SELF, June 2012
Today in the break room at my new job this picture caused a great conversation. Y'all know I don't normally discuss melanoma in my place of employment. It makes me feel uncomfortable and unprofessional. What you don't know is that I am really shy if I am around new people. I become a silent observer until I feel comfortable again. Today, I had to break out of my bubble.
Co-worker 1 to other co-workers: "Look at her scar! Her doctor told her it was nothing, it was melanoma."
Co-worker 2: "Wow. Her scar is horrible."
Co-Worker 1: "Melanoma is scary. I tan like once a year but I can't do it anymore."
Co-worker 2: "I tan. That's what this is from, a tanning bed." (Points to face.)
Co-worker 4: "I tan too."
Me--can't keep quiet any longer: "I have melanoma."
...and a huge conversation involving 4 other co-workers takes place. (I even share a dermatologist with one of the co-workers!)
I don't know that my story will make a difference; however, I feel certain that this article in an old edition of SELF forced a conversation that needed to take place. It was obvious that co-worker 1 wanted to get the point across to fellow co-workers that tanning isn't the brightest idea. I'm just grateful I was in the break room when it happened.
Word is getting out there, friends.
............IT MAKES ME HAPPY!
*Must log off computer. I have a speech to write for The Skin Cancer Foundation's Gala which is in TWO weeks! Ah!
5 comments:
I think you are such an inspiration! Good for you for opening up and I'm sure you changed your co-workers lives for the better!
I just stumbled on your blog... You go girl!! such an awesome message. I have always been very anti-tanning and try to convince my friends that healthy WHITE skin is beautiful :)
Danielle www.danielleatpurejoy.blogspot.com
You are a fighter and a believer! You can meet cancer survivors and cancer patients on ZhLeet.com - a new community.
It's amazing how many people just don't get it. Even with all the information out there and people like you speaking out about their experiences. This is timely, because I was just reading a blog this morning and found myself frustrated with her message (http://www.acompletewasteofmakeup.com/2012/09/cause-some-of-usme-are-just-pale.html). She has 2000+ followers and she wrote a sponsored post about how the safety of tanning beds is still "debated." I think we've come to a conclusion. My point is, I'm so glad your getting your message out there. My mom had melanoma, and I spend every day taking care of my skin and paying for past sun indiscretions.
I'm visiting from Messy Dirty Hair. I love the fact that you spoke up and shared your story. I'm like you, in person a silent observer until I feel comfortable. You're story is so inspiring. This is my biggest fear... finding skin cancer. I am just now over the last year learning to be happy with my pasty white legs! :) Nice to 'meet' you lady!
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