#Melafreakinoma, not "just" skin cancer!

At the age of 26 I found a mole on my forehead. That mole turned out to be stage IIIb melanoma, deadly skin cancer. A couple surgeries and I was clear and stayed that way for almost 6 years before the evil, sneaky cancer spread to my lymph nodes in my neck. In the past 2 1/2 years (I am now 34) I have had two radical neck dissections, 3 aggressive rounds of biochemo, a clinical trial involving the HF10/herpes symplex virus injections into the tumors on my neck combined with Yervoy infusions, BRaf inhibitors (5 different times) and Opdivo/Yervoy infusion combo. Through all that the cancer spread to my lungs and brain, making me stage IV, and have now attacked it with head/neck radiation, brain SRS radiation and 4 rounds of Carbo-Taxol chemotherapy. After it didn't respond to those treatments, it went to my liver, spleen, bones and 4 new tumors in my brain. Was able to finally start Keytruda and my disease progressed passed control and we have now entered into the terminal phase of this disease and have been given 6-8 weeks left in this world. We have run out of treatment options for my battle, but hopeful new ones are around the corner for others. There has to be hope. And just so you know I am not just going down without a fight to the end.

This round of fundraising will be used to fund end of life comforts and events; allow my family to not worry about what a FUNeral will cost and instead put their energy into having the best party and celebration of my life they can. This isn't a time anyone wants to experience but if we can make it easier for anyone, it's worth it.

This shirt will bring awareness to melanoma and its deadly consequences. Wear it with pride and show cancer who's boss. Remember me and that no tan is worth it, not even a little. Oh and it doesn't hurt that this is one of the coziest shirts around; you may want multiples.