The inspiring story of Emma Betts premieres on Australian Story
16 April 2018
Emma Betts was only 22 years old when she learned that she had stage 4 melanoma. Emma shared her story with many by documenting her experience with melanoma on her blog Dear Melanoma. She sadly passed away at the age of 25 in April, 2017.
Australian Story's 'Dear Emma' is a tribute to the life and times of a young woman determined to raise awareness about melanoma. A true tear-jerker, the segment will explore how Emma and her husband Serge dealt with her heartbreak and how her parents Tamra and Leon, are continuing Emma’s legacy of encouraging others to contribute to life-saving research.
Although Emma was not a patient of Melanoma Institute Australia, she cared very deeply about people with melanoma and people at risk of melanoma around the country. She did everything she could to get the word out and raised a lot of funds for research at MIA - which reveals the complexity of the drivers of melanoma in younger people. It's not only about sun damage.
We're committed to weaving Emma's loving legacy into the work we'll be undertaking to draw attention to melanoma in young Australians and the research, treatment and education strategies we need to stop losing them to this disease.
Emma Betts started the national conversation about melanoma that Australia has to have. To continue Emma’s legacy, we need to keep that conversation going.
You can honour Emma's passion for life-saving research by making a donation here.
Watch Australian Story's Dear Emma on Monday, 16 April at 8pm on ABC TV and ABC iview
Australasian Melanoma Conference AMC2021
The 2021 Australasian Melanoma Conference (AMC2021) will held in Sydney, Australia.
Australian researchers spearhead paradigm shift in melanoma treatment
Drug therapy set to become standard treatment in high-risk early stage patients to stop disease spread
Prof Georgina Long AO awarded inaugural Outstanding Female Researcher Medal from AAHMS
Prof Long AO has been recognised by Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences for her transformative work advancing melanoma treatments.
Amie St Clair Ball in Wagga postponed for a third time
COVID restrictions continue to impact fundraising for melanoma services in Riverina.
Honouring Ben's life by supporting the next generation of melanoma researchers
Ben Garrow lost his life to melanoma. In his honour his family has established a scholarship to support a PhD student whose work focuses on saving lives from melanoma.
MIA's annual Research Retreat 2021
More than 150 clinicians, researchers and MIA staff gathered online to share research highlights.
Understanding the needs of Stage III melanoma patients when choosing treatments.
Independent researchers at The University of Sydney are seeking patient feedback.
Community Fundraising Wrap Up Apr-June 2021
A re-cap of the wonderful, and often very creative, community fundraising initiatives over the April to June quarter.
Patients paying it forward
Our patients who donate their tissue samples and records to our research are helping to make a difference to the lives of future melanoma patients.
Research boost to improve outcomes for melanoma patients
MIA researchers have recently been awarded two competitive funding grants, which will help facilitate their ground-breaking work in melanoma research.
Amie St Clair 10th Annual Ball
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Amie St Clair Melanoma at the Annual Ball in Wagga Wagga!
Riverina Melanoma Ride
Postponed to early 2022. Melanoma survivor Matt Kean is doing a 1000km bike ride around the Riverina to increase awareness of melanoma and raise funds for Amie St Clair Melanoma - MIA. There are many ways you can be part of this life-changing ride!
Melanoma Clinical Trial to open in Wagga
Riverina patients gain access to potentially life saving immunotherapy treatment close to home.
Queen's Birthday Honour for Professor Richard Scolyer
MIA's Prof Scolyer has been appointed as an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia.
Sharing our research on the global stage at 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting
Research from MIA was once again in the spotlight as findings were shared at the virtual ASCO21.
Australian researchers lead world in successful trial of new cancer treatment.
In a breakthrough which could extend to the treatment of other cancers, a new immune checkpoint inhibitor has proven effective in helping save the lives of advanced melanoma patients.
Thank you doesn't seem enough for our melanoma nurses.
Whilst our research and clinical teams are trialling new treatments to save lives, it is our nurses who are on the front line providing care and support.
Sharing our knowledge of melanoma on the global stage
As leaders in the field of melanoma, clinicians and researchers from MIA shared their knowledge at the virtual 10th World Congress of Melanoma.
Community Fundraising Wrap Up Jan-Mar 2021
The easing of COVID restrictions has meant the return of community events, and we recognise the generous support of our community fundraisers.
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.