Forward from Kathy Barnard, Save Your Skin Foundation

My journey started in 2003 when I was diagnosed with stage IV malignant melanoma. I never dreamed melanoma could be something I could die from. From the moment I heard the word “cancer” my family and I began our search for information or support to help alleviate our fears and anxiety. When we came up with nothing, the uncertainty we were living with intensified.

Then in 2005 my world shattered when I learned the cancer had spread to my organs. I was told that I had six months to live. My family and I felt desperately alone and lost. While I battled this disease I knew that something had to be done for all the other Canadians living with advanced melanoma, who were also fighting for their lives, but felt lost and alone. In 2006 my family and I took action and created the Save Your Skin Foundation, a place where advanced melanoma patients could go for information, hope and support.

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Save Your Skin Foundation and 10 years since I was told that I had six months to live, so I wanted to do something special. I wanted to capture the melanoma patient’s journey in a unique way: The emotions, the thoughts, the moments of despair and the moments of hope. As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” This is why we created the Melanoma Through My Lens Reflection Project. Six Canadians including myself, living with advanced melanoma, have come together to tell our melanoma stories in a visually impactful way.

This book captures our individual journeys in a series of photos that tell our own personal stories with one common message: We are not alone and neither are you. We have come together to raise awareness and to make a difference. By sharing this e-book with as many people as you know, you can help spread the word.

Kathy Barnard,
Founder and President of the Save Your Skin Foundation