Description
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is committed to research, education and advocacy in our national battle to find more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this disease. We are the primary US non-profit organization serving the melanoma community and welcome your partnership and support of our efforts.
Our programs and services include:
· RESEARCH: In 2008 we are investing one million dollars to fund melanoma research grants. These include 14 Career Development Awards ($50,000 per year for a maximum of two years) and 3 Established Investigator Awards ($100,000 per year for a maximum of two years). We are committed to attracting the best and brightest young scientists to melanoma research and to funding long-term scientists on the cutting edge of finding answers. We are also supporting the Society for Melanoma Research, the international organization of melanoma scientists, through an annual grant which supports ongoing efforts as well as their annual educational convention.
· EDUCATION: In addition to this website, we manage the Melanoma Patients Information Page ( www.MPIP.org ), the international chat room for the melanoma community; and distribute a quarterly newsletter of information, activities and resources. MRF also sponsors educational symposia around the United States. I encourage you to check our website to see where and when these symposia will be held in 2008. In 2007 we initiated a "Melanoma 101" teleconference with a leading melanoma clinician that provided a personal opportunity to both learn more about this disease, as well as asking questions of a leading physician in the melanoma field. We plan to continue these teleconferences in 2008. In addition, we have informational materials for distribution and items for sale, such as our magnetic melanoma ribbon, t-shirts and hats, and a hummingbird lapel pin.
· ADVOCACY: MRF is active in Washington DC. We work to keep melanoma awareness a high priority with elected officials and to encourage their support of research funding. As well, we are in ongoing communications with the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health. To increase our presence with federal officials, MRF spearheaded the creation of a Melanoma Alliance of all melanoma organizations in the United States and is the primary funder of this new organization.
Our programs and services, our annual successes, are possible because of the volunteer involvement of medical professionals and people like you. We invite your partnership and support.
