JOJU x Melanoma: Real Stories, Real Strength: Leah Koskinen
This May, in honor of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, JOJU is celebrating the strength, honesty and advocacy of melanoma survivors. Women who are living with their diagnoses and helping others stay informed and protected. We’re honored to spotlight their journeys — and their missions to educate, advocate and inspire....
"Skin cancer and more specifically, melanoma, can happen to anyone."
LEAH Koskinen, MELANOMA SURVIVOR
I was diagnosed with Stage III Melanoma at the age of 24. My son was one year old. The mole was found and biopsied at my first ever skin check.
The spot popped up fairly quickly and become very dark even quicker. Not knowing much of anything about skin cancer, I didn’t think much of it. When the doctor called a week later and said “your biopsy results came back, it’s melanoma and we’re concerned over how deep it is. We need to transfer your case over to University of Michigan immediately.”
My life has never been the same since.
After numerous doctors appointments and tests, they confirmed the cancer had spread to my sentinel node underneath my armpit. This impacted our ability to have another child for a handful of years (if ever), it made a great impact on my time outside and for at least the first couple of years I had a genuine fear of the sun.
I am coming up on my 7 year anniversary since having cancer removal surgery. I have had countless ultrasounds, blood tests, CT scans, MRIs and skin checks.
"Melanoma does not discriminate."
My call to action for anyone reading this is to make yearly skin checks a priority. It does not matter if you have a lot of moles or not, what your skin color is or how much time you do or don’t spend out in the sun. Skin cancer and more specifically, melanoma, can happen to anyone.
MY CALL TO ACTION FOR ANYONE READING thiS
Get a skin check yearly, wear UPF clothing and SPF daily and remember Make Damn Sure you’re Safe in the Sun because Burnt is for Toast!
Follow Leah on Instagram and click here to learn more about her favorite skin cancer resources.
