Strike Out Melanoma

June 14, 2017

Stacy Ostrau, Executive Director of the Richard David Kann (RDK) Melanoma Foundation traveled to Philadelphia to join Mayor James Kenney, Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, Dr. Anthony Colletta, Executive Vice President and President of Facilitated Health Networks at Independence Blue Cross, and David Buck, Phillies Senior Vice President at City Hall on May 25, to formally unveil new sunscreen dispensers that will be placed in some of Philadelphia’s sunniest spots.

On May 25, 2017, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney welcomed Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, Stacy Ostrau, Executive Director of the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation, Dr. Anthony Colletta, Executive Vice President & President of Facilitated Health Networks at Independence Blue Cross, and David Buck, Phillies Executive Vice President, to City Hall to formally unveil a new initiative with The Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation in an effort to make Philadelphia a Sun Smart America City with new sunscreen dispensers that will be placed in some of Philadelphia’s sunniest spots – including Citizens Bank Park. Photo credit: Miles Kennedy

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and most cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.

Baseball Hall of Famer, and part-time resident of Jupiter, Florida, Mike Schmidt, who has been candid about his personal battle with melanoma and is a huge advocate for the cause and a key member of the RDK Melanoma Foundation project team said at the unveiling, “I was honored to have Mayor Kenney partner with me and The Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation to make Philadelphia a SunSmart America City.”

“This initiative speaks to our mission of prevention and early detection of skin cancer through education and modifying behaviors,” said Stacy Ostrau, Executive Director of RDK Melanoma Foundation.

“We accomplish this through our K-12 Sun Smart America curriculum and by getting out into communities to create awareness of skin cancer, especially melanoma. Our newest initiative, the RAY Project, involves making sunscreen dispensers accessible in order to protect residents and visitors from sun exposure.”

“Mike had a vision of making his city the first Sun Smart America City and inspiring Philadelphians to be sun smart,” said Ostrau. “We plan on taking this program to other cities all across the United States as we spread the message of sun safety and help save lives!”

The City of Philadelphia has placed four sunscreen dispensers as the pilot program with additional dispensers to be placed in parks and public areas. The sun screen dispensers, which were manufactured by BrightGuard, are being provided through the support of Independence Blue Cross. An additional 12 dispensers are located throughout Citizens Bank Park, giving fans access to sunscreen for every ballpark event, including all home games, concerts and more.

To further support the initiative, the Phillies hosted Melanoma Awareness Day on Sunday, May 28, at Citizens Bank Park during the afternoon game against the Cincinnati Reds. In addition to the debut of the new dispensers, the day featured a special ceremonial pitch by Schmidt. Schmidt also stars in the new Melanoma Awareness public service announcement, which was played for the first time that day on the Phillies giant videoboard, in which he talks candidly about his own melanoma occurrence as well as importance of wearing sunscreen and staying safe in the sun. Click here to view the PSA. To further support the cause, the Phillies Charities, Inc. 50/50 drawing on May 28 benefitted the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation.

“In baseball, it’s hard to escape the sun – which is why this is such an important cause to us,” said David Buck, Phillies Senior Vice President. “Thanks to the new sunscreen dispensers at Citizens Bank Park, our fans will find it even easier to be sun safe and sun smart. We are proud to join forces with Independence Blue Cross, the City of Philadelphia and the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation to help make a difference.”

About Sunscreen dispensers “RAY™”

The “RAY™” automatic sunscreen dispenser was designed to make applying sunscreen simple and fun. With a regulated 1ml dose of sunscreen per application, users can quickly and cleanly apply the proper amount of sunscreen on the go. Built for the outdoors, the “RAY™” dispenser can withstand both hot and cold weather conditions ensuring that whether you are on a mountain or a beach, the “RAY” dispenser will protect your day of fun in the sun. Distribution of these sunscreen dispensers include parks, beaches, schools, and outdoor areas where sun exposure is excessive. To learn more about how to make your city a Sun Smart America City call 561-655-9655 or visit melanomafoundation.com.

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The "RAY" automatic sunscreen dispenser was designed to make applying sunscreen simple and fun. With a regulated 1ml dose of sunscreen per application, users can quickly and cleanly apply the proper amount of sunscreen on the go.
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