer and Adam Schweitzer. The event’s physician co-chairs were Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, Julie K. Karen, MD, Jesse M. Lewin, MD, and Ariel Ostad, MD. The honorary chair was Marcia Robbins-Wilf, EdD. The Gala Committee included Steve Alperin, Kim Campbell, Ian Michael Crumm, Michelle Henry, MD, Susan Manber, Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, Kim M. Nichols, MD, Ana Prodanovich, Kathy Sabine, Maral K. Skelsey, MD, Susan Small, Tyler Steele, Mary L. Stevenson, MD, Catherine Strange Warren, and Jane Y. Yoo, MD. The Foundation also recognizes its event sponsors: Castle Biosciences, EltaMD Skin Care, La Roche-Posay, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.