In Headlines Yesterday...

I know, I know. You all thought I was going to discuss  the Olympics or the Chick-Fila drama, right?

Silly, friends! There is more important news to share! (For the record, GO USA!)

Tan Mom has stopped tanning as much.

May 2012

August 2012

Apparently inTouch magazine dared Tan Mom to stay away from tanning for an entire month and she actually agreed to participate! See how much better she looks!

While a lot of us would argue that this all seems like a big publicity act, I think I speak for all melanoma warriors when I say that I am thankful for Mrs.  Patricia Krentcil. Her atrocious tan brought skin cancer back into the headlines in a huge way! (I mean, would I have ended up on Headline News and Dr. Drew otherwise? Uh, no!)

I sincerely hope--for Patricia's sake--that she sticks with the more natural look.

(It's a lot less scary looking, yes?)

Big Things Are Happening!

Did y'all hear the news? Chicago teens will no longer be allowed to use tanning beds! Read all about it here. I want to give a big shout-out to my molemate, Donna, for her help in putting a face to melanoma. You are a reason why this was passed! You go, girl!

Quebec also passed the NO tanning beds for minors as well! Way to go! Tanning salons must be fearing skin cancer awareness folks...big things are happening. Lives are being saved.

Speaking of tanning beds, have you seen the pictures all over the internet of the Tan Mom before she became the leather mess that she is today? She was such a pretty lady. What a shame.

I have something good to say about Dr. Oz for a change. He did a little video for Perez Hilton promoting sunscreen. It would be nice to see him discuss this in greater detail on his show.

I hope everyone is having a decent week. I know my friends Lynette and Michelle are having good days--they both received clear scans! YES!

Protect your skin. XO!

A Kid's Reaction

The folks in Hotel Melanoma owe Mrs. Tan Mom. Because of her ridiculousness, we are receiving all kinds of publicity! I could not be more pleased especially considering it's Melanoma Monday!

As most of you know, there is a little 5 year old boy in my life named G. He is my boyfriend's pride and joy, and of course, he holds a special place in my heart. He knew that I had "been on TV" last week and he had been asking a lot of indirect questions about it. Saturday morning, when it was just the 2 of us, G asked if he could watch the interview. We curled up on the couch and began watching.

 G was witness to my healing process last year after my surgeries, and to this day, refers to the "hole" in my neck and shoulder (damage from full lymph node dissection) as my "boo boo." He was in a full discussion with me during the interview about how my "boo boo" still hurts and that he has to be careful with me.

 Then, mid-sentence, he yelled, "AHHHHHHHHHH!"

His reaction to the New Jersey Tan Mom could not have been more perfect had I written the script myself!

After G got over the initial shock, he looked up at me with disgust and said, "She painted her face with polish!"

I could not stop laughing. Even a 5 year old understands how scary she looks.

Thanks, Tan Mom, you scared the kid. I don't think he'll forget your face--or the need for sunscreen-- anytime soon!




(Speaking of laughing, did you see the SNL skit this weekend ?_

Oh, one last thing. I have started a little part-time job writing for Everyday Health. I would love if you could check out my FIRST published article! I am so excited! I am finally making a few dollars thanks to my expensive college degree!  http://www.everydayhealth.com/what-is-melanoma-a-survivors-opinion/what-is-melanoma-a-survivors-opinion.aspx

"Young Woman's Enemy: Skin Cancer"

I kept telling everyone yesterday that there must be a full moon because I was having a ridiculously crazy day!

Then I opened my email: "I saw your video and blog. Wow, good for you for speaking out! I work with Dr Drew on HLN’s Dr Drew. We are discussing tanning beds and melanoma tonight on our show. Any way you can join us via phone or skype or on camera? We are on at 9pm et. Thanks." She posted her phone number. Honestly, when I first read it, I thought it was a joke.

I emailed the person back, then I decided it was best to call because I wanted to see if it was a scam or not. A lady answered immediately, "Headline News!" I introduced myself and began a great conversation with the lady who had emailed me. It was legitimate. They wanted me on their show.

The show went well. Dr. Drew was very kind to me and I have nothing negative to say about him or the show itself. I knew going into it that the topic was about the crazy tan New Jersey mom who allegedly took her 5 year old daughter in the tanning booth with her. I got to toss in a few "it's not just skin cancer" remarks, but the majority of the show was dedicated to audience members calling in with their opinions. Still, I was very honored that they contacted me to put a face to Melanoma!

Today I met my baby sister for lunch and coffee to gossip about the events from last night. As I was leaving the parking garage, my phone rang. It was an unusual phone number but I decided to answer anyway. It was someone calling from Headline News! Would I be available for a phone interview at 4:05 pm? Of course!

I had no idea what to expect. I thought that we would be discussing Tan Mom again like the previous night on Dr. Drew. I had no idea that the segment would be about me and my adventure with Melanoma. 

I have not seen the actual videos. I have asked HLN to send me a link with the interview from today, but I have not heard back yet. Fingers crossed!

I want to give HLN and Dr. Drew a big THANK YOU for allowing me the opportunity to share my story nationwide. Both Dr. Drew and Christi Paul were very kind to me and I greatly appreciate it. These last 24 hours have been a whirlwind, but I could not be more honored.

Melanoma, I'm personally attacking YOU.

 Beware.

HERE'S THE YOUTUBE LINK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3I0zzEIaEI&feature=youtu.be