About Melanoma March

From humble beginnings...

Melanoma March began as a community fundraising event in 2012 when Manly local, James Economides, wanted to raise awareness and funds in honour of his son, Michael, who passed away from melanoma in 2008. Michael was just 20-years-old.

“Back in 2008, there was little they could do, so we wanted to help raise money for much needed clinical trials so no other family would have to go through what we went through.”

...to a national campaign

Melanoma March celebrates Melanoma Institute Australia’s major annual fundraising campaign. Each Melanoma March brings together melanoma patients, their families, and local communities to raise awareness and funds for research to reach our goal of zero deaths from melanoma.

We’re marching so everyone survives.

Melanoma March is saving lives.

Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. Melanoma is the most common cancer affecting 20 to 39-year-old Australians and one Aussie is diagnosed with the disease every 30 minutes. It is estimated 1300 Australians will die from melanoma this year.

Recent advances in treatment pioneered by MIA clinicians and researchers have tripled the life expectancy for advanced melanoma patients. MIA’s ultimate mission is zero deaths from melanoma – a goal our Co-Medical Directors believe we can reach this decade.

But we can’t do it alone.

Take steps to support life-saving research.