2ND ANNUAL SKIN CANCER AWARENESS WALK RETURNS TO ELK GROVE VILLAGE SEPTEMBER 29

Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ – Chicago brings together dermatologists, skin cancer survivors and local residents to raise funds for skin cancer prevention and detection programs

Newswise — ROSEMONT, Ill. (Sept. 20, 2018) — Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans during their lifetime. To help raise awareness of skin cancer prevention and detection, the American Academy of Dermatology will host Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ – Chicago on Sat., Sept. 29 in Elk Grove Village. The scenic, four-mile walk at Busse Woods—part of the AAD’s SPOT Skin Cancer™ campaign to create a world without skin cancer—will benefit skin cancer prevention and detection programs, including free skin cancer screenings, sunscreen dispensers, and permanent shade structures where children learn and play.

The family and pet-friendly walk will begin at 9:00 a.m. Participants are encouraged to register in advance at aad.org/ILHike and can sign up as a team captain, join a team, or register to walk as an individual. During the event, participants will have the opportunity to learn about skin cancer and enjoy on-site activities, including music from 101.9 THE MIX, face-painting for kids, and chances to win prizes.

“There has never been a greater need to join in the fight against skin cancer, which affects more Americans than any other cancer,” said board-certified dermatologist Suzanne M. Olbricht, MD, FAAD, president of the AAD. “This hike will help raise funds for life-saving prevention and detection programs while educating participants about how to reduce their skin cancer risk.”

It is estimated that more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and one person dies from melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—every hour. In Illinois alone, it is estimated that there will be 2,980 new cases of melanoma this year.

Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! is part of the Academy’s SPOT Skin Cancer™ campaign to reduce mortality from and the incidence of skin cancer through public awareness, community outreach programs and services, and advocacy that promote the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. Thanks to the campaign’s dedicated donors and hikers, the AAD’s SPOT Skin Cancer™ campaign has provided more than 2.7 million free skin cancer screenings, built more than 370 shade structures, and installed 52 free sunscreen dispensers in public pools and parks.

“By raising awareness through this hike, we want to remind everyone that most cases of skin cancer are preventable by protecting yourself from the sun,” said board-certified dermatologist Amy J. Derick, MD, FAAD, medical director and chief executive officer of Derick Dermatology, a sponsor for Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! !– Chicago. “Join us in the fight against skin cancer by participating in this hike and protecting yourself and your family by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outdoors.”

Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! – Chicago is generously supported by national sponsors Coppertone, Endo Pharmaceuticals, The Allergan Foundation, and EltaMD, Inc. and local sponsors Derick Dermatology, Arlington Dermatology, DuPage Medical Group, Pinnacle Dermatology, Rush University Medical Center , and 101.9 THE MIX Chicago.

In addition to the Chicago event, Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! will include four other fundraising hikes in 2018:

  • Saturday, Nov. 3 – Atlanta
  • Saturday, Nov. 10 – Phoenix
  • Saturday, Nov. 10 – San Diego
  • Saturday, Nov. 10 – Las Vegas

To learn more about Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! or to donate, visit www.aad.org/SCTAH.

 

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Contacts

Nicole DiVito, (847) 240-1746, [email protected]             

Amanda Jacobs, (847) 240-1714, [email protected]

 

About the AAD

Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 19,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the AAD on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), or YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).

Other Link: Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ – Chicago , Sept. 29 in Elk Grove Village