Friday, July 11, 2008

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!

9 comments:

Mrs. Schmitty said...

Thank you Leigh!! This subject is so important. I just wrote about it, and get this...I slathered up my kids with sunblock yesterday. I on the other hand forgot mine later on in the day. I burned the back of my neck slightly.

I guess old habits are hard to break.

Your post helped kick me in the butt again. I'll do better today!

Anonymous said...

Leigh -
Attaway to step up with a great post on skin cancer! As a survivor of malignant mellanoma (the deadliest of skin cancers) it's always good to get the word out about taking better care of our skin. Too many women invest in the temporary satisfaction of a tan and ignore the long-term dangers of cancer. I made an annual habit of getting burned for some stupid reason or another and it caught up to me. People really need to educate themselves and keep a watchful eye on their skin. It's really important for spouses and friends to "watch each other's back" for skin changes, especially moles that change shape or color!
Richard

Laural Out Loud said...

Thank you for this post- it's an excellent reminder to cover up!

My great grandmother had such gorgeous skin, and she told us it was from staying out of the sun her whole life. I always remember that and try to do the same.

"J" said...

Okay...
I'm off to read it! As you know I had a very small mole removed from my stomach 2 1/2 years ago from my stomach! It was melanoma! =( I was really good about the SPF the first 2 years...I've slacked off this summer. I've got better though! I didn't even get a burn on the 4th weekend! Even though my pics look like it...that is from the burn I got back in March when we were out working on the house! That burn was sooooooooooooooooooooooo BAD!!!!

I will head over to read the post you linked to!

I really think my skin cancer came from a tanning bed! I never really had my tummy exposed to the sun! It just makes me SICK of the thought they allow these places to remain open! =(

Great post!

I need to start wearing a hat!!!!
Yours are sooooooooooooooooo SEXY CUTE!

carrie said...

Thanks for the reminder! Of course, like any typical mom, I coat my kids in hats and sunscreen, but often forget to put it on myself - although I am pretty fond of my cowboy hat when we're on vacation! :)

Tyne said...

Great post! My mom had melenoma and I am a freak about lathering and covering. I use the lubriderm lotion everyday, too! Isn't it great? Happy POW!

McMommy said...

Thanks for the tip about the spf lotion! I don't do that and I totally should!!

nancygrayce said...

I don't like hats, although I will wear one when mowing the grass! I wear that same lubriderm lotion too!

Lindsey said...

I haven't always believed in wearing sunscreen but now slather on the SPF. Great post!