I Won the Lottery-Can You Help Me Share the Gold?

10 years ago, and every day since, my family and I are reminded that I’m a winner—and we’re forever grateful! I am a medical case study on a rare form of cancer.

While I’m not old enough to play the lottery, I do know that both the improbability of this diagnosis and the ‘win’ against it was like hitting the lottery…TWICE! I got the Golden Ticket!

Instead of a lifetime supply of chocolate, I got a lifetime!

My Story: Beating Unbelievable Odds, From Diagnosis to Cure

At age 6, my mom dragged me to the dermatologist to have a wart removed from my hand. The Dr. noticed a black line on my thumb. While we thought it was Sharpie gone awry, or a bruised nail from rough play with my brothers, it was, in fact, Longitudinal Melanonychia. Although most of these cases turn out to be benign, my doctors were concerned that this was Subungual Melanoma.

This form of cancer is rare. I mean, unbelievably rare.

You are more likely to win the lottery multiple times than receive the diagnosis that I did.

To add to that statistic, most people at risk of this disease are between the ages of 50 and 70 and usually of African American, Asian, or Native American descent. I am neither. I had literally hit the genetic lottery!

Not in a good way!

After the diagnosis, my family and my entire network of supporters rallied as I underwent surgery to remove my fingernail and perform wide excision of the tissue and skin on my thumb. I didn’t understand at the time how lucky I was! The Melanoma was detected very early and was well contained. I did not require amputation of my thumb or, even worse…

The surgeon was able to remove it all. He performed the surgery in such a way as to repair my damaged nail bed. I am fortunate that the fingernail on my thumb grew back completely and is not deformed or disfigured in any significant way. Another incredible win!

My Goal: Pay it Forward!

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The commemorative color is gold. With that in mind, I’d like to pay it forward by sharing my good fortune.

I am incredibly grateful--

…to my parents, who took me to see the best doctors, not knowing how we would pay for it.

…to the dermatologist who recognized the condition ‘by accident’ and knew it needed immediate attention.

…to the surgeon who saved my fingernail, my thumb, and possibly my life--without asking for a dime from my parents.

…to my pediatrician, who has informed me that she uses my experience to educate others. She now checks every one of her patient's fingers and toes and tells them to scan for the disease as well!

My Ask: Will You Please Help Me Raise $2,011 (the Year I was Diagnosed) for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital?

Much like my parents, they seek out the best doctors to provide the best care possible.

Like my surgeon, they believe no family should have to worry about how they will pay for the treatment involved in getting their child healthy.

Like my pediatrician, their purpose is to help children when they are sick and most vulnerable.

Most importantly, they are a research hospital, and more research needs to be done to help eliminate childhood cancers.

Thank you for your support!

The real “win” is my health. It is worth more than gold!

Please help me share my winnings in hopes that every pediatric cancer patient someday becomes a golden ticket holder!

If you are unable to donate, please show your support by sharing my story, wearing gold and educating others on this rare Melanoma.

Either way, I wish you my kind of good fortune.