Award Created to Recognize Consumers Promoting Skin Cancer Awareness in Their Communities

Source: Yahoo Finance, November 2019

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Oct. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery is pleased to announce Tracy Callahan, founder of The Polka Dot Mama Melanoma Foundation, as the inaugural recipient of its Sun Safe Hero Award, which launched during the Society’s May 2019 Skin Cancer Awareness Month campaign, to recognize consumers who advocate for skin cancer awareness in their communities. Callahan used her multiple melanoma diagnoses to form the Foundation’s mission of awareness, prevention and early detection.

“This is a tremendous honor, and I am truly humbled for the recognition," said Callahan. “As a four time melanoma survivor, I know all too well the importance of early detection; it saves lives, and I am truly fortunate to be able to use my voice and experiences to educate, advocate and promote the early detection of melanoma and skin cancer. I am grateful to work alongside an incredibly dedicated team of volunteer dermatologists and nurses who help make our efforts possible."

Inspired by the nickname “Polka Dot Mama," given to her by her two sons, Tracy started a blog and began to network with survivors and skin cancer organizations across the country. The Polka Dot Mama Melanoma Foundation was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2015 and now funds research, hosts skin cancer screenings, raises awareness and educates the community about melanoma.