SunWise Champion

When it comes to skin cancer prevention advocates, they don't come much more passionate than Robin Lawrence-Broesch of the Evansville Cancer Center in Evansville, Indiana. Robin has been a vocal supporter of sun protection and skin cancer education since being diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2002. "My goals are to reach out into the school system and the public and teach the dangers of skin cancer," says Robin.

Because of Robin's dedication to skin cancer prevention and education awareness, EPA is naming her SunWise Champion for this issue of the SunWise Monitor.

Robin's skin cancer education efforts are truly impressive. She has supported the following activities:

• Conducted over 50 presentations to over 10,000 grade school, middle school, high school, and university students.
  
  
• Performed several in-services with area industries where she presented on skin cancer to their entire workforce.
  
  
• Attended several health fairs.
  
  
• Currently working with the Girl Scouts on teaching them sun safety having them make UV bracelets.

Robin's outreach has also focused on the health aspects of skin cancer prevention through the following efforts:

• Organized three free full-body skin cancer screenings with area dermatologists.
  
  
• Had several television stations cover her efforts in schools and the community as part of skin cancer awareness month.
  
  
• Teamed up with pharmaceutical companies who have supplied educational materials and sunscreen.
  
  
• Conducted "Pool Patrol" over the summer, going to a different swimming pool with a local radio station each week to distribute sunscreen and demonstrate the UV sensitive frisbee.

In addition to the 2002 melanoma diagnosis, Robin has had 16 other biopsies and surgeries for skin cancer. Fortunately, all incidences were detected early and had not spread to her lymph nodes or other organs. Robin says, "Because of early detection, I am very lucky to be alive, and I want to do everything possible to help others understand the fragility of life and the importance of protecting themselves from skin cancer. "

Keep up the good work, Robin!

To learn more about the EPA's SunWise Program, click here.