Taylor was just 10 years old when her aunt, Kathy Barnard, was diagnosed with melanoma. At the time, she didn't fully understand what was happening as the family tried to shield her from some of the realities of the situation, but she remembers the uncertainty that followed. For years, the entire family lived on edge with a constant feeling of being in crisis mode.

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Taylor recalls that through it all, Kathy remained remarkably calm - calmer than anyone else in the family. She did her best to maintain a sense of normalcy. She even continued coaching Taylor's softball team and they would still hang out on the back deck and look for constellations.

 

Twenty years later, even with Kathy being in remission for over a decade, that uncertainty hasn't entirely disappeared. When Kathy's annual scans approach or something unexpected arises with her health, the family still holds its collective breath.

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Taylor also witnessed the earliest days of Save Your Skin Foundation, when the organization was still finding its footing. As a local North Vancouver organization, the Foundation often attended community events, such as trail run events and the annual “Lynn Valley Days” festival in Taylor and Kathy’s neighbourhood.

 

As Save Your Skin grew, its work ranged from sun safety awareness campaigns on Vancouver beaches to helping patients navigate treatment, fundraising to cover travel expenses, and providing emotional support to families going through similar situations. 

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Over time, the Foundation found its focus in patient support and patient-centred advocacy, building a growing network and expanding its impact. 

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“We have really cultivated the most amazing community of patients, survivors, and caregivers around the Foundation,” Taylor said, “and we have also made so many connections with volunteers and medical students who have helped us make really amazing resources.”

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Today, Taylor contributes to that work herself, helping prepare submissions to national drug review bodies, conducting patient surveys, and analyzing patient data. With an extensive background in literature and a passion for social justice and equity, she brings a strong patient-centred perspective to her work. She is considering a career in health equity moving forward, a route that she never would have considered without her work for Save Your Skin.

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Looking back on the past 20 years, Taylor is struck by how far Save Your Skin Foundation has come from its humble beginnings, growing into an organization that continues to put patients and their needs at the centre of everything it does. 

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“By prioritizing people, we have done so much amazing work. I’m incredibly proud.”