How does the cliché go…??  I wish I knew then what I know now.  Melanoma and Skin Cancer prevention was not really talked about much in the ’80’s and early ’90’s, hence my sun-loving attitude in my teens (actually before teens) and well into my 20’s.  Sadly, my bad judgment then eventually cost me several (actually 5) primary Melanoma diagnoses, many surgeries, ugly scars, and a lifetime of worry and regret.

The following photos represent my Bad Judgment and the reason I am now a vocal advocate for Melanoma Awareness with Prevention being the focus.

Be Sun Safe and Love the Skin You Are In!!

1987 – 13 years old – vacation with my best friend after heavy tanning bed use (I’m the one on the right…as if you didn’t know from my school girl gesture of writing on my pictures)

1988 – 14 years old – mall photo (yes, this is a Polaroid) in June with my cousin – tan skin and big hair

1989 – 15 years old – moved to South Carolina from Kentucky in Summer of ’88 and turned into a beach lover – tanning oil of choice was baby oil (sometimes mixed with iodine)

1990 – 16 years old – if I wasn’t at the beach, I was at the pool

1992 – 18 years old – ahhhh levitra generico india…prom, you know most definitely I had a monthly membership to the tanning salon at least three months before prom

1992 – 18 years old – senior banquet and graduation trip with mom to Charleston – combo of tanning bed and laying out (both heavily)

The years get a little blurry between 1992-2000, but the tanning remained.  I know there are pictures, but they haven’t been located yet.  Stay tuned and I will post these lost photos when found.

2000 – 25 years old – hiking sans sun protection (no hat, no sunscreen)

2001 – 26 years old – kayaking and sunning

2004 – 29 years old – Scott & I vacationing in Curacao – this photo speaks volumes to me because it was taken just mere weeks before my FIRST Melanoma diagnosis

More photos from Curacao…

Weeks after these photos were taken my life changed FOREVER…