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8th Annual Patients Redefining the Future of Health Care in Canada Summit

Are you ready to be a part of a groundbreaking event that brings together patients, caregivers, and healthcare stakeholders from across the country? The 8th Annual Patients Redefining the Future of Health Care in Canada Summit is here! Mark your calendars for the week of Nov. 13 and get ready to be inspired, educated, and empowered to shape the future of healthcare in Canada.

This annual patient education and awareness Summit is a collaborative effort between two organizations – Save Your Skin Foundation and the Canadian Psoriasis Network, in conjunction with an Indigenous volunteer from Kiyasiw Consulting. Together, they are committed to elevating the voices of patients and caregivers, amplifying their experiences, and addressing long-standing systemic issues related to equity and oppression in our health systems.

What to Expect:

The Summit promises an exciting lineup of community leaders, advocates, and experts who will engage in insightful discussions about the challenges faced in meeting people where they are at, highlighting Indigenous health needs, and exploring opportunities to modernize healthcare to meet the needs of all Canadians.

The Schedule:

  1. Nov. 13 – Challenges to Meeting People Where They’re At
    • Time: 11 AM – 4 PM EST
  2. Nov. 15 – Highlighting Indigenous Health Needs
    • Time: 12 PM – 4 PM EST
  3. Nov. 16 – Opportunities to Modernize Health Care to Meet the Needs of All
    • Time: 12 PM – 4 PM EST
  4. Nov. 17 – Patient Planning Session (restricted to patients/caregivers and related groups)
    • Time: 12 PM – 1:30 PM EST

Why Attend:

This summit is a unique opportunity to engage in open dialogue, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the transformation of the Canadian healthcare system. It’s a chance for patients, caregivers, and healthcare stakeholders to come together, share their stories, and collectively find ways to create a more inclusive and patient-centric healthcare environment.

By attending the summit, you will:

  1. Learn about the challenges faced by patients and caregivers in accessing healthcare services.
  2. Understand the unique healthcare needs of Indigenous communities and how to address them effectively.
  3. Discover opportunities to modernize healthcare and make it more accessible and inclusive.
  4. Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on Canadian healthcare.

Check out some of our content from last year’s Summit!

Ready to Register?

We’re thrilled to have you join us at the 8th Annual Patients Redefining the Future of Health Care in Canada Summit. Registration is now open, and you can secure your spot by clicking the link here!

Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to be a part of a movement that aims to reshape the future of healthcare in Canada. Let’s work together to create a healthcare system that meets the needs of all patients, regardless of their background or circumstances.

We look forward to seeing you at the Summit!

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Hair Heroes Challenge

We are happy to announce that Save Your Skin Foundation has partnered with the Ontario Professional Hairstylist Association to launch the Hair Heroes Challenge!

The Challenge calls on all hairstylists and hair schools across Canada to show off  their skills and make a difference in the fight against skin cancer with Sty-Lives. This social media campaign in English and French aims to showcase just how simple and effortless skin cancer scalp checks can be. 

Participating is easy, and participants have two options:

Options 1: Shoot a captivating video (60 seconds or less) where they demonstrate their hairstyling prowess while performing a skin cancer check on their client.

Option 2: Capture the transformation with a before and after photo of their client’s hair, following a thorough check or styling session.

We had the pleasure of being interviewed by OPHA about the Challenge. Watch the video to learn more.

Want to participate? Don’t forget to include our official hashtags, #HairHeroes & #Sty-lives2023, mention Sty-Lives, and let your imagination run wild! The SYSF team will be on the lookout for the most imaginative video that not only promotes Sty-Lives, but also showcases the importance of skin cancer checks. You’ll stand a chance to win an amazing prize that will leave you jumping for joy! So, grab those scissors, unleash your imagination, and get ready to win big with Sty-Lives!

This challenge is running through all social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Don’t forget to tag us! 

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A new framework for co-creating telehealth for cancer care with the patient community

Louise Binder from SYSF co-authored an excellent and insightful publication titled “A New Framework for Co-Creating Telehealth for Cancer Care with the Patient Community” published in The Patient – Patient-Centered Outcomes Research. Check it out here.

 

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Move for Melanoma 2023

Move for Melanoma is an activity challenge that takes place across Canada. The goal of the event is to bring awareness to melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer and ocular melanoma, while raising funds to support patients affected with these diseases when they need it most.

This year, the event will take place on September 22-24th, 2023. As always, participants will be able to choose a physical challenge of their choice to complete on the weekend of the event. Participants will form teams and, together with their friends and family, try to reach their personal fundraising goals.

To facilitate the whole thing, again this year, we will be using a custom website that allows people to register, donate, solicit donations, track progress and promote the event all in one place. The website also includes many resources for participants to help them get ready, and a Q&A page for more information.

If you’re interested in joining us, please visit Move for Melanoma 2023 and register now.

 

Save Your Skin Foundation is the only organization in Canada that supports skin cancer patients financially when they need it most. All the money raised through your donations goes directly to patients in the form of cab fares, treatment costs, flights, accommodation and other necessary but costly expenses incurred while receiving treatment.

Whether you’re a survivor who wants to bring hope to newly diagnosed patients, the family member or friend of a patient who wants to send a powerful message of solidarity, or a patient who wants to help change the face of cancer for ever, we invite you to take a stand against melanoma and to move with us this September!

Hand in hand, we fight melanoma together!

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A Historic Milestone: Manitoba Proclaims May as the First Provincial Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and this year marks a significant achievement as the Province of Manitoba joins the cause by proclaiming May 2023 as the first-ever Provincial Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Save Your Skin Foundation and Ocumel Canada are at the forefront of this initiative, leading local, national, and international campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and early detection of skin cancers.

Discover a comprehensive list of initiatives for Melanoma Skin Cancer Month and Ocular Melanoma awareness HERE.

For the fourth consecutive year, Save Your Skin Foundation’s proclamation initiative has invited Canadian municipalities to take a firm stance against skin cancer and educate their communities about sun safety through mayoral proclamations. As of May 25, 2023, an impressive 43 municipalities have committed to declaring May 2023 as ‘Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month.’ Check the list HERE to see if your city is among them.

The Honourable Audrey Gordon, on May 25th, 2023, officially proclaimed the month of May 2023 as Melanoma and Skin Awareness Month in Manitoba. This remarkable step underscores the government’s recognition of the importance of efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of skin cancer.

"The Save Your Skin Foundation's tireless work and initiatives in raising awareness about non-melanoma skin cancers, melanoma, and ocular melanoma through nationwide education, advocacy, and awareness campaigns are truly commendable. Our government acknowledges the significance of efforts to reduce the incidence of skin cancer. I extend my best wishes to Save Your Skin Foundation for the success of their planned events during Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month."

Hon. Audrey Gordon

We are immensely grateful to the Honourable Audrey Gordon for her support and belief in the importance of sun safety.

Additionally, members of our SYSF team have had the privilege of presenting to the Mayors and Councils of several municipalities nationwide, sharing their personal experiences as patients and spreading the crucial message of sun safety and early detection of skin cancer.

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SYSF Survey: The Patient Experience: Systemic Treatment of Adult Cutaneous Melanoma

In 2022, we conducted a survey of our English- and French-language patient communities to gather patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) related to the experiences of adults with cutaneous melanoma in Canada. The survey focussed on side effects, the current care landscape, and the holistic experience of cutaneous melanoma. One segment of the survey focussed on the experience of those who received Pembrolizumab (Keytruda™) for stage II melanoma. We invite you to read the report here or by clicking on the image below. If you have any questions, please email info@saveyourskin.ca.

As always, we are grateful to our community of patients who offer their time and stories to us. You are the reason we fight for equitable and timely access to melanoma, ocular melanoma, and non-melanoma skin cancer care for all Canadians.

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SYSF 2023 Sunscreen Dispenser Pilot Launches June 1st!

On June 1st, 2023, SYSF is launching 30 public sunscreen dispensers across five new Canadian municipalities. This is in addition to the 10 dispensers across five municipalities SYSF collaborated on in 2022 with medical student siblings Samuel and Karen Farag.

The bright yellow dispensers are automatic and touchless, and provide free, Health Canada approved SPF 30 sunscreen for anyone who needs it. The sunscreen is zinc oxide based, free from chemical sunscreen filters, common allergens and toxic ingredients including oxybenzone, avobenzone, retinyl palminate, PEG, perfume, and sodium lauryl sulphate. To learn more about the SYSF sunscreen dispenser initiative, see our Sunscreen Dispensers page.

Remember that no tan is a safe tan. While you are enjoying Summer activities, try to limit your time in direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm; seek shade; and cover up by wearing UV-protective clothing, such as long pants, long sleeves, and a hat. Use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen (which protects against both UVA and UVB rays), which you should apply 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or directly after swimming. Don’t forget SPF for your lips and your sunglasses!

 

Here is the complete list of dispenser locations:

Grand Bay-Westfield, NB: two dispensers at Brundage Point River Centre and Tail Whip Park/Splash Pad

Lake Cowichan, BC: six dispensers across Lake Cowichan township and Gordon Bay Provincial Park

New Brunswick Fairs & Exhibitions Association: four dispensers to be at 13 fairs and events across New Brunswick

New Westminster, BC: four dispensers across Moody Outdoor Pool, Hume Outdoor Pool, Grimston Park Wading Pool

Penticton, BC: five dispensers across Skaha Meadows Golf Course, Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, Penticton Speedway, Barefoot Mini Mart, Travel Penticton

Richmond, BC: four dispensers across South Arm Outdoor Pool, Steveston Outdoor Pool, Watermania

Riverview, NB: two dispensers each in Lion’s Community Park and at events around the city

Summerside, PEI: four dispensers, one each at Summerside Turf Field, Leger Park, Summerside Boardwalk, and one to be used at public events

Vancouver, BC: one dispenser to be installed at the YMCA hotel

Westlock, AB: four dispensers across Westlock skateboard park, Westlock tennis courts, and the Westlock baseball diamonds

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Meet The New Canadian UPF 50+ Protective Beachwear Line – KRABĒO

About The Founder of KRABĒO

In November 2021, I was told for the second time that I had cancer. This is not something one gets used to hearing, and at that moment I felt like another bomb went off in my life and my husband’s.

This diagnoses was followed by a series of tests that started from the end of November up to the 2021 holiday season. The reason for this was to gain an understanding of this possible recurrence all these years later.

Over 17 years ago, I had a beauty mark on my back that itched like a mosquito bite, which I thought was odd. That was back when tanning salons were a trend and I would visit them several times a week to do something about my “milky white” complexion. At this time, I felt I needed those sessions to look more “healthy”. I even had a membership at a local tanning salon! One day, just before settling in for a session, I discussed my beauty mark with the owner who urged me to get it checked out, which I did a few weeks later.

In creating KRABĒO, I find myself with peace of mind. Peace of mind for myself, my family and for you.

Marie-Ève Richard

I was 24 when it first happened and honestly, I felt I was above it until a lymph node surfaced in September 2021. It was then that I noticed a small lump in my right groin that many doctors thought was harmless, but I had a feeling that it was not benign.

I had to persist with the healthcare system to go further and do more tests in order to find out what was wrong. When you have a feeling that something is wrong, you need to advocate for yourself & ask questions. In my case, I was indeed wrong. The doctors discovered after an ultrasound that it was melanoma. This was quite a shock & a return to square one.

I hesitated to tell my story when all of this happened, even to my kids, but I would come to understand the importance of sharing one’s life experiences. No matter if it’s good or bad because doing so can help others.

My story may be your story too! It made me realize the great lack of resources and knowledge about this disease and how to adequately protect myself from the sun. It’s because of what I went through that I decided to help the people around me and the population by developing a line of UV-protective beachwear. Our beachwear is certified and recognized by the highest world standards of sun protection and it covers 98% of UVA and UVB rays. KRABĒO was born from this desire and is made entirely made in Quebec with love. Now, whenever I see my clothing worn by people from all walks of life, including children, my heart swells at the idea that I was able to do my part in the fight against this preventable cancer that has cases increasing with each passing year.

In creating KRABĒO, I find myself with peace of mind. Peace of mind for myself, my family and for you.

About KRABĒO

At KRABĒO, we believe that the sun, the water and the beach are together a source of well-being. To take full advantage of it all, one thing is essential: sun protection. We love to enjoy the sun. The benefits it brings to our lives are of course impossible to ignore. We tend, however, to forget the risks related to UV rays.

We can’t say it enough: ultraviolet rays from the sun lead to premature ageing, the appearance of skin blemishes, as well as skin cancer, which represents a full third of the most widespread cancers in the world.
For us, skin protection in all of its aspects lies at the very centre of every one of our decisions; indeed, it is our guiding principle.

Our laboratory-tested fabrics are certified UPF 50+ and block 98% of UVA and UVB rays, without any toxic products involved, neither for the skin nor for the planet.

They have been carefully chosen to meet two criteria: protecting our skin and preserving the oceans.

KRABĒO has generously offered a special 10% discount to all Save Your Skin Foundation newsletter subscribers. The code will be available in our May newsletter so hurry up and subscribe if you haven’t already!

Subscribe to our newsletter for a 10% discount

All Collections

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Children’s Collection

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New Arrivals

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Their dedication to the cause

KRABĒO is committed to helping others. That’s why the KRABĒO community lends its hand to those suffering from skin cancer by supporting the Save Your Skin Foundation and donating a portion of its profits to the cause!

Donate Today!
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Welcoming MorrisonRowe – A New Canadian UV Protective Clothing Brand

MorrisonRowe is an EVERYday sun protection clothing company based in Calgary, Alberta. MorrisonRowe was founded by long-time friends Cara and Tegan after Cara was diagnosed with multiple basal cell carcinomas. Her dermatologist recommended that she cover up as much as possible and wear sun protective clothing when outside. She found lots of options for the beach or sport specific activities but struggled to find casual, everyday UPF 50+ clothing. She didn’t want to look or feel like she was headed to the beach while she was out for daily activities such as going to the park with her kids, walking the dog, or sitting on a patio with friends.

Cara and Tegan could not ignore this HUGE gap in the market and the need for casual everyday UPF 50+ sun protection clothing. What started as a need, turned into a business idea and Cara and Tegan embarked on the journey to launch their own UPF 50+ sun protection clothing brand.

Prior to starting MorrisonRowe Cara worked as a registered nurse in surgical oncology and Tegan  a professional engineer. Neither had any previous fashion industry experience so it was quite a journey to build the brand from scratch.

Our mission is to make sun protection clothing part of your everyday wardrobe so you can grab something from your closet and know that no matter where the day takes you, sun protection is there. We have combined timeless style and everyday comfort with UPF 50+ protection so you don’t have to choose between looking great, feeling good, and protecting your skin.

Cara and Tegan

Cara and Tegan had some guiding principles for the brand; they wanted all of their clothes to be rated UPF 50+, they wanted to be a Canadian brand, and they wanted their clothes to be sustainably sourced and ethically made.

In terms of the actual clothing, Cara and Tegan had specific design concepts and fabric preferences. To them “everyday” means clothes that are timeless, casual and relaxed. Something that you will reach for any and EVERY day. For the fabrics, Cara and Tegan wanted natural fiber fabrics like Tencel™, hemp, and organic cotton because they offer superior breathability, feel great on your skin, and their production is generally more sustainable. This fabric preference is a definite departure from most available UPF 50+ clothing.

Finding fabrics proved to be one of the biggest challenges on the journey to launching MorrisonRowe. (Other than the pandemic and raising young children of course). Cara and Tegan searched tirelessly to find sustainable and ethically made, natural and recycled fabrics that were UPF 50+. Most fabric manufacturers Cara and Tegan contacted had minimal or no experience with UPF testing and rating, especially when it came to using natural fiber fabrics.

They knew that natural fiber fabrics with UPF 50+ ratings existed but sourcing them proved to be a challenge. They quickly learned that if they wanted to use natural fiber fabrics they would have to send them for testing and rating themselves. Fabrics were chosen based on what Cara and Tegan wanted in terms of how they feel, the composition, the garment design, and sustainability and then sent for basic UPF testing. If the result came back below UPF 50, Cara and Tegan were back to square one. This happened a few times before they found the right fabrics.

All MorrisonRowe fabrics are independently third party tested and rated at a lab in Quebec according to industry standards (ASTM D6544 and AATCC 183) to ensure every colour is UPF 50+. MorrisonRowe fabrics are all free of any chemical treatments to make them UPF 50+.  Rather, the natural characteristics of the fibers, the structure of the fabric, and the colour is what makes the fabric UPF 50+.

All MorrisonRowe clothes are designed and manufactured in Canada. Cara and Tegan have worked with a local Calgary designer, Ereau Designs, from the beginning. And manufactured solely in Calgary until recently moving manufacturing to Vancouver. They have styles for women, men, and children and are continuing to expand their catalogue.

MorrisonRowe has generously offered a special 10% discount to all Save Your Skin Foundation newsletter subscribers. The code will be available in our May newsletter so hurry up and subscribe if you haven’t already!

Subscribe to our newsletter for a 10% discount

Women’s Collection

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Men’s Collection

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Junior Collection

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Ocular Melanoma Patient & Caregiver Symposium

Thank you so much to all who attended the FIRST Canadian Ocular Melanoma Patient & Caregiver Symposium!

If you weren’t able to join us live over the weekend, you can watch the recording of the symposium on our Youtube channel.

Watch the recording of Day 1
Watch the recording of Day 2

Date: 
April 15 & 16, 2023

Start Time:
Day 1 – Starts: 12pm EST | 9am PST | 10am MST | 1:30pm NST | 1pm AST

The Symposium is brought to you by Ocumel Canada & will consist of 4 key presenters. This symposium will go over 7 virtual sessions over 2 days and will provide up-todate information on primary and metastatic disease, treatment options, testing, and the psychosocial experience of patients. Patients living with primary and metastatic ocular melanoma will also share their experiences.

Can’t attend that weekend? Register anyway and the recordings will be sent to you as soon as they are available.

Our Key Presenters:

  • Dr. Marcus Butler, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
  • Dr. Hatem Krema, Director, Ocular Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/UHN
  • Dr. Ezekiel Weis, Provincial Medical Lead, Alberta Ocular Brachytherapy Program
  • Monica Tan, Social Worker, Telus Health/ Private Practice
Click here to download our one-pager

PROGRAM & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Symposium Program

Program

Start: 12pm EST | 9am PST | 10am MST | 1:30pm NST | 1pm AST

  • Welcome – Nigel Deacon and Kathy Barnard (15 min)
  • Session 1 – Patient Story – Sherry Agriesti (20 min)
  • Session 2 – Presentation: Primary disease – Dr. Weis (45 min)
  • Break (5 min)
  • Session 3 – Patient Story – Mark Jennings (20 min)
    Dr. Krema – Presentation on the value of testing for patients and physicians in making treatment decisions (45 min) followed by a 15 min Q&A
    Castle (Dr. Alsina) and Impact Genetics (Jamie Jessens) –  Presentation on testing (value and availability) and discussion around testing tools – (30 min)

End: 3pm EST | 12pm PST | 1pm MST | 4:30pm NST | 4pm AST

DAY 2

Start: 12pm EST | 9am PST | 10am MST | 1:30pm NST | 1pm AST

  • Welcome – Nigel Deacon and Kathy Barnard (5 min)
  • Session 1 – Patient Story – Candyce Charles (20 min)
  • Session 2 – Presentation on metastatic disease – Dr. Butler (45 min)
  • Break (5 min)
  • Session 3 – Presentation: Psychosocial Experience of the Patient (30 min) followed by a question period (20 mins)
  • Session 4 – Discussion: What Patients and Caregivers Need from Ocumel Canada Moving Forward – What Needs are Not Being Addressed – Nigel Deacon and Kathy Barnard (30 min)
  • Closing – Nigel Deacon and Kathy Barnard (5 min)

End: 3pm EST | 12pm PST | 1pm MST | 4:30pm NST | 4pm AST

About Ocumel Canada

Ocumel Canada, an initiative of Save Your Skin Foundation, was formed to increase awareness, advance treatment options, and build a supportive community for those diagnosed with primary and/or metastatic ocular melanoma (OM). Ocumel Canada is in close collaboration with a global Medical Advisory Board and partner patient representation organizations with the endeavour to build on international best practices to improve patient outcomes for Canadians touched by this disease.

This rare cancer is a challenge in so many ways. The small number of diagnoses in Canada does make it difficult for the mainstream Cancer Agencies to provide adequate services. In some provinces and territories, there are no services at all.

Click here to learn more

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Email: info@saveyourskin.ca
Phone: 1.800.460.5832
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