New Ink and a 10k

I am celebrating my 5 year cancerversary this month!!!!

Each year after I was diagnosed with melanoma, I decided to do something new, different, or out of the ordinary.  My first year I asked friends to join my Relay for Life team.  Many friends and coworkers walked for the team and several die-hards (Melissa, Mary & Paula) even spent the night on a cold football field to raise money for cancer research.  I promised them I would never do that again. 

The following year I ran a 5k.  The next year I went to Hawaii.  Last year, I ziplined through the rainforest.  When I look back over the years, I realize I really wasn't doing anything for others.  How did going to Hawaii help others fight cancer?  I'd like to think that a melanoma survivor going to the most beautiful beach in the world and still being able to enjoy the sun SAFELY set a good example for others.  I'm pretty sure that is a stretch.

This year I wanted to do something for others as well as being a little selfish.  I am running a 10k for the first time ever and several dear friends have signed up to run as well.  A dear friend has even designed shirts for us to wear that say PEACE, LOVE, & SPF on the front.  I'd like to think that this is not a truly selfish bucket list item.  Maybe with all these shirts- someone will say, "I need to have my ugly mole looked at" or "I need to put on more sunscreen".  Boom- saved someones life.

I also plan to donate my hair to Locks of Love.  I had hoped it would be long enough by now to donate but I'd look pretty funny with a buzz cut.  My hairdresser assures me I will have plenty by December.

I am also going to get a tattoo.  Well.....another tattoo.  I've had great fun thinking about what I should get.  I think others have had fun, too.  One person suggested I have a mole tattooed on my scar in honor of the one that was removed.  Chris thinks I should have STFU tattooed on my hand.  That's more of a personal joke but I bet most people can get it.  Another friend said I should have my rectangular skin graft site made into an iPhone since it looks like I left one on my leg while in the sun.  Since I won't be getting my tat until after my run, I still have a few weeks to decide.  I am open to suggestions but it has to be happy and tasteful- no Melissa I am not having your face tattooed on my tush.  Yours either, Shannon. 

I also plan to give out sunscreen.  This sounds a little looney in my mind but that is one way I feel like I can say- I did what I could to help others.  Now- I just need to know where I can get a box of sunscreen at a good price. 

Another bucket list item is to speak up.  Ha- like I don't already do this.  I guess what I mean is to be more vocal about my experience and how it can help others.  While I don't plan on protesting at area tanning salons- I do plan on telling others the importance of sunscreen and seeing a dermatologist.  Don't be alarmed if I tell you that you have an ugly mole that needs to be seen by a doc.  On second thought- do be alarmed.  I will only tell you that because I care.  However, please refrain from showing me any moles that you are worried about.  My opinion is always the same.  Get it off your body as quickly as possible.  The way I look at it, scars are great stories only survivors get to tell.  I'd rather hear about your scar than your tan line.