“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.

JACK’S FUND AWARENESS AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS