Every hour, someone in the United States dies from melanoma. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer, yet research into melanoma has transformed cancer care for millions worldwide. Breakthroughs in immunotherapy and targeted therapies – first proven in melanoma – are now saving lives in lung cancer, kidney cancer, head and neck cancers and beyond. The Melanoma Research Alliance’s (MRA) mission to end death and suffering due to melanoma is equally relentless. We proudly stand behind 17 groundbreaking treatments over the past two decades, and are laser focused on helping patients that still need options to live. The mandate has never been bigger. Amidst federal cuts to critical medical research, when you support the Melanoma Research Alliance, you are fueling discoveries that benefit not only melanoma patients, but the entire cancer community. MRA stands proud to be the only melanoma nonprofit organization in which 100% of all donations are invested directly into research with no administrative or overhead expenses.
Challenge
In 2025, over 100,000 people will hear the words “you have melanoma”. Melanoma cases are on the rise. For patients with advanced stages of melanoma, half will not respond to treatments. For those with rare forms like acral, mucosal and uveal melanoma or those who stop responding to treatment altogether, options are heartbreakingly limited. Behind these numbers are mothers, fathers, children and friends whose lives are on the line.
At the same time. Federal funding for medical research faces cuts, putting critical progress at risk just as science is on the verge of new breakthroughs, not only for melanoma patients but all cancer patients.
Solution
MRA is the world’s largest non-governmental, nonprofit funder of melanoma research, having invested in more than 400 projects across 19 countries. Our work has helped bring 17 new treatments to patients in just the past two decades – a pace few fields can match.
Though or Save Protect Fund (SPF) initiative, we are doubling down on the most urgent needs:
Rare and aggressive melanomas such as acral, uveal, mucosal and pediatric.
Treatment resistance where 50% of patients with advanced melanoma either do not respond or stop responding to current therapies.
New frontiers in early detection technologies, diagnostics and biomarkers to better predict, prevent and treat melanoma – advances that ripple across all cancers.
Together, we can power the next wave of innovation for melanoma patients and cancer research.
Long-Term Impact
Whether it’s May’s Melanoma Awareness Month or any other time of year, the need is urgent. Please join us in driving the next breakthrough and playing a vital role in supporting the melanoma community. Your gift supports the work that gives patients hope and gets us closer to cures.
All gifts are matched dollar-for-dollar to double your impact. MRA has earned Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency and a top four-star rating from Charity Navigator, giving you confidence that your support drives real progress. Most importantly, your donation helps ensure that no patient, in melanoma or beyond, is left without options.
Melanoma could affect you or someone you love. By giving today, you are helping to write the next chapter in cancer cures.
