Hosted by Cecily and Kelli
I’m very excited to begin sharing once again the inspirational and touching stories of our readers whose lives have been touched by melanoma. I came across Jaime’s story through our Facebook page (UV Skinz) and I’m honored to share it with you. It’s a real tragedy when someones life is overtaken by this preventable disease. Raising awareness is key! Please feel free to leave your comments…
Jaime Regen Rea
April 6, 1977 — March 16, 2007
Jaime was only 29 years old when melanoma claimed her life. A beautiful, vibrant life has ended before it had a chance to bloom. And it’s just not right.
Who could have guessed what a profound effect one little ugly mole would have on our family and everyone who knew Jaime and her courageous fight? That mole on her back, perhaps encouraged in its mischief by Jaime’s teenage addiction to tanning beds in search of a “killer” tan, was the beginning of a 9-year journey filled with surgeries, chemo treatments, radiation, and clinical trials. Oncologists, surgical oncologists, dermatologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, and melanoma specialists became our extended family; cancer centers and hospitals became our second homes. Jaime was stage II for 4 years, just long enough for us to start to relax, and then it advanced to stage IV for the last 5 years. The last year her condition began a steep downward spiral, and we found ourselves going from really bad scan reports to even worse ones — and from very nasty treatments to even worse ones. But her amazing smile never faded and she never lost hope, even when all the medical experts told her there was none.
Along the way, Jaime touched many lives with her positive determined attitude, beautiful smile and contagious laugh, and her strong will to live. She loved life and lived it to its fullest, never complaining about her pain and discomfort. Throughout her journey she brought hope and inspiration to hundreds of other melanoma patients and their families around the world. She fought this evil disease ’til her last breath, never believing that she wouldn’t survive. However, at the end, even though her mind was still willing herself to fight another day, her tired and worn little body no longer had the strength.
Jaime was my best friend, my hero, my precious baby girl, and the light of my life; she was Daddy’s little girl and spoiled rotten. I hate this evil disease for taking her from us all and for taking her future and her dreams from her. And I will do everything I can to continue Jaime’s fight against melanoma because I know that is what she would have wanted.
I miss you, Sweetypea, and love you with all my heart -
Jaime’s mom, Donna
Thanks to Donna Regen, AIM at Melanoma and in loving memory of Jamie!
What is Aim at Melanoma?
Aim at Melanoma is a non-profit organization committed to melanoma research, education, and awareness. We offer a melanoma community for patients, caregivers, and advocates and collaborate with the world’s top melanoma researchers to find a CURE
March 5, 2010
Good sun protection habits must start at an early age. It’s kind of the same idea as the admission process for a Santa Monica preschool; if your kid isn’t on the waiting list shortly after birth then you might be out of luck. Likewise, if you don’t teach good sun protection habits from an early age the harder it is to enforce them down the road. All joking aside we know that 80% of your entire sun damage occurs before a person reaches 18-years-old. This statistic is one of the reasons that Rhonda Sparks created UV Skinz swim shirts; “To Get Kids Covered” and protect them from potential skin cancer.
It can be a challenge to get your toddler or preschooler to stand still long enough to slather on sunscreen, that is why UV Skinz swim shirts are so awesome especially for the wriggly little ones! Each shirt is soft, comfortable, has a UPF of 50+ and they come in designs cool or cute enough to please everyone.
Here are some tips to help teach your children great sun protection habits:
1. TEACH BY EXAMPLE! No matter what the habit–children learn by example. If they see you wearing sun protective clothing, applying sunscreen daily, wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats then they are more likely to pick up on those good sun protection habits.
2. DON’T STRESS! Now there is one thing that I have learned as a Mom and that is that stressing out my children or scaring them into doing something doesn’t have the right outcome, ever! If you are more relaxed about the expectations you have about sun protection and make it fun then children will be more receptive. The last thing you want to happen is to have your child think the sun will burn them into dust if they miss a spot while applying sunscreen! Just take them to the UV Skinz website and let them pick out their favorite UV Skinz swim shirt. Make sun protection as easy as slipping a shirt on! (Because actually it is!)
3. MAKE IT EASY! Teach your children the “ABCs for FUN in the SUN.”
A = AWAY. Stay away from the sun in the middle of the day.
B = BLOCK. Use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
C = COVER UP. Wear a T-shirt and a hat.
S = SPEAK OUT. Talk to family and friends about sun protection.
Please feel free to share your routine or tips that you use in your family to promote good sun protection!
March 2, 2010
UV Skinz swim shirts are so versatile that even though the name implies “swimming”, they can be worn any day–all day!
See UV Skinz featured on Canada AM! (Video segment starts at 1:56)
Here are some reasons why UV Skinz is the best choice in UV protected clothing!
- Cost effective — A garment costs about the same as one or two bottles of sunscreen, but lasts much longer
- On average, a more effective UV blocker — Less prone to “missed spots” or “under application”
- Dependable — Doesn’t wash off, rub off, dissipate, penetrate, or expire
- Not messy — Spillproof
- Not an irritant — Doesn’t cause eye irritation or acne
- Quicker to apply — Covers large areas in a hurry
UV Skinz at a softball game
Thanks to Traveling with Baby for the great pic!
August 29, 2009
Scientist from the “Queensland Institute of Medical Research have found two new genes that together double a persons risk of melanoma.”
A study team studied the genes of 6,000 people and found that “specific changes in two genes were found to make people more susceptible to developing moles. The researchers went on to show, in another 4,000 people, the same two genes increased the risk of developing melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer.”
It has been known that the more moles a person has increases their chance of melanoma, but now they ” have conclusive genetic evidence that having a large number of moles increases an individual’s risk of developing melanoma.”
One of the reasons Rhonda, Founder of UV Skinz, created this company with the mission to “get kids covered” was because her husband passed away at a young age from Melanoma. She has the constant thought that her sons are more at risk of developing the disease. It is important to know your family history and if you have cases of skin cancer in your family then take extra precautions to protect against Melanoma.
Here is some good advice!: Moles are normal but people should seek advice from their doctor if they observe any changes in size, colour or shape. People with lots of moles are at a higher risk of developing melanoma and should therefore take extra care to avoid overexposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Did you know?: Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world with more than 10,000 new cases and 1000 people dying from the disease every year. Queensland has the highest incidence of any state with seven Queenslanders diagnosed with melanoma every day. More than one in 20 Queenslanders is expected to develop melanoma during their lifetime.
Sourcehttp://www.discoveryon.info/2009/07/genes-that-cause-melanoma-discovered.html
August 26, 2009
Even though we are in the last dog days of summer, but once the cloudy and cold days come we can’t forget about sun protection. The sun is around all-year round, not just in the summer!
While women get constant reminders of the importance of sunscreen and sun protection it is up to us to keep the men and children in our lives aware too.
Most sun damage occurs before the age of 18 and white men over 50 are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma.
Most of us slather on the sunscreen when we know we will have an extended trip outdoors, but don’t forget about what is called “innocent sun exposure.” The times we spend outside walking to and out of the store, driving in the car, or walking the dog.
I have found that when I send my kids outside to play or take them to the park in their UV Skinz swim shirts then they have more fun (because I’m not holding them hostage while I try to rub sunscreen all over them) and I don’t have to worry about them being affected with “innocent sun exposure.” UV Skinz is worry-free sun protection because they all protect against 98% of the UVA and UVB rays.
You still have a chance to own a UV Skinz of your own! Check out our latest deals and “Live in Our Skinz!”
Here is a list of sun protection facts that I thought would be interesting to share!
BY THE NUMBERS
1: Number of ounces of sunscreen the average person needs to cover their exposed body; same amount as in a shot glass.
2: Number of hours recommended between sunscreen applications.
3: Number of years sunscreen should be good for, unless indicated by an expiration date.
15: Minimum amount of minutes sunscreen should be applied before going into the sun.
15: Minimum SPF, with broad-spectrum UV coverage, recommended by dermatologists.
25:?Percent of the sun’s rays reflected by sand.
50: Percent of UVB rays screened out by an SPF 2.
80:?Percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays that can pass through clouds. 93: Percent of UVB rays screened out by an SPF 15.
97:?Percent of UVB rays screened out by an SPF 30
Source: Wicked Local Reading
August 20, 2009
As a Mom the keyword to surviving the days is simplicity. Keeping everything simple makes life so much more enjoyable and just plain easy.
Simple play…go to the park.
Simple meals…fruit and veggie sticks with yummy dip.
Simple sun protection…UV Skinz.
Simple sunscreen…Kinesys!
My family had the opportunity to try out Kinesys spray sunscreen. This is one amazing sunscreen! The safest and most effective spray sunscreen with out all of the extra harsh chemicals.
First, it’s a spray (way more simple than dealing with goopy creams). My daughter’s and even my husband never complained one time when I applied the sunscreen on them. Yes, I do have to put sunscreen on my husband! Mostly the back of his neck and ears. The spray goes on wet, but dries very quickly.
Second, it’s just simply offers antioxidant UVA/UVB sun protection without any harsh chemicals.
It’s totally FREE of: 
- Oil
- Preservatives
- Alcohol
- PABA
- Colorant
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Gluten
- Nanoparticles
- Soya
- Dairy
- and Sulphite
Kinesys sunscreens are “hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, water & sweat resistant, offer photo-stable broad- spectrum UVA/UVB protection and contain topical anti-oxidants to scavenge free radicals.”
Kinesys is availabe for the whole family; from active adults, to children and even a teen spray sunscreen which comes in a green tea and vanilla scent.
I really did fall in love at first “spray”!
All corniness aside, Kinesys is the first spray sunscreen I recommend to anyone with allergies, children, sensitive skin or just short on time. It is fast, safe and effective. The microspray doesn’t require any rubbing. Just spray and GO!
Kinesys is also leading in their environmental awareness. They use recyclable packaging, non pressurized aerosol pumps, green power and are carbon neutral. You really can feel confident as a parent and consumer that you are supporting an excellent company.
To all of the lucky UV Skinz readers Kinesys is hosting a GIVEAWAY!
How to Enter!
Visit Kinesys, browse the sunscreens and leave a comment telling me which Kinesys you would like to try and why.
Additional Entries: (Entry #1 must be completed first. Leave a comment for each entry…Each of your comments is your official entry!)
*Sign-up for the Kinesys News(1 entry)
*Add the UV Skinz button to your blog (1 entry)
*Follow UV Skinz and on Twitter and TWEET this contest! (1 entry + up to 3 additional accepted daily)
*Blogging about or posting on Facebook about the contest with hyperlinks to UV Skinz and Kinesys .(Worth 5 entries!)
Copy and Paste this email/blog entry…
Fall in love at first “spray” with Kinesys Spray Sunscreen! The simple solution to sun protection for the whole family. Read about the experience mom blogger Kalisha at UV Skinz had with this fast, simple and effective sunscreen. Enter for your chance to win a Kinesys prize package at UV Skinz. Giveaway ends August 23. Open to U.S. only.
One winner will be chosen!
*I will be using a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. The winner will be emailed and also announced on here on Monday August 31, 2009.
- Contest ends at 11:59pm on Sunday August 30,2009. If the prize is not claimed in 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.
GOODLUCK!
August 17, 2009
It’s the end of the summer and UV Skinz is having its annual End of Summer Clearance! Here is your chance to shop to your hearts desire while saving money on our cool and stylish swim shirts for the whole family.
I’ve got mine, do you have yours?!
You can stock up on swim shirts that never go out of style and offer excellent UVA and UVB protection without harsh chemicals…
For Mom:
Allison Sky Blue/Navy Aloha Print
For Dad:
Tim Red/Navy
For Girl’s:
Sarah Hibiscus Black
and for Boys:
Drew Brick Red/White "Layered" look
You can get these styles and many more starting at $18 and up!
Great deals with quality that speaks for itself!
Don’t just take my word for it. Read this testimonial from the Editor of Celebrity Baby Scoop…
My two kids live in their Skinz! From nap time to outdoor play time, these stylish garments were made to endure the rigorous elements of childhood! I highly recommend UV Skinz to protect your loved ones – and yourself – from sun damage. Not only are UV Skinz soft and comfy for my baby and toddler’s delicate skin, these products are highly durable and easy to clean. Not to mention the reasonable prices!
Not only have I been exceedingly pleased with their products, I’ve also been thoroughly impressed with the professionalism from UV Skinz founder, Rhonda Sparks. Rhonda’s passion to protect as many children as possible is clear in her generous spirit and business ventures. This is a mompreneur on a mission to change the way we think about dressing for the sun and honoring our precious skin.
Jenny Schafer
Senior Editor
Celebrity Baby Scoop
Now go shop till you drop!
August 17, 2009
According to current findings sunshine is not the main cause of most dangerous forms of skin cancer. Even though exposing yourself unprotected to UVA and UVB rays increases your risk of developing skin cancer, it could have more to do with the number of moles you have.
Scientist, whose research appears in the current issue of the journal Nature Genetics, claim the number of moles on your skin is the most important factor in the risk of getting melanoma. According to the scientist they believe sun warnings would be more effective if they focused on people who had 100 moles or more and taught them to check them regularly for change in shape, color, and size.
Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London, said: “The number of moles you have is one of the strongest risk factors for melanoma – stronger than sunshine. This paper shows that we found two important genes that control the number of moles you have. Those genes also give you an extra risk of melanoma.”
Source: Times Online
Melanoma can be treated if caught early enough. Melanoma is relatively rare, accounting for 10% of all skin cancer cases, but it is responsible for most skin-cancer deaths.
After reading this I realize that some people may seem overly afraid of the sunshine. Sun protection can become a little obsessive, but we have to keep in mind that we don’t have to hide away in our houses all day long and not enjoy the outdoors.
Everyone should wear an SPF 30 sunscreen to protect against sunburn and to help prevent premature aging and wrinkles.
If you are fair skinned, have red hair and have a lot of moles then you have a higher risk of getting melanoma, but that doesn’t mean you have to. Just take the right precautions–be cautious–not afraid!
- Wear your sunscreen everyday
- Avoid the peak hours of the day between 10am-4pm
- Wear uv protected clothing and a wide brimmed hat
August 13, 2009
I love the way she jumps straight in…without any hesitation!This is one of the reasons that Rhonda the Founder of UV Skinz created these amazing swim shirts–she wants everyone to enjoy life, family and the outdoors in style while getting excellent sun protection.
Live More–Worry Less!
The beach is a great place to wear your UV Skinz! The uv protection never wears or washes off because it is in the tight weave of the swim shirt.
Thanks to Adventures of a Wanna-Be Supah Mommy for sharing her pics with us. To see more Wordless Wednesday pics go over to 5 minutes for mom!
August 12, 2009
