For AIM at Melanoma, August is all about getting ready for a busy September and fall. While August/September is Back to School for some, it’s Back to What We Do Best here at AIM. So, what have we been working on, and what is up and coming? Read on to find out!

First and most importantly, researchers, patients, medical providers, and organizations such as AIM were stunned in late July by the FDA denial of approval of the advanced melanoma second-line treatment vusolimogene oderparepvec (“RP1”) in combination with nivolumab (Opdivo). Since then, we have been working feverishly to bring the melanoma community—patients, families, doctors, and other nonprofits—together to encourage the FDA to allow patients to have access to the treatment while it meets with the sponsor to find a pathway forward. Our President, Sam Guild, has been meeting with staffers in senator and representatives’ offices to enlist their support to regain trust in the clinical trial process. Learn more about this in our blog post: RP1 + Nivolumab Denial: Advocating for Patients and Trust in Clinical Trials.”

The Fall Walk season is about to begin. Steps Against Melanoma walks raise both awareness about the disease and funds for research, and they are a critical part of AIM. Each walk is special, and we can never thank our volunteers enough for what they do. We would like to call out three walks because there’s something unique about each of them this year:

Twenty Years

After 20 years, the KDB Walk in Milford, MI, will hold its final walk this year. Together, this community has raised almost $1 million for melanoma research. With $30,000 to go, their last walk will complete an extraordinary legacy of hope and impact.

Donate here to help reach the goal

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New Walk

It’s the first year for Steps Against Melanoma Long Island! If you live anywhere near Long Island, please consider volunteering, walking, sponsoring—or all three!

Register here for Steps Against Melanoma Long Island

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Medical Student Coordinators

Since it’s Back to School time, we’ve got to give a shout out to Steps Against Melanoma Scottsdale and Long Island because they are led by medical students. Future dermatologists and oncologists are already understanding the importance of supporting patients and AIM’s work. Hurrah!

AIM’s patient-focused Living with Melanoma symposiums have emerged as an invaluable platform for patients, families, and healthcare professionals to come together and exchange knowledge, experiences, and ideas. These symposiums play a pivotal role in empowering patients, and their loved ones, by providing them with essential information about their condition, treatment options, and support networks.

All three of our Fall symposiums offer in-person and virtual attendance. For more information and to register, select the symposium of your choice:

• Saturday, September 13 – Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL: Learn more and register
• Monday, October 6 – Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD: Learn more and register
• Saturday, October 25 – Michigan Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI: Learn more and register

Finally, we want to introduce you to our new Director of Medical Education, Marni Kelman. Marni has a Master of Science degree in Experimental Medicine and Molecular Biology from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and over 20 years of experience as a medical communications professional supporting oncology products in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. She has held positions in large companies like WebMD, WPP, and IPG, as well as in small independent agencies. She has also worked as a consultant. We’re thrilled to welcome Marni to AIM.

Enjoy the remaining days of summer!
Alicia Rowell
Vice President
AIM at Melanoma Foundation