Katie's Foundation

Today, I plan to go and take in some sun. Things are far different today for me, than it was in my youth when it comes to the sun. I had poor tanning habits in my youth. Though it was a short window of time ( maybe 4 years). I couldn't tolerate the heat so my window to sun exposure wasn't long, but it was long enough. I did stupid things.

I recall one day my friend Jenny and I scaling my Dad's ladder to tan on my rooftop. We rubbed on cooking oil and waited to fry up like chickens. In another tanning mishap, I got a severe burn on my chest, it bubbled up very badly. People on the beach (I didn't know) started stopping by and telling me that I needed to go in. It was gross. It left my chest with small freckles. Basically scars from the suns permanent damage.

When I was about 18, I could not tolerate the heat any longer. So from time to time I went to the tanning bed. Even worse-no matter what the folks that work there tell ya! I did this off and on for about 2 -3 years and quit. Big Daddy hated for me to go. Not only was it the money (go figure) he continually told me that I was "damaging my skin". So, I did quit. About 4 years ago, I had 2 dark spots (looked like large freckles) removed from my stomach. The dermatologist told me that they were precancerous. She said, most likely not from the sun but from the tanning bed.

Today I cover up if I am outside.

I always wear a hat if I am out in the sun for any extended period.

I make my family wear hats (but most times they do it anyhow. We are all fans of a hat).

I wear SPF lotion daily (Lubriderm). Even in the winter.

(Here is a $1.00 off coupon to encourage you to lather up year round too)

And I always always always lather up the family if we are at the beach or pool or outside for any length of time. And then I reapply.

It really IS scary.
I am writing this story, because I was recently reading Mrs. Schmitty's blog. In particular, this story. Mrs. Schmitty recently wrote about her high school friend, Katie, that passed away from skin cancer. Katie's family has now started an organization called Katie's Foundation. Both Mrs. Schmitty's story and the story at Katie's Foundation are worth the read. It could save your life, or the life of a family member of friend. And to Mrs. Schmitty, I appreciate you writing this story. I think it can touch alot of people.

To sunscreen!