How we connected at Melanoma March Virtual 2020

21 April 2020
We could not have asked for a better start to Melanoma March 2020 with superb events in Rockhampton and Sunshine Coast on Sunday 1 March. The following weekend a beautiful twilight gathering was held in Devonport on Saturday evening and then on Sunday inspiring events took place on the Central Coast and in Western Sydney, where participants demonstrated yet again that a bit of rain would not dampen the community spirit of Melanoma March.
After such a wonderful start it was then so disappointing when we made the decision to cancel our remaining 19 physical events, due to the escalating impact of COVID-19. We know what Melanoma March means to our community, so instead we created Melanoma March Virtual so that everyone across Australia could still come together (even if in a different way), as we have done at Melanoma March events for the last 9 years. We wanted people to still be able to honour loved ones and support each other.
It was so heart-warming to see how everyone embraced Melanoma March Virtual with enthusiasm. The creative ways in which people took steps whilst still social distancing was inspiring! Activities included bushwalking, bike-riding, backyard soccer, dog-walking, dancing, gardening, scooter-riding, stepping, horse-riding and even a morning tea party! Thank you so much to everyone who shared their pictures, videos and stories, and thank you to everyone who supported by donating over $310,000 to melanoma research. We hope, like us, everyone could feel the connection and support.
Watch the Event Welcome video below and see more of the activities on our Melanoma March Facebook or Instagram page.
Donate to support MIA research
Melanoma March 2020 Principal Partner is Ricky, Australia’s leading supplier of technical textiles and sun control fabrics.

Australasian Melanoma Conference AMC2021
The 2021 Australasian Melanoma Conference (AMC2021) will held in Sydney, Australia.

Sharing our knowledge of melanoma on the global stage
As leaders in the field of melanoma, clinicians and researchers from MIA will be sharing their knowledge at the virtual 10th World Congress of Melanoma.

Melanoma patients and their families urged to speak up and put national spotlight on melanoma.
Melanoma patients and their carers are being urged to participate in a ground-breaking survey which will shape the future of melanoma treatment, research, support and funding in Australia.

An inspiring WA Melanoma Community Forum
There was a wonderful feeling of community support amongst the melanoma patients, families and friends at the WA Melanoma Community Form.

Family of 8-year-old with melanoma calls on all Australians to step up to help save lives
The Price family has decided to share their story to inspire Australians to support research into new melanoma treatments.

Rethinking skin surveillance for high-risk melanoma patients
New research has provided evidence in favour of a structured skin surveillance program for high-risk melanoma patients.

Australia's oldest melanoma survivor steps up to save lives on his 105th birthday
Melanoma research saved Bert's life at 101 and now he wants to give back.

Predicting disease spread in thin melanoma
A new MIA online risk calculator for clinicians can determine the likelihood of thin melanoma spreading.

Exploring our own clinical questions through MIA's new trials initiative
MIA has recently established a new division of our Clinical Trials Program which co-ordinates and manages investigator-led multi-centre trials.

Young researchers awarded Fellowships to pursue innovative treatments for melanoma
Two young researchers from MIA and The University of Sydney awarded Cancer Institute NSW fellowships.

Young researchers receive boost to develop innovative treatment for melanoma
Two young researchers from MIA and The University of Sydney awarded Cancer Institute NSW fellowships.

Launch of Melanoma March 2021
Aussies urged to leave their footprint on melanoma as efforts step up to save lives from the disease.

Olivia Vivian announced as MIA ambassador
Olivia is using her Ninja star power to shine a spotlight on melanoma prevention - in memory of her dad.

Melanoma breakthrough - neoadjuvant treatment saving lives.
Drug treatment before surgery, known as neoadjuvant therapy, is being hailed as one of the biggest breakthroughs in melanoma treatment since the advent of immunotherapy.

Melanoma breakthrough - neoadjuvant therapy saving lives.
Drug treatment before surgery, known as neoadjuvant therapy, is being hailed as one of the biggest breakthroughs in melanoma treatment since the advent of immunotherapy.

Are cancer patients on immunotherapy at a greater risk of severe COVID-19 infection?
New research, led by MIA, has revealed that cancer patients treated with immunotherapy are not at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection compared to other cancer patients.

Are cancer patients on immunotherapy at a greater risk of severe COVID-19 infection?
New research, led by MIA, has revealed that cancer patients treated with immunotherapy are not at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection compared to other cancer patients.

A message to all Australians from melanoma patient Stuart Taylor
Stuart has advanced melanoma which is not responding to treatment. He has shared his story on ABC's 7:30 in the hope that others can escape the same fate.

Olivia Vivian nominates MIA as Charity Partner on Channel 9's Celebrity Apprentice.
A Ninja Warrior legend and Olympic gymnast, Olivia knows first hand the devastating impact of melanoma.

It's 'Game On Mole' this summer!
All Australians are urged to join the fight against melanoma this summer.