Losing a Loved One to Melanoma: A Widow’s Story & Skin Cancer Awareness

Welcome to the California Dermatology Advocacy Network's Derm Power Podcast! Our hosts for today's episode are CDAN's President Dr. Ann Haas and CDAN's Executive Director Sheila Johnston. They talk to Caylie Valenta (Co-Founder, President of Andy Valenta Melanoma Foundation) and Scott Jennie (California State Director/National State Director of Firefighter Cancer Support Network). In this episode, we talk about melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, through the story of a woman who lost her husband to the disease. She shares early warning signs, how quickly melanoma can progress, and why skin cancer awareness and prevention matter. We also discuss sun safety, mole checks, and the importance of early detection. This is a powerful conversation about loss, education, and saving lives.