Excerpts from Actual Letters and E-Mails:
"My husband was diagnosed with Melanoma in 2008; we didn't know
where to turn. Our family doctor wanted surgery as soon as possible but we didn't know if the
treatment was correct. I researched melanoma and the Melanoma International Foundation came up, I
don't know what made me call, but am glad that I did. The people at the foundation
answered my questions
and helped us find the right doctor for us. My husband is now under treatment and doing
great, we thank our lucky stars everyday for the foundation."
- Helped
"Our first contact with Melanoma International Foundation was
February 23, 2007, the day after our 32 year old daughter, Erica, learned (after four and one half
years of her original surgery) the melanoma had spread to her liver. Three weeks before she and her
husband had just run a marathon. She contacted MIF and they responded immediately offering
encouragement in her contacting her original doctors who were experts in the caring of melanoma
patients. From February 2007 through her treatments & surgeries & beyond MIF communicated
with Erica,checking on how she was doing & if she needed any help, until her death in April
2008. Since then MIF has
kept in contact with us
, Erica's family. We have been extremely pleased with MIF in the way they kept up with
our daughter & now our family without any pressure for donations. Thank you MIF!"
- Judy
"I was diagnosed in 2006 with stage IIIC melanoma. My husband
found this site and we were so impressed by the immediate outpouring of information and compassion
by Catherine Poole. She answered her own hotline and
stuck by us during every step
of our battle. We know that we can receive accurate and reliable information because the
cite is hon code approved. This means a lot."
- Shirley
"This site is just the best. When I was first diagnosed with
Melanoma I had so many questions and getting so few answers with any of the Dr's. This site is a
wealth of information and support for everyone. If you're ever feeling down there is
always someone to help you
through the dark days. Its the tops."
- Magenta
"This is the place to go if you need to know
the latest about melanoma
. The feedback, support is wonderful and if the answers to your question is not known,
Catherine will go out and ask an expert to find out. It's a place where you feel part of a team,
safe and secure, which after being diagnosed with any cancer is difficult to feel. They accomplish
this with follow up, caring comments, great information and always posting the latest research
which save someones life."
- Anonymous
"MIF is a wonderful resource for those dealing with Melanoma.
There is always a
friendly, knowledgeable and understanding person
standing by. To educate helps ease fears when dealing with a stressful situation such as a
cancer diagnosis and the service that MIF provides is invaluable. Thanks for all you do!"
- Kat
"The Melanoma International foundation is proactive in an area
where early detection can literally mean the difference between life and death. Catherine and her
staff have made a huge difference in many lives of individuals and families faced with melanoma.
This is the organization
worthy of recognition
in the fight against cancer and specifically melanoma."
- Peter
"When I was first diagnosed with Melanoma, I searched the internet
for answers and only got more confused and scared. Then I came upon the Melanoma International
Foundation. All my uncertainty and questions were answered in a timely manner and the
outpouring of support from other
members really helped me through this most difficult time. This site is truly an
asset and it gave me the insight and guidance to battle this disease."
- Eric
"Over the last two years, I have battled melanoma. This sight was
a god-send for me. I had thought I was the only one with this type of cancer and no one could
provide me with support or answers to my questions. The MIF was not only there for me on-line, but
I was able to call from another country
(Canada) and receive immediate caring and kind assistance and follow up. I just can't say
enough about the mental support and accurate information that was available."
- Annette
"Thanks for taking the time to
keep current
on the research, researchers, and treatment protocols."
- Liz
"You have the
experience
, the expert medical melanoma sources and the dedication that brings credence to the
patient perspective."
- Roxanne
"I just wanted to let you know that I picked up your book in a
bookstore the day after my diagnosis and it has been on my nighstand ever since - the pages are
very worn. I can't tell you how
reassuring
it was in the first days of panic."
- Vickie
"Thank you for your
guidance and wonderful website
. My spirits have been lifted and I'll go forth with confidence now - thanks to you."
- Elaine
"You'll never know what a "breath of fresh air" you have been for
me. I so appreciate all you have done:
advise, counsel, the book
, etc."
- Ann
"It was so nice to have someone who could help us get
access to information
we needed and help us to understand it. Thank you so much. We really appreciate the service
you provide."
- Carrie
"Thank you for coming to speak to the Mothers of Young Children.
Your
words of wisdom
are most important in a world of increasing skin cancers. Thank you for taking the time and
we will be sure to use and spread your prevention techniques."
- Nancy
"I cannot thank you enough! I have already received your book and
read it from front to back repeatedly. I feel fear is mainly fostered by lack of education and your
book helped to
educate me
about my condition and my options, thus helping to relieve a lot of the fear and
empowering me
at the same time."
- Christina
"I just wanted to thank you for all you do in the melanoma
community. I am sure not many of us take the time to thank you for all of your efforts. I want you
to know they are appreciated and you are doing a wonderful job. It is because of people such as
yourself that melanoma will come to the
forefront in the media
. You are an inspiration to many of us who continue to fight this battle."
- Carole
"MIF is the ONE source that steps to the forefront to
help patients
."
- Claire
"MIF was instrumental in encouraging me to get a second opinion and
in being optomistic when I was quite upset. You gave me encouragement and even a book to read. You
were
someone to lean on
when my doctors were not. You kept in touch with me beyond any expectation. I will always
be grateful for having your support during a very trying time in my life."
- Nicole
" I am very grateful for your assistance, kindness, and
response to my concern
."
- John
" The
information
you provide is truly a wonderful thing."
- Anita
*** Do you have feedback that you would like to share regarding your experience with MIF?
E-mail your comments to:
lisa@safefromthesun.org. ***
UPDATE: March, 2010
