UH Cancer Center and Xcel launch statewide skin cancer prevention campaign

Community partners ‘Join the Fight’ to promote skin cancer awareness to youth

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Kellie Tormey, (808) 564-5814
Posted: May. 11, 2011

WHAT:          Launch of a statewide skin cancer prevention campaign, spearheaded by the University of
                       Hawai‘i Cancer Center and corporate partner Xcel, a Hawai‘i-based manufacturer of high
                       performance wetsuits and outdoor gear. May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
 
                       Community partners include the State Department of Health, the Hawai‘i Skin Cancer
                       Coalition and the Hawai‘i Comprehensive Cancer Coalition. Together, they will ‘Join the Fight’
                       to promote skin cancer awareness during the summer months.
      
                       The campaign centerpiece is a series of public service announcements filmed by one of the
                       leading surf cinematographers in the world, Mike Prickett. The spots feature local kids
                       encouraging peers and parents to ‘Join the Fight.’ Xcel has provided funding for the PSA
                       production and other educational activities through semi-annual donations to the Friends of
                       the UH Cancer Center.
 
WHEN:          Friday, May 13 at 11 a.m. to noon, at the State Capitol Rotunda.
 
WHO:            Remarks will be made by state leaders including Senator Rosalind Baker; Ms. Loretta Fuddy,
                       Director of the Hawai‘i Department of Health; Dr. Kevin Dawson, President of the Hawai‘i
                       Dermatological Association; Marshall Marumoto, VicePresident of Xcel, and Mr. Earl Stoner,
                       Board Member of the Friends of the UH Cancer Center.
                      
                       The event will be attended by state legislators, community dignitaries, business leaders and
                       healthcare partners.
 
HIGHLIGHTS: Highlights include:
  • A presentation of Legislature Certificate and Governor’s Proclamation on Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
  • A donation presentation of nearly $10,000 from Xcel Vice President, Marshall Marumoto to the Friends of the UH Cancer Center-Xcel Skin Cancer Prevention Fund for ongoing skin cancer prevention education in Hawai‘i.
  • The first public viewing of the PSA produced by renowned surf cinematographer Mike Prickett, along with his remarks about how he became involved in the project.
  • Skin cancer screenings will be performed on site following the presentations by certified dermatologists from the Hawai‘i Skin Cancer Coalition and educational materials will be distributed.
  • National surf publications Surfing and Surfer will support the campaign with website promotions. 
HOW:           For media interested in attending, please contact Kellie Tormey at the UH Cancer Center at
                      (808) 564-5814 or ktormey@cc.hawaii.edu; or Robin Erb at Xcel at (808) 637-6239, ext. 4906 or
                      robine@xcelwetsuits.com.