Skin Diaries This is Brave

This is Brave: Robyn Fine

I was diagnosed with Stage I Melanoma in 2009. In February of that year, I noticed a mole on my back had turned from brown to black. My doctor took a biopsy and called three days later to tell me it was Melanoma and that I’d need surgery. At that time, I had no idea what Melanoma was, much less what the stages were. They removed it and advised me to see my dermatologist regularly and wear sunscreen.

I followed the doctor’s orders until September 2012, when I noticed a small lump in my left breast. I thought I had breast cancer! I went back to my doctor and had imaging done, an ultrasound and a biopsy. Again, my doctor called on October 1, 2012, to inform me I had Melanoma. This time it was Stage IV.

Since my Stage IV diagnosis, my melanoma has metastasized (spread) to five places in my brain, my breast, back and lymph nodes. I have undergone immunotherapy, chemotherapy, surgeries, two craniotomies and gamma knife radiation. Surprisingly, with all of this, my fight had just begun.

My brother Jason was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma on April 23rd, 2014, after finding a lump under his left arm. At this point, I really dug in to learn everything I could about Melanoma treatments and ways to beat this cancer. It’s amazing how the illness of a loved one calls you to act. Sadly, my brother lost his battle with Melanoma on March 20, 2015, just three days shy of his 45th birthday. He went from being a healthy, active, vibrant CrossFit competitor to gone in a year’s time.

Since his passing, I’ve had many more treatments and surgeries, but I’m happy to report that I’ve been NED (no evidence of disease) for six years! Part of what has gotten me through has been my mission to protect and prevent. I haven’t been able to say no to an opportunity to teach and spread awareness. Everyone needs to understand the importance of sun protection and skin cancer prevention. If there is an opportunity to speak or share my story, I am there. It’s too important to pass up!

I’ve been able to present to middle and high school students, college students, city workers, fellow survivors and advocates, and get out and fundraise alongside others. Each year, I’ve participated in local 5K’s including the Stay Out of the Sun Run at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center and the Melanoma Research Foundation’s (MRF) Miles for Melanoma. Other Minnesotan’s and I, including Michelle Rivard from Coolibar, have traveled to Washington D.C. the past two years to speak with our representatives about the importance of funding melanoma research. Every time we share our stories, we secure vital funding that is saving lives.

My passion to protect everyone under the sun also motivated me to become a trainer for Ramsey County Parks and Rec Public Works and Lifeguards. We need to do a better job of protecting our city workers! Helping these individuals change their habits hasn’t been easy, but it’s worth the effort. Coolibar has even armed me with clothing samples to actually SHOW these workers what their sun protection options are. I was recently asked to speak at the American Traffic Safety Services Association in Fargo, ND. I’m advocating across state lines!! There I’ll be able to educate road workers from all over Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and others.

While my role as an advocate is so important to me, first and foremost, I’m a survivor. In order to help others like me I’ve become a Certified Melanoma Educator through the MRF and completed an MRF Phone Buddy and Facilitator Training. I launched a local support group where we can share our stories and support each other. Connecting makes a difference! We’re able to share resources, helpful tips, and we’ve also been able to direct people to doctors, advocates, and mission-based brands like Coolibar who are always willing to help where they can.

All of these outreach opportunities and connections helped me meet other survivors and advocates like This is Brave warriors, Patrick Guddal, Cheryl Adams, Susanne Milne, Cassie Biesel, and more. Cheryl, Patrick and I have just launched our own Minnesota-based non-profit, Connect Melanoma. I am hoping to make Melanoma Awareness and Advocacy a full-time job soon!

A lot of people ask me, “How do you do it all?” In all honestly, advocacy comes naturally. This cancer has hurt my family and taken my brother. It also helped me realize I have a calling to help and protect others.

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  • Nancy

    CONGRATULATIONS on becoming NED after such a long and difficult journey! I am so sorry for the loss of your brother.
    Your journey has not been in vain! How wonderful that you are educating others, especially teens who desire tan bodies either by the sun of tanning beds!!! God Bless You!

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