AIM at Melanoma Foundation
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 | |
| Founded | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Valerie Guild Jean Schlipmann |
| Location |
|
Key people | Valerie Guild Jean Schlipmann |
| Website | http://AIMatMelanoma.org |
The AIM at Melanoma Foundation (AIM) is the largest non-profit international organization focused on increasing support for melanoma research; promoting prevention and education among the general public and medical professionals; and providing comprehensive and easily accessible melanoma resources for patients, survivors, and caregivers.[1]
AIM was created as a collaboration between the Charlie Guild Foundation and James A. Schlipmann Melanoma Cancer Foundation.
Inspirations
Charlie Guild & Jim Schlipmann
Charlie Guild
Charlie Guild, a recent Brown University graduate, was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma at the age of 25. Just nine months after her initial diagnosis, Guild died on November 24, 2003. Throughout Guild’s battle with melanoma, her mother, Valerie Guild, found getting the answers and support needed was not easy. In response to her experience, and in Guild’s memory, Valerie founded the Charlie Guild Foundation.[citation needed]
Jim Schlipmann
Jim Schlipmann, a married man, died less than seven months after he was diagnosed with melanoma. He spent his final days preparing those around him to be able to cope with his death. He died on December 12, 2002, three days before his 45th birthday.[2]
James A. Schlipmann Melanoma Cancer Foundation
Jim's wife Jean wanted to provide hope for individuals and their families suffering from melanoma. So, on December 15, 2002 - three days after Jim's death and on what would have been his 45th birthday - she established the James A. Schlipmann Melanoma Cancer Foundation in his honor. The mission of the foundation was to fund clinical trials and research studies, and to advance education, awareness, screenings, and treatment to eventually eradicate melanoma.
Research
AIM partners with academic and industry researchers for the latest research and findings on the causes and treatments of the disease. The foundation is part of a biannual international think tank, the International Melanoma Working Group (IMWG), composed of a varied group within the melanoma community, working in conjunction with the pharmaceutical industry, to look for innovative ways to increase research speed.
AIM for Action in Melanoma
AIM provides an outlet for melanoma patients and their families to take action against the disease. This is accomplished by providing an online support community, access to support groups, survivor stories, and resources for starting support groups.
Each year, fundraisers are held around the country—AIM for a CURE Melanoma Walks, The Schlip Golf Classic, and other regional events that have survivors, patients, and family members participating or joining in sponsorship.
AIM sponsors Patient & Caregiver Symposia at cancer centers around the country. The symposia feature presentations by physicians, nurses, and experts in melanoma.
Legislative
Federal Legislative
AIM is solely responsible for promoting mandatory sun safety education for all federal outdoor workers, and for ensuring the workers are provided appropriate personal protective equipment (including sun block) at no charge.
State Legislative
AIM advocates for stricter regulations on indoor tanning to raise the minimum age and require in-person parental permission for all minors. The foundation promoted the policy for mandatory sun safety education for grades K through 12 - permitting children to bring and apply sun block at school without a doctor’s permission; permitting children to bring and wear hats during outdoor activities; including skin exams on all school physical forms; and constructing outdoor shade structures in all new school facilities.
References
- ^ "About". Aim at Melanoma. Retrieved 2011-12-10.
- ^ "James A Schlipmann Melanoma Cancer Foundation - committed to finding a cure". Theschlip.org. Retrieved 2011-12-10.
