April 15, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR NAMED OUTRUN THE SUN RACE AGAINST MELANOMA HONORARY CHAIR
Shanna Kelly advocates for early detection after life-changing melanoma diagnosis
Shanna Kelly, a senior at Alexandria Monroe High School, is living proof that melanoma is not an
“old person’s” disease. Shanna was diagnosed with melanoma last year at age 17. In the months
following her diagnosis, she underwent extensive treatment and set her sights on living to see her
high school graduation this May.
Shanna recalls the quick transition she made from being a happy-go-lucky class president and
accomplished athlete to a melanoma patient too weak to climb a flight of stairs. “I was having
highlights put in my hair when my stylist noticed an ugly mole on my scalp,” Shanna notes. “The
next thing I knew, I was having surgery to remove the mole and then getting Interferon treatments
five days a week.” Interferon is a chemotherapy-like standard of care often used in melanoma
treatment with the purpose of combatting cancer cells that may linger in the body following
surgery.
After nearly a year of Interferon treatments, and a host of side effects that accompany the therapy,
Shanna is slowly getting back to a new normal. “Progress is being made,” her mother, Sally Kelly,
notes. “Shanna’s diagnosis has made her see life differently than others her age. The young and
carefree attitude is gone. In its place is a young lady who doesn’t feel invincible.” Frequent visits to
her dermatologist and oncologist will become a part of Shanna’s new “normal.” So will advocating
for skin cancer awareness and early detection.
Shanna has been selected as the honorary chairperson of the 2013 Outrun the Sun Race Against
Melanoma, hosted by nonprofit organization, Outrun the Sun, Inc. “By getting involved with Outrun
the Sun, I’m able to speak out about the importance of early detection. I also represent the fact that
melanoma can affect anyone, no matter what your age,” Shanna said.
According to Keeter Sechrist, MD, President of Outrun the Sun, Inc., “Melanoma is the second most
common cancer in people ages 15 to 29 and the most common cancer in people ages 25 to 29. It is
much more prevalent than most people realize and early detection is key to survival.”
While the main cause of melanoma and other skin cancers is over exposure to ultraviolet radiation
from the sun and indoor tanning beds, there are other factors that contribute to the disease.
“Shanna never visited tanning salons and didn’t bake in the sun like many people did years ago,”
her mother notes. Still, Shanna was one of more than 115,000 people nationwide to develop
melanoma last year. “This is why funding for melanoma research is vital,” said Anita Day, Executive
Director of Outrun the sun, Inc. “We need to learn more about the various causes of the disease
beyond ultraviolet radiation. There’s also a tremendous need for new therapies that consistently
and effectively treat patients with later stage melanoma.” Outrun the Sun supports melanoma
research through the Outrun the Sun National Melanoma Research Scholar Program. Proceeds from
the June race will help support this and other programs.
Shanna is looking forward to participating in the race in June. “I’ll do just about anything in support
of the cause---except I really don’t want to run,” she jokes. “I’m hopeful to involve many friends and
people from my community.” The small community of Alexandria, Indiana has come out in full
support of Shanna by organizing fundraising events in her honor. In February, among a packed
house of students and parents at an Alexandria Monroe 7th and 8th grade girls basketball game,
Shanna presented a check for more than $3,500 to Outrun the Sun. “It was as though the entire
community was in the gym that evening,” Day said. “I’d never seen anything quite like it. They were
all on their feet applauding Shanna. She certainly deserves an enormous round of applause. More
importantly, she deserves the chance to lead a long life, and that’s why we support melanoma
research.”
This May, Shanna will dress in her cap and gown and be handed a long-awaited high school
diploma. Like many high school seniors she will celebrate the accomplishments of the past twelve
years. Unlike many high school seniors, and with a nod to her future, she also will celebrate the
passing of a life-changing year. Shanna will attend Butler University in the fall.
2013 Outrun the Sun Race Against Melanoma Event Details
Saturday, June 8
7:00 pm (The evening start time keeps participants out of the sun’s harsh daytime rays.)
Fort Harrison State Park
5-Mile timed run; 5K run/walk; 1-Mile fun walk
Live music by Soul Street, refreshments and Kids’ Zone with races and activities for children
Proceeds benefit skin cancer education and melanoma research.
Volunteers needed; Teams welcome; Sponsorships available
Lead sponsors include: Indiana University Health, SunGuard, BMO Harris Bank, Raymond James,
Taft Law, Bose McKinney & Evans. Media partners: Indiana Lawyer, WZPL, WISH TV
Registration and information: www.outrunthesun.org
About Melanoma and Skin Cancer
 More than three million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually, making it the most
prevalent cancer in America. (This represents more than prostate, lung, colon and breast
cancers combined.)
 One American dies of melanoma every hour.
 Melanoma affects people of all ages and ethnicities.
 May is national Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness month.
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