Entrants can view contest details and submission guidelines by clicking here

The contest begins March 1st, 2012

Submissions must be made no later than May 1st, 2012

Contest winner will be announced on May 15th, 2012

The winning poster will be displayed on the Save Your Skin Foundation website and facebook fan page. The poster will also be displayed at the Save Your Skin tent at various community events across BC.

For more information, please contact David at david@saveyourskin.ca

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Feb. 7, 2012) – Health Canada has announced its approval of Yervoy™ (ipilimumab) to treat metastatic, or advanced, melanoma. It is the first new treatment for the disease in more than a decade, and is the only medicine proven to significantly extend the lives of patients living with the disease. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and one of the fastest growing cancers in Canada.

“Health Canada’s approval of Yervoy provides hope for Canadians fighting to live longer,” says Kathy Barnard, Founder of the Save Your Skin Foundation. “It’s heartbreaking to see so many Canadians losing their battle with melanoma and, given that most patients with advanced melanoma survive less than a year, time is critical. I hope all Canadians who need it, will have access to Yervoy as soon as possible, giving them a chance to survive this disease.”

This news hits a personal note for Barnard, who is fighting her own battle with melanoma. In 2003 Barnard was first diagnosed, and by 2005 stage IV malignant melanoma had spread. Tumors were found in her left lung, kidney, liver, and adrenal gland. In 2007 through a clinical study Barnard was treated with Yervoy and has been disease free since.

“I was extremely fortunate to have had access to this medication,” says Barnard. “Awareness and access to new treatments is critical. It’s the reason I’m alive today.” One of the key objectives of Save Your Skin is to create timely and national awareness of available treatment options.

In its late stages, the average life expectancy for melanoma is just six months, with a one-year survival rate of only 25 percent, making metastatic melanoma one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. An estimated 5,500 Canadians will be diagnosed with melanoma this year and 950 will die from it. Melanoma is responsible for 75 percent of the deaths associated with skin cancer.

The Kaplan-Meier survival rate with Yervoy at both one and two years was almost double when measured against patients treated with gp100 cancer vaccine. Survival was 46 per cent at one year and 24 percent at 2 years for Yervoy, versus 25 percent at one year and 14 percent at two years for gp100. Yervoy also showed long-term survival with some patients living three or four years beyond treatment.

Yervoy provides advanced melanoma suffers with an important new treatment option and a real hope for long-term survival.

About Melanoma in Canada

Every year, thousands of Canadians are diagnosed with Melanoma, with the incidence of the disease increasing faster than that of any other cancer. Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) located in the skin. One in 74 men and 1 in 90 women are expected to develop melanoma during their lifetime; 1 in 284 men and 1 in 486 women will die of it. Melanoma is clearly visible on the skin, and 90 per cent of melanomas are caused by exposure to UV light, including tanning beds.

About Yervoy™

Yervoy (3 mg/kg) is indicated for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in patients who have failed or do not tolerate other systemic therapy for advanced disease.

Yervoy is a recombinant; human monoclonal antibody, and the first approved cancer immunotherapy for melanoma to target the CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4), which plays a role in suppressing normal immune function.

About the Save Your Skin Foundation

The Save Your Skin Foundation is a Canadian not-for-profit foundation. Through events and other initiatives, the Foundation focuses on: raising funds for education and awareness, providing emotional and financial support to those dealing with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, and on supporting the ongoing research and treatment of skin cancer – especially melanoma.

Donations go towards providing critical and timely treatments, as well as ongoing education, research, and awareness initiatives.

MONTREAL, QC (January 24, 2012) – The Save Your Skin Foundation is stepping up its efforts to reach
more melanoma patients across Canada by launching its website in French. The new improvement to
the foundation’s website will help connect with patients who need support and resources to fight this
disease.

“We are extremely proud to have our website both in English and in French,” says David Barnard, the
Executive Director of the Save Your Skin Foundation. “It gives us the opportunity to connect with both
English and French speaking Canadians and hopefully reach more melanoma patients who need
support.” According to the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately 760 Canadians living in Quebec
were diagnosed with melanoma in 2011.

About Melanoma in Canada

Every year, thousands of Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma, with the incidence of the disease
increasing faster than that of any other cancer. One in 74 men and 1 in 90 women are expected to
develop melanoma during their lifetime; 1 in 284 men and 1 in 486 women will die of it. It is the most
dangerous type of skin cancer, causing 75 percent of deaths associated with skin cancer.

About the Save Your Skin Foundation

The Save Your Skin Foundation is a Canadian based not‐for‐profit Foundation. Through events and
other initiatives, the Foundation focuses on: raising funds for education and awareness, providing
emotional and financial support to those dealing with melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancers, and
supporting the ongoing research and treatment of skin cancer – especially melanoma.
For additional information please visit www.saveyourskin.ca or contact Birgit Simon at 604‐734‐4223.

‐30 ‐

have moles checked regularly

VANCOUVER, BC (June 16, 2011) – Most Canadians (85 per cent) know that melanoma is a form of skin cancer and yet over one third (35 per cent) still never check for unusual moles/freckles or get them checked, according to a new survey conducted by the Save Your Skin Foundation.

Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers worldwide, but because it is one of the only cancers that is clearly visible on the skin, early detection is not only possible, but important for successful treatment.

“It’s important to learn the basics of melanoma and regularly check your moles. The earlier anomalies can be brought to your doctor’s attention, the greater your chances for survival,” explains Kathy Barnard, founder of Save Your Skin Foundation and a melanoma patient herself.

Young people in particular are lax in checking for skin cancer, despite the fact that melanoma is the second most common cancer among those aged 15 to 34.[1]  According to the survey, almost half (46%) of Canadians in that age group never check for unusual moles or freckles. Even when told that the incidence of melanoma has more than tripled over the past 30 years, just over half (52%) are only a little more likely or no more likely to check moles or freckles.

“This trend is troubling,” says Dr. Michelle Withers a dermatologist in Vancouver. “Melanoma is a survivable cancer, but early detection is key. All Canadians, especially younger ones, should be aware of the necessity of doing a simple monthly mole check.”

Overall, Canadians are not taking enough action to detect this highly visible cancer early on.  Of those who do take steps to spot melanoma, by checking for unusual moles or freckles, almost half (49%) rely on their family doctor as their primary method of detection. And less than one in five (17%) get or do the monthly mole checks as recommended by the Canadian Dermatology Association.

With summer officially underway next week, the Save Your Skin Foundation wants to continue to emphasize the importance of noticing the early signs of melanoma and to encourage everyone to routinely check themselves and their loved ones.

“Make it a fun habit,” suggests Kathy Barnard. “If you are a parent, teach your kids young, take pictures, make a scrapbook, so they know what to look for and are aware of the disease. Between adults, the practice can become a welcome romantic fixture in everyday busy lives.”

For more information about melanoma and how to properly check your moles, please visit www.saveyourskin.ca

About Melanoma in Canada

Every year, thousands of Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma, with the incidence of the disease increasing faster than that of any other cancer. One in 74 men and 1 in 90 women is expected to develop melanoma during their lifetime; 1 in 284 men and 1 in 486 women will die of it. It is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, causing 75% of deaths associated with skin cancer. Currently in Canada, there is no treatment proven to extend the lives of people diagnosed with metastatic (advanced) melanoma, despite the rising incidence of the disease.

About the Save Your Skin Foundation

The Save Your Skin Foundation was created by family, friends and colleagues of founder Kathy Barnard, who is currently battling melanoma. Save Your Skin is a Canadian-based not‐for‐profit foundation. Through events and other initiatives, the Foundation focuses on raising funds for education and awareness, providing emotional and financial support to those dealing with skin cancer, and on supporting the ongoing research and treatment of skin cancer. Donations go towards providing critical and timely treatments, as well as ongoing education, research, and awareness initiatives. For additional information please visit www.saveyourskin.ca or contact Marion Pérole at 604‐734‐4223.

About the Survey

From May 18^th to May 19^th 2011 Angus Reid Public Opinion conducted an online survey on behalf of the Save Your Skin Foundation. One thousand and nine randomly selected Canadian adults were polled.

 The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of Canada. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

‐30 ‐

Two forms of UV radiation reach the earth’s surface, UVA and UVB. Visible damage to the skin (sunburn) is caused by UVB while UVA penetrates deeper into the skin. UVA represents about 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the earth’s surface and its intensity is relatively consistent during all daylight hours throughout the year. UVA is broken down into two separate wave ranges, UVA II and UVA I.

To make sure that your skin is properly protected from both UVA and UVB, make sure the ingredients used, give you that broad spectrum protection you need.

The Hot Lucy is Vancouver’s high-energy bluesy rock band. The band plays high octane blues/rock with their signature “blues done dirty” sound that’s sure to set the dance floor on fire.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Aug. 18, 2011) – U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zelboraf (vemurafenib), a drug to treat patients with late-stage (metastatic) or unresectable (cannot be removed by surgery) melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Zelboraf is specifically indicated for the treatment of patients with melanoma whose tumors express a gene mutation called BRAF V600E. The drug has not been studied in patients whose melanoma tests negative for that mutation by an FDA approved diagnostic.

Zelboraf is being approved with a first-of-a-kind test called the cobas 4800 BRAF V600 Mutation Test, a companion diagnostic that will help determine if a patient’s melanoma cells have the BRAF V600E mutation. The BRAF protein is normally involved in regulating cell growth, but is mutated in about half of the patients with late-stage melanomas. Zelboraf is a BRAF inhibitor that is able to block the function of the V600E-mutated BRAF protein. It is the first oral agent for metastatic melanoma.

“The discovery of Zelboraf represents another significant advance in the treatment of melanoma,” says Kathy Barnard, Founder of the Save Your Skin Foundation. “As there are few current patient options that extend life, we hope to soon celebrate its availability in Canada.”

This news hits a personal note for Barnard, who is currently fighting her own battle with melanoma. In 2003 Barnard was first diagnosed, and by 2005 stage IV malignant melanoma had spread. Tumors were found in her left lung, kidney, liver, and adrenal gland. Kathy is currently in remission but has recently been tested positive with the cobas 4800 BRAF V600 Mutation test. “Zelboraf gives melanoma patients even more hope in their fight with melanoma,” says Barnard.

Zelboraf’s safety and effectiveness were established in a single international trial of 675 patients with late-stage melanoma with the BRAF V600E mutation who had not received prior therapy. Patients were assigned to receive either Zelboraf or dacarbazine, another anti-cancer therapy. The trial was designed to measure overall survival (the length of time between start of treatment and death of a patient).

The median survival (the length of time a patient lives after treatment) of patients receiving Zelboraf has not been reached (77 percent still living) while the median survival for those who received dacarbazine was 8 months (64 percent still living).

“The approval of Zelboraf by the U.S. F.D.A. marks a major advance in the treatment of metastatic melanoma,” said Dr. Michael Smylie. “Metastatic melanoma is one of the most aggressive cancers in humans and treatment until recently has been mostly futile. Melanoma patients now have an effective treatment option available to them with at least 50% of all patients getting a significant response, and future discoveries will hopefully be able to give even more successful treatment outcomes.”

About Melanoma in Canada

Every year, thousands of Canadians are diagnosed with Melanoma, with the incidence of the disease increasing faster than that of any other cancer. One in 74 men and 1 in 90 women are expected to develop melanoma during their lifetime; 1 in 284 men and 1 in 486 women will die of it. It is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, causing 75% of deaths associated with skin cancer. Currently in Canada, there is no treatment proven to extend the lives of people diagnosed with metastatic (advanced) melanoma, despite the rising incidence of the disease.

About the Save Your Skin Foundation

The Save Your Skin Foundation was created by family, friends, and colleagues of Founder Kathy Barnard, who is currently battling melanoma. Save Your Skin is a Canadian based not-for-profit Foundation. Through events and other initiatives, the Foundation focuses on raising funds for education and awareness, providing emotional and financial support to those dealing with skin cancer, and on supporting the ongoing research and treatment of skin cancer. Donations go towards providing critical and timely treatments, as well as ongoing education, research, and awareness initiatives.

The 5K walks were held in the early evening, avoiding peak sun light hours when the UV index is highest. Thankfully, the sun came out in every location this year to make these walks even more memorable – of course we were all covered head-to-toe in sunscreen and protective clothing. Each walk remembered those individuals that the Foundation has loved and lost, and those who inspire hope in families and friends affected by melanoma and other skin cancers.

We are so proud to have held Save Your Skin’s first annual Walk to Remember and to have as much support from those in each community as we did. Next year we hope to have a walk in each province across Canada.

Photos of the event are on the way so stay tuned!

Walk to Remember – Kelowna – In Memory of Klara

Walk to Remember – West Vancouver – In Memory of Terra

Walk to Remember – Halifax – In Memory of Owen

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors for making these walks possible – Okanagan Skin Care Centre, Kelowna, B.C. and Physician Skincare Centre, North Vancouver, B.C.

We took to the parade route in yellow and red spandex, capes, and body paint; handing out wipes, hosing people down with sunscreen, and dancing the entire way! We were so excited to be in the parade, and the crowd was equally as responsive. We definitely hope to be in the parade again next year, making a reappearance as the Save Your Skin Superheroes.

The Sunset Beach celebration was also a success- the weather had picked up by the end of the parade, and our booth was busy. We met (and sprayed down) many eccentric and scantily clad characters. The huge celebration was embraced by the City of Vancouver and it was a very exciting time.

Save Your Skin had a fantastic time in both preparing for the Pride Parade, and the event itself. We look forward to participating in both the parade and at Sunset Beach again next year, to make sure the lovely people supporting Vancouver’s LGBTTQ community are protected.