AIM at Melanoma Launches Fullerton Walk

Online, April 16, 2013 (Newswire.com) - AIM at Melanoma, a nonprofit organization committed to melanoma research, education, awareness and legislation, will launch its AIM for the CURE Melanoma Walk in Fullerton on May 12 at the Fullerton Sports Complex. The inaugural event is the organization's first 5K run/walk fundraiser in California.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Cancer Institute estimates there will be 76,690 new cases and 9,480 deaths from the disease in 2013. Since 2008, AIM has increased support for melanoma research, promoted education, and provided comprehensive and accessible resources for patients, survivors and caregivers. The organization has championed legislation that prohibits minors from using indoor tanning salons and legislation that would require insurers to provide coverage for oral medication that is equivalent to conventional intravenous drugs used in chemotherapy.

In 2005, AIM launched its first AIM for the CURE Melanoma Walk in Texas. This year, thousands of walkers are expected to participate in 15 fundraisers in 10 states to raise awareness of melanoma as well as funds for research and education.

"We encourage participants to walk in honor of a melanoma patient or survivor, in loving memory of someone special who lost their battle with this disease, or just to show their support and create awareness," said AIM Co-Founder Jean Schlipmann. "Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer, which is reason enough to join the fight in hopes of finding the CURE."

Murrieta resident and Orange County native Cheryl Menchaca is the keynote speaker for the Fullerton walk, which will include an opening ceremony, free skin cancer screenings, vendor booths and a raffle of prizes. She and her family raised nearly $4,000 during the 2012 AIM for the CURE Melanoma Walk in Dallas in honor of her mother, Carol Kendall, who died from melanoma in 2011.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of the inaugural Fullerton walk to help fight this horrible disease," Menchaca said. "My dream is that we will one day find a cure for melanoma. AIM is striving to make my dream a reality."

Check-in and day-of registration for the AIM for the CURE Melanoma Walk in Fullerton will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 12, at the Fullerton Sports Complex, located at 560 E. Silver Pine St. The opening ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Registration is free, but each participant is encouraged to raise at least $50. To register, visit www.AIMatMelanoma.org.

AIM is also seeking event support from volunteers and sponsorships. To learn more about available opportunities for the Fullerton walk, contact Event Coordinator Mayha Patel at 818-571-8231 or mkpatel@westernu.edu.

AIM gratefully acknowledges the following companies that have already pledged support for the Fullerton walk: Costco, Fullerton Family YMCA, Ralphs, Stater Bros and UV Skinz.