Striking Out Melanoma
BOSTON, Mass. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — She’s the wife of a Major League Baseball pitcher, but what Shonda Schilling learned is that fame and fortune cannot guarantee good health. Now she’s on a crusade to strike out melanoma.
Major league pitcher Curt Schilling and his wife Shonda feel blessed for the life they lead but Shonda learned how quickly it can all change after being diagnosed with stage two, malignant melanoma.
“I didn’t realize that this was serious and that it takes peoples’ lives. So that brought me to my knees,” Shonda told Ivanhoe.
The harsh reality prompted the Schillings to create the Shade Foundation.
“We need people to understand it is a different environment now, our ozone layer is gone and we all really need to respect what Mother Nature is saying to us,” Shonda said.
At 18 Kelly, wife of Red Sox player Dustin Pedroia heard Mother Nature loud and clear. That’s when she discovered melanoma on her leg. She later turned to the Shade Foundation for support.
“Shonda inspires me because she is out there talking to kids telling everyone how dangerous this really is,” Kelly said.
In addition to wearing sun block with UVA and UVB protection the foundation stresses self-body exams. Experts say once a month, do a full body exam. Start with your head, ears and scalp. Make sure to lift your arms and carefully examine your back and legs since they are most prone to skin cancer, and check in between fingers and toes.
“Something as simple as doing and exam on your body may save your life,” Shonda said.
If you would like more information, please contact: http://www.shadefoundation.org
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