This week on Spotlight On Maryland, Austin Todd spoke with Marianne Banister, Co-Founder and CEO of the Claire Marie Foundation. Most importantly, she is Claire's Mom. In 2011, Marianne's 14-year-old daughter Claire was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. For three years, Claire fought this disease before passing away in October of her Senior year.
Claire MarieClaire Marie Foundation
There are many common misconceptions about melanoma. Statistically it occurs in older folks and people think it's usually only caused by sun exposure; neither of these things were true with Claire. In short, it happened because she was a teenager. Hormonal changes through puberty prompted the rapid development of melanoma for Claire.
Today, the Claire Marie Foundation is now a leading voice for awareness of all causes of melanoma in young people. The Claire Marie Foundation strives to raise awareness, clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent melanoma while celebrating the joy, color and beauty of the world as Claire did every day.
Claire Marie Screening EventClaire Marie Foundation
Listen to the interview below, and visit the Claire Marie Foundation to keep up with events and learn more about how you can can #LiveLifeLikeClaire.
You can help prevent adolescent and young adult melanoma 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by texting Claire Marie to 24365.
