Kudos to Carrie; Saluting those who protect what protect us

My dermatologist called me yesterday to say that she will do whatever she can to make herself available to "get my moles taken care of" (I have about seven suspicious moles that need to be removed). At any rate, her genuine care and concern spawned this...


Saluting those who protect what protects us—our skin: 1st Annual Dermatologists’ Appreciation Week announced


Provo, UTAH (August 10, 2007) – With more than 1.3 million new skin cancers diagnosed in America each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, the role of dermatologist has transformed from mere “skin doctor” to cancer crusader, lifesaver, and even hero.

There was a quote that appeared in a recent publication of the British Journal of Dermatology that says “[…] there is a general lack of appreciation for what dermatologists do.”

Indeed, dermatologists are faced with a tremendous responsibility in the midst of a growing epidemic, not to mention the slew of other skin diseases they treat.

Hence, The Cancer Crusaders Organization announces that it will host “Dermatologists’ Appreciation Week” to pay tribute to superior dermatologists dedicated to skin cancer prevention and patient care.

“The idea [to recognize dermatologists] came to me when I received a call from my dermatologist recently,” says Danielle White, co-founder of The Cancer Crusaders Organization. “We had been playing phone tag for over a month trying to schedule an appointment to surgically remove several suspicious moles, and we could never sync up; my work schedule was crazy, she was booked.” White continues, “Then, I received a voice message from her that said ‘anytime that works for you and your crazy schedule is good for me. I just want to get those moles taken care of for you.’ That really impressed me. I thought ‘Wow! My dermatologist genuinely cares!’ She went above and beyond the call of duty. I know many dermatologists are also dedicated; they champion skin cancer prevention and patient care. So, we [at The Cancer Crusaders Organization] decided it would be a great opportunity for patients to have an opportunity to champion them in return, and show their appreciation.”

With that, The Cancer Crusaders Organization is asking patients to nominate their dermatologist for recognition. To nominate your favorite skin cancer-crusading dermatologist, please follow these guidelines:

• Submit a 300 to 600 word write-up explaining why the dermatologist is worthy of recognition. Please include: a list journal publications they may have written, community activities they have participated in for skin cancer awareness, personal experiences with the care you received from the dermatologist, testimonials from fellow patients, and other applicable information to help us understand why you are nominating them for recognition.

• Please include first and name, location, and contact information for both yourself and the dermatologist. (Sorry, no anonymous nominations will be accepted).

• It is strongly recommended that nominators submit a jpeg photo of the dermatologist, if possible.

• Please submit your nomination via email to The Cancer Crusaders Organization no later than September 7th at info@cancercrusaders.org.

• The dermatologist must be board-certified and in good standing with the American Academy of Dermatology.

• Nominations from outside of the United States may also be accepted.


The Cancer Crusaders Organization will recognize two dermatologists a day during the week of September 24 – 27, 2007. Each dermatologist will be featured on White’s Blog, receive an custom-made award plaque, a complimentary Skin Cancer Awareness pin featuring the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol®, a personalized thank you note from the nominee(s), and a complimentary copy of White’s next book – Preventing the Most Preventable Cancer which is due out sometime next year.

White, who is also the author of the recently released book ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources, says she hopes to make this an annual tradition by partnering up with other skin cancer organizations in the future, even making it a national event.

“With skin cancer incidence continually on the rise, it is vitally important that individuals and organizations dedicated fighting skin cancer come together and create a unified front; to conquer this disease it is going to take the collaborative effort—the dermatologists and patients, the educators and survivors must all come together,” White says. “Take a look at the breast cancer community—they have raised our stream of consciousness considerably over the past 20 years largely because they have successfully captured the attention of society by recruiting and uniting women together in the fight. The skin cancer community needs to do the same. We’re making progress, but there is still so much work to do,” she says. White adds that she hopes activities such as a Dermatologists’ Appreciation Week will aid in accomplishing this “overwhelming, but do-able task of raising awareness and education.”

Additionally, The Cancer Crusaders Organization welcomes nominations from the American Academy of Dermatology to nominate outstanding employees who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to skin cancer prevention education both personally and professionally.

“We recognize the AAD as the nation’s leader in the field of dermatological health and education,” White says. “In addition to saluting dermatologists, we would like to recognize at least one employee at the AAD, who have been nominated by their peers and co-workers, for their good works on behalf of skin cancer. This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for what you do. It’s a way to give back to those who inspire us, and serve others.”

The Cancer Crusaders Organization is a member of the National Coalition for Sun Safety, as part of the American Academy of Dermatology. Employees of the AAD who wish to nominate co-workers should follow the aforementioned guidelines regarding nominations for dermatologists.

The Cancer Crusaders Organization is also in the midst of hosting an essay contest on skin cancer prevention education and the perils of tanning.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or make a charitable donation, please contact The Cancer Crusaders Organization at: PO BOX 2076 Provo, Utah 84603 or send an email. You can also check out White’s personal Blog at: http://onlyskindeepbook.blogspot.com.


The Cancer Crusaders Organization, founded in 2004 by Danielle M. White and Natalie C. Johnson-Hatch, is an award-winning 501 [c] [3] public charity, and serves as the proud home of the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol®

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The photo above is a picture of AAD board members - past and present, including Dr. Clay J. Cockerell who wrote the foreword for my book ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources. If you live in the Dallas, Texas area (like my best friend does) schedule an appointment with Dr. Cockerell today for your annual skin exam. To find a dermatologist in your area, go to aad.org.