Joan G. Rubin
Nonprofit
When Joan G. Rubin was diagnosed with melanoma more than 20 years ago, she started searching for a support group to help her deal not only with her diagnosis, but also to learn more about this cancer. She found the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation.
The foundation was started in 1995 by Deborah Kann Schwarzberg to honor her brother who died of melanoma at the age of 45. Since then, she and Rubin have worked to prevent others from suffering from the disease through education and early detection.
“Many people, when presented with the reality of melanoma, exclaim ‘I didn’t know the sun could do that.’ That is why it is important to remember always to wear a zinc mineral-based sunscreen, free of any harmful chemicals, a wide brimmed hat, UV protective glasses and long sleeve clothing when spending any time outdoors,” says Rubin, who serves on the board of directors.
The foundation’s mission is to educate children and give them the skills necessary to make healthy sun safety choices. The foundation also was recently selected by the Leadership of Palm Beach County’s Engage Forward Program to assist in developing an interactive and entertaining, educational presentation on sun safety that will be delivered to more than 196,000 children in Palm Beach County.
“The only real cure for melanoma is prevention, education and early detection, and this is what our mission is,” says Rubin.
The foundation’s newest initiative involves the distribution of sunscreen dispensers in parks, beaches, schools and outdoor areas. Board member baseball Hall of Famer and melanoma survivor Mike Schmidt has been instrumental in helping them with introducing the dispensers into major league baseball stadiums.
Rubin also has been actively involved in the foundation’s annual luncheon and fashion show for more than 20 years. The next one will be held at the Breakers in Palm Beach on Jan. 24, 2022. The featured designer is J. Mendel. Tampa General Hospital is the Diamond Sponsor. Visit melanomaluncheon.com or call the foundation to purchase tickets or make donations.
“It is like we have created a village and I ask everyone who attends the event if they will be our ambassadors who will carry our message wherever they go.”
Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation, 2751 S. Dixie Highway, Ste. 2A, West Palm Beach, 561-655-9655, melanomafoundation.com
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