Hi Jay, 

I got back last night after a couple of days in NZ and there you were on the ABC in a report for the news on sun beds. Jay, you are incredible!!! you must be so proud and happy.  There's no way this would have happened without your passionate advocacy.  Think how many lives you're going to make a difference to and even save! And yet you're so modest, you don't seek any recognition. But it was YOU Jay!! You put this issue on the radar. You are an absolute inspiration.

March 14 2010, Roxanne 'Caitrina' Hood - Canada

Hello Jay,

I don't usually send messages to strangers but when I saw your name on a fan page I was looking into I couldn't resist.  I apologize for being so forward.  After being diagnosed with Melanoma I started doing research into what I was up against and came across videos of your fight on YouTube.  I have been very fortunate that mine was caught early and I'm now on the usual blood, body scan and x-rays every three months.

My brother-in-law was not as lucky and I miss him dearly.  The doctors thought they got all his but he didn't go to his 3 month checkups and so it wasn't detected again till it was too late.  He had tumors removed from his brain but the Melanoma had already begun taking over his body.  When I heard you say on a video that you felt you had a ticking time bomb inside you, it hit home that I'm not alone in how Melanoma has affected me.  Yes the cancer is gone for now but it still haunts me sometimes keeps me up at night.

I wanted to tell you how much you've inspired me to spread awareness to anyone who will listen about how to protect themselves and not ignore any warning signs.  You're an amazing young man and I thank you for being you.

30 Dec 2009, Sue McColl

Hi Jay

I have just finished watching "RPA Where are They Now" - I made a point of watching tonight's episode as I was keen to know how you were going, having followed your story when it originally aired.  I lost my 66 year old father to melanoma in August 2009, and although I had a reasonable awareness of the disease prior to Dad's diagnosis, I was struck by how little most people know about it.

Although we tried to stay as positive as we could throughout Dad's illness, we knew realistically that is not an easily-treatable cancer. Sometimes it was so frustrating when well-meaning friends compared him to others they knew who had succesfully recovered from other (often early diagnosed) forms of cancer and couldn't understand when we tried to explain how aggresive and difficult to treat melanoma can be, and that it's not "just skin cancer".  A lady in your story mentioned that melanoma is "a lonely cancer", and I know what she meant.  

I applaud your efforts to raise awareness of the risks involved in solarium and sun exposure - it is so important to get the message across, especially to younger people, who face such severe consequences if they contract melanoma so early in life.  Also the work of MPA to help patients through this difficult journey.  Keep up the good work, and all the best to you and your lovely family for the future.

21 Dec 2009, # 291 from petition  - Paul Scott, Australia

ALL Sunbed / solariums should be banned, especially in so called health & fitness areas. They do not promote a healthy lifestyle. I used sunbeds about 25 years ago when you needed about 5 x 30 minute sessions before you had a decent tan. These days you get the same in 10 minutes. I hate to think what damage they do. YES they should all be banned

15 Dec 2009, Barbara Gioia, New York

I lost my mother to melanoma, I am only 27 and my mother fought this beast on and off for a long time, their is no cure once it has spread. Please BAN sunbeds, please I beg you, a tan is NOT worth it at all.  I want to see all sunbeds banned all over the world, including america, if you Google what these beds do to you, you will never go in one again. 

Maureen Macdonald

I just watched Jay and his family on RPA with tears rolling down my face. My hubby lost his 6 year fight with melanoma this year...I applaud you for telling your story Jay. Too many people don't realise just how deadly melanoma is.. I have kids at work bragging at how badly they got burnt at the beach or wherever and every time I am up there on my soap box alerting them to the dangers...everyone needs to get the word out there...stay positive and embrace life!!! Material things mean nothing, family and friends and living life to the fullest is what is important.... Thank you again Jay for being so brave and letting the world see those dangers first hand.

Susanne Singh - Mermaid Waters, Australia

Jay, I have watched your story with much interest. You are a total inspiration. I agree sunbeds must be banned. I am 42 years old and have just passed the one year since having a level 2 melanoma on my arm. I cried watching you as I totally understand how the fear of the melanoma returning never really leaves me. I get very anxious leading up my 3 monthly checkups. Once again I really admire your courage and well done and good luck with your petition.

18th Jan 2009 - Greg Millan

Hi Jay, I had a look at your website today, after reading story in Sunday Telegraph. You are a brave man to put up your story and mount your campaign against sunbeds. I wanted to congratulate you on this.

I am in my 3rd year out from having leukamia and having it successfully treated with a bone marrow transplant in May2007. I am almost fully recovered now, no more cancer, but I know the experiencee of chemo and radiation therapy.

I also work in the men's health area, as a private consultant, have been for over 14 years now.

Good on you, all the very best for the future, and keep up the great work.

29 Jan 2009, Amber

Good on you for doing this website.  I am 34 years old and use to be a regular sunbed tanner.  I knew the risks.  The only thing that made me wake up and stop was Claire Oliver.  I have never gone back.  I have used sunbeds "alot" and just crossing my fingers now that nothing bad ever happens.  

Do you want to ban sunbeds?: YES

16th Feb 2009 - Lynette Martin

Congrats Jay a great site with helpful support links. 

Do you want to ban sunbeds?: YES

12 March 2009 - Sarah Mifsud

My name is Sarah Mifsud I am 26 years old and I am too a Melanoma survivor.  I followed your story on RPA, mainly because it was what I went through and I could relate to.  As your story was on TV  I was going through ultrasounds to see if lumps in my neck were something to be concerned about.  The waiting is the worst part. 

I was diagnosed with melanoma in July 2007, I have fair skin and have used solarium's in the past.  I had a level 2, .35mm deep Melanoma on my right shoulder blade.  I am still having my moles checked every 3 months, and seeing the melanoma clinic every 6 months.  Although this doesn't stop me worrying everyday that it may come back or there may just be another ticking time bomb somewhere else on my body. 

I was watching the news on the weekend and heard that you are suing solarium's.  I was so happy to hear that you are doing this.  I wanted to do something after I was given the all clear but was to overwhelmed and didn't know where to start.  I just wanted to make people aware of how dangerous it can be, and that its really not worth dying over a tan. 

I started with my colleagues and friends.  I made them aware of what I went through and the feeling of being told you have Cancer.  Although unfortunately sitting next to me and seeing the scar on my back every day still doesn't deter people from wanting to get a tan and going to the solarium. 

Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help, to get the word out and avoid others going through what we did.  I can help forward petitions, tell my story, anything if you need.  I wish you all the best of luck in your health. 

3rd Apri 2009 - Maggie Scott

Hi Jay, My name is Maggie Scott. I am a 46 year old woman who had a melanoma removed about 12 months ago. I was told then it was a grade 1 and upon removal I was told that no further treatment was needed.

I had a feeling in me that this may come back to haunt me and today I got the news it has. My left underarm lymph node has tested positive for melanoma. Funnily enough I can't really feel the lump, but sure enough it is there. It can be seen as clear as day on the ultrasound.
 
This coming Monday I have an appointment with Dr Robyn Saw at the Melanoma Unit at RPA. I have been there before as she was the surgeon that removed the original melanoma.
 
I have just finishing watching your video on your website. I also signed the petition.  I hope that I can be as brave as you have been. Like you I have so much to live for. A wonderful new husband, 4 great kids and a grand daughter. What scares me most about the kids is my youngest son. He is only 6.
 
I am determined that this is not going to beat me. I am scared as hell but I am going to do what I have to do to beat this. Not sure why I decided to send this email. I guess you are the face of hope for me at this time.  My melanoma was not from sunbed use. It was from stupidity as a teenager in the sun.  Congratulations on your web site.  I have passed the word around to friends and family.

24th April 2009 - Leanne Wilford

My best friend went through a very similar journey to Jay, but the outcome was not so favourable.  Her cancer returned very aggressively about 18 months after her initial treatment.  She was gone 6 months later.

I warn everyone I can against solariums and cannot believe they are allowed to exist.  I fully support your cause and wish you all the best.  Thanks for being the voice!

Do you want to ban sunbeds?: YES

7 May 2009 - Terry Jackson

Hi there, I've just watched Jay Allens video shot during his initial chats with the doctor etc.  The emotions showed by Jay were EXACTLY like the emotions I felt just last year when I was told that my first excision had come back positive & was malignant.  The next excision 2 weeks later was much, much bigger & VERY painfull as it was performed with just a "local" & I was awake during the entire procedure, NEVER AGAIN !!!!!!

I felt very emotional while watching the video & was wondering if you know of any organization here in New Zealand which may offer "backup" support to us survivors as I feel I need to talk with someone who can tell me what the chances are of this terrible disease returning etc.  If you do know of such a group in NZ would you get back to me with some info, thank you very much. 

My best wishes to Jay.  WE CAN BEAT THIS  !

.... second message

Probably like you, not a day goes by when at some stage, I dont think about my own "mortality" & I look at life now with a different perspective than before.  I now have a regular melanoma check-up with my doctor every 6 months & so far its "all clear" I guess thats all we can do !!!!!! 

Take care Jay & thanks again. WE CAN BEAT THIS  !

27 May 2009 - Madge Hayes 

I am borrowing the email account of my son in law Norm. My letter is below

In February 2009 I was a patient in RPA Hospital having had an isolated limb infusion procedure using anti cancer drugs, after having many melanoma operations on my left leg over the past 13 years.  

Previous to 1995 I had stayed free of melanomas for 33 years, as in 1962, I had an operation at RPA to remove the Lymph Glands from the groin of my left leg.  I was delighted to have a visit from Jay Allen, who I had seen on the RPA TV Program last year, he had a similar operation to mine and is doing well.

Pleased to say, I am recovering well and hopefully will be able to live the rest of my life free of Melanomas as the Chemotherapy procedure appears to have worked successfully.   

I am so thankful to Professor John Thompson and his team at RPA Hospital.

30 Oct 2009 - Lindsey

Hi Jay, Thank you for your drive to spread awareness about melanoma.  I've watched your story and I can relate.  I am currently healing up from the second surgery that removed all of the lymph nodes under my arm.  As a Stage 3B Melanoma, my Doctor is recommending that I get a year of Interferon shots to help prevent the melanoma from recurrence.  Were you offered Interferon?  What do you think about Interferon? I'm from Hawaii, USA and so maybe this is just something that's more common here in the states.  I'm not sure if it's common procedure in Australia.  I am just trying to figure out if I want to take interferon or not, so I'm trying to ask around to other melanoma survivors to see what their view is on it.  Thanks for any information or opinion that you may have!  Be Well.

18th Nov 2009 - Amber Henderson

Hi. I just wanted to say what an inspiration Jay is. I too used Solarium over ten years ago, probably used it for over twelve months, just to look good. I now have quite a lot of freckles over my body and scared to get then checked. Well done for this campaign.

Do you want to ban sunbeds?: YES

18th Nov 2009  - Melissa Selwood

I just wanted to express my support of what you are trying to achieve. Its an important message, young people in particular know the dangers not slip slop slapping however as a result they turn to the solariums which in fact have the same negative ramifications of not slip slop slapping. As a young person myself im really gald someone is attempting to make a difference and get the message across. Im currently at university studying public communications sub majoring in public relations. If by some chance an oppertunity arise by whcih i can lend a hand or gain some work experience i would be a willing candidate.

Do you want to ban sunbeds?: YES

18th Nov 2009 - Rhonda Johnston

Hi Jay,

I sincerely hope that your health is continuing to be good with no more unsavoury visits to doctors.

Yes, I am one of hundreds / thousands who watched the show tonight and saw you and your lovely family go through the recent trauma of skin cancer. My brother, who is a farmer, is continually having lumps, bumps, sores and spots removed from his head and face – so far nothing has “gotten away” on him but we live hoping that day will never come.

I run a hair and make up wedding business in Melbourne and as such I am in touch with hundreds of brides every year who are planning their “beauty routine” for their wedding day. We do around 20-30 weddings most weekends. We also send out about 30-40 mail outs each week to brides enquiring about our services, so I was wondering if you could email me a flyer which I can photocopy and put into each letter we send out. I hear girls all the time (daily) telling me that they are planning their tanning sessions and a lot of them still intend on using a solarium. I have always given them my spiel on how bad they are – lets face its certainly not natural to put yourself in the path of radiation – but I often think that it falls on deaf ears. So, I thought tonight after seeing your account, that this would be an easy way of promoting the unsafe treatment of sun beds.

The little flyers you were handing out on the beach would be perfect!!

I thank you for your time reading this and I wish you and your lovely family many more happy and healthy days ahead.

18th Nov 2009 -  Annette Lackovic

Thank you for sharing your story on RPA; I’m very happy for you and your family that you have survived that scary ordeal. I’d like to get your opinion if possible.

I have been a sunbed user up until 6mths ago. I used sunbeds weekly from the age 18 till 34.  I went to the sun cancer clinic in Maroubra and you would of probably fell over backwards if you were in the room.

I mention to the doctor the time frame I have been using sunbeds for and was worried as I had a mole cut out when I was young and thought I sho0uld get checked out.  Without even looking at me the female doctor said “ha- your fine- your chances are like 1 in 3 million- the people who get melanoma have got something already wrong with them”

I was stunned and I must admit also a little happy as here is a doctor pretty much telling me it’s ok to  continue maintain my tan.

However I didn’t let vanity get the best of me and then had to ask for her to check me (that’s when I got startled at her professionalism).  I pointed out moles I think she should look at. It was an extremely quick peruse and she said – “nope your fine, you have nothing to worry about”

I said –“aren’t you meant to look at them under a magnifier glass or special light?” So she grab a magnifier, took a closer look and then I was on my way.

2 questions:

1.       Am I over reacting? Was she meant to do more?

2.       Can you point me to a clinic who will check me thoroughly. 

18th Nov 2009 - Patricia, Bathurst - NSW

I saw you on RPA this evening, and thank you for your bravery and your belief in the cause.  Thank you for inspiring and giving hope to all those people that you have.  You look like a very genuine person, and I am pleased that you have got a second chance and that you are putting it to great use.

I was wondering if you have any advice that you maybe able to give me, if you don't mind.  My problem isn't however related to sunbeds but certainly cancer/melonomia.

My son is 14 and will not wear sunblock to school, or around the yard on weekends etc (unless I nag nag nag him - which I do at every moment possible).   How do I get through to him, he just thinks that it won't happen to him and I don't know what I am talking about.  I am very concerned.   Since he is in high school they don't have the "no hat no play" policy like the little kids, so of course it is uncool for him to wear a hat.   I make him wear sunblock, as much as possible,  when he leaves for school at 8am but by lunchtime or even recess, I guess the sunblock probably isn't that effective, there is no way he would re-apply it at school... too uncool ... I am worried sick about him - I tell him everyday about cancer and melonomia - but unfortunately it goes in one ear and out the other - any clues on changing his attitude?   I have made him watch programs on tv and ads, but no idea change.

Thank you for reading my email and once again congratulations.

18th Nov 2009 - Shane Osmond

Hi Jay, I saw your story on RPA and wanted to commend you on your work on melanoma awareness. My Mother was diagnosed with a grade 3 malignant melanoma in her back 17 years ago and is a survivor. My Fink was her surgeon and an amazing man who has since retired.

My Mum is from Queensland and I remember as a kid her using vinegar and olive oil and a sun lamp to maintain her tan. I actually noticed the mole on her back when she was going out to sun bake one day. Within 1 week she was in hospital, had a huge circular section taken out of her back and skin grafted.  She ended up hemorrhaging and I was contacted very early the next morning when she was discovered in a pool of blood in her bed.  Her skin grafts had to be re-done and she spent 6 weeks in hospital.

She was then checked each month for the first year and then each 3 months until Mr. Fink declared after 10 years that she was consider melanoma free. She kept seeing him until he retired for regular checks. I was very pleased to see that your results were also good, I hope things remain that way for you.

I'm now a secondary teacher and I am always trying to tell the kids about the dangers of solariums and the dangers of being unprotected in the sun. At this time of the year they arrive back at school after the week-end many of them sun burnt to the point of blisters and peeling. Quite a number of the girls and boys have been to solariums and they don't seem to think anything can happen to them. I have already had one student die from melanoma and wanted to impress on my students to be sun safe and not to use solariums.

I noticed you were handing out brochures about melanoma and wanted to know where I could obtain some of these to do a blitz at our school. If you could let me know that would be appreciated.

I wish you continued good health.

18th Nov - Tracy Roberts

After watching you again on RPA i just wanted to say what a great thing you have achieved from your experience. As a nurse here in Qld, I have been involved in the care of  patients that have suffered and also lost the battle of skin cancer. Your are your family are an inspiration and keep up the amazing work, Its great when good things happen from bad things.

19th Nov 2009 - Karen Pierson

You are a true inspiration! I lost my mother to Melanoma and know how little there is in the way of sponsorship for Melanoma. I've started a cause and raise money for the Melanoma Institute. My cause is on facebook and I've got almost 1000 people already. I'd love if we could support each other in the name of more awareness of Melanoma. My facebook page is at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/366111/29811404?m=b20fc063

19th Nov 2009 - Sara Cuneo  

I am contacting you today as I was watching your episode on tv last night and was touched by your fight against melanoma.

I was really excited to see your campaign on sunbed ban as this too is something that I truly believe in and am shocked by the number of people that still use them.

A brief history of my story – I have started my business over two years ago to ‘slowly’ but surely encourage people that if they insist on a tan there are more non harmful natural ways out there – ie: spray tanning and the start of 'Shimmer Tan'.

Our company mission is to stop as many people as we can from exposing themselves to the sun and especially sun beds.

I have developed the shimmer tan solution myself and will not supply to any companies that promote sun beds – it is against the Shimmer Tan mission statement. 

www.shimmertan.com.au

Spray tanning never looked better

19 Nov 2009 - Tim McKay

Mate I've just watched RPA and I just had to get in touch.  Mate you inspire me.

I had a bit of an idea about your story.  I had caught your RPA segment when it was first on and at the time I was amazed, but having watched last night that you are taking the fight on with your awareness campaign etc I was just blown away.

I spent 8 days with your mate Lisa Mcfadyen from MPA in the september just gone doing to Smiling for Smiddy ride in QLD.  Don't know if you have heard about it, but if you havent please check out http://www.facebook.com/l/3be0d;www.smiddy.org.au

Its a great cause mate, and we managed to raise $540 grand this year for Melanoma research/support.

I have taken the concept and have started the wheels rolling to get the event rolling in Tassie.  I have been meeting with the Government down here and things are progressing well.  It would be great to maybe fly you down here in the near future to talk at our launch or something.  Let me know if your keen.

Thanks again mate

Anita Edwards

I saw Jay's story on Channel 9 RPA show and I was touched by what I saw. I knew that sunbeds had bad effects like anything may have but not to that point. Some of my friends use them and this is a clear message to them and to anyone that might what a tan. 

It can happen to anyone, I suffered from a Melanoma when I was 25. It was located on the side of my forehead. I never even noticed it to be honest. I went to my doctor and he did a biopsy and came back as a level 3. Mine was not through Sun damage or a sunbed but through my family bloodline, Scary yes.....but at the end of the day a Melanoma is a Melanoma. Thankyou Jay for showing people your story.

Liz Barron - QLD

Hey there Jay, hows it going?? I had early stage Melanoma diagnosed in 1999 I also went to RPA when I lived at Ambervale, I now live in Qld.  I was also dianosed in Dec 07 with extensive Oesopahgus cancer.  I had a 6cm adenocarcinomoma in my Oesopahgus junction..I had 5 lots of major surgery done & 6 months of chemo..Dr's told me that my chances are not good but 2 there surprise i'm still here thank God!  It's hard to live with cancer & I don't think people realy understand what it's like to live with, if they havent got it.  I keep postive, but fear every 3 months when I have to go bak for CT scans & blood tests.  But so far I seem to be doing ok and hopeing it stays that way.

I wish you, your family well & good luck in the future.....God Bless.

Kelly Hensley

A person on a forum sent me here - we got the news yesterday that my sister who has just turned 40 has metastatic melanoma, with over 40 lumps and more appearing daily. It's really hard to find info on this type (at this stage we don't know where the original site is and it was a lump that got biopsied). 

She got it from years of solarium use, ignored the warnings - including that of my mother a nurse who kept telling her this could happen, but like most young people she had 'it'll never happen to me' syndrome!

Thanks for making this site!

Keep up the good work

Steve Williams

Hey Jay,

Hey mate, I read your article about 2months ago and how you still have to go through regular check ups, and your worried that the cancer could return at anytime. I tried to find you on facebook but theres about 5000 Jay Allens haha,  I'm not a doctor or anything but i do alot of research into alternative medicines, and I think I can direct you the correct way and  can give you alot of information to help get your health to 110% and you will never have to see a doctor or get a regular check up again. I wont tell you anything more until I get you approval of interest.

Thanks mate

Daniel Neale, Australia

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