“Education and Awareness are vital parts of fighting this disease.” – Dr. Jon Richards, melanoma specialist at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Jack’s Fund is as committed to preventing melanoma as it is to helping to find a cure. Though incidents of the disease are growing at an alarming rate, melanoma is often preventable by practicing sun safety habits, such as sunscreen or protective clothing. If caught early enough, it is also highly treatable.
Jack’s Fund has made sun safety a priority with Park Districts, distributing melanoma information and safety tips on the playing fields, and awareness and sunscreen reminder posters to golf courses, baseball diamonds, pools and parks. We have also partnered with the Lymphoma society, presenting an educational seminar to their marathon team members.
Jack’s Fund has distributed reminder bookmarks through the Glen Ellyn Library Summer Reading Program, and has participated in Live Life Well Week at many local high schools and junior high schools. Though the message is for everyone, Jack’s Fund focuses its awareness and education efforts primarily on children, adolescents and endurance athletes since they are most at risk for serious sunburns that could lead to melanoma.
Recommended Links to Sun Safe Educational Material for Young Children
No need to run from the sun, just look for some shade, wear sunglasses, hats and sunscreen. We believe it is important for young children to learn about sun-safety without causing a fear of the sun. Below are a few links that provide excellent age appropriate games and information.
PUBLISHED BY THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
The most common type of cancer in the United States is largely preventable. School is a place where young people can learn important sun safety lessons that can make a lifelong difference.
EPA SUNWISE PROGRAM
Excellent resources for kids and educators.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY
Kid’s and Sun Safety – Meet Gigi the Giraffe and Sammy the Skin Cell.
JACK’S FUND AWARENESS AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
JACK'S FUND HEALTH FAIRS
For children and adults, sun safety programs, health fair presentations, free skin checks at local events, and the development of school and park district partnerships and sun safety curriculum. On average, we attend over 50 health fairs and offer 10 free skin screenings through the year.
FREE SKIN SCREENING PROVIDED BY JACK'S FUND
Jack’s Fund has partnered with local dermatologists to provide free skin screening at the annual “This Run’s For Jack” 5K run, local community and school health fairs, and other events. Early detection saves lives!year.
JULY 4TH PARADE
IT’S NOW A TRADITION ! 5,000 sunscreen packets handed out to families.