WHO WE ARE
The Melanoma Awareness Foundation was established in Brisbane on February 24, 2008.
The foundation was formed in honour of Amanda Carter and in recognition of the fact that Amanda’s home state, Queensland was in desperate need of community education on the most dangerous of skin cancers.
Amanda passed away from Melanoma on 12 November 2007, aged 25.
Amanda’s passing brought together like minded people including her mum, Tracy Eather and her Surgeon, Dr Mark Smithers to create an organisation that would take a lead role on melanoma education and awareness across Queensland.
Melanoma is ‘Australia’s national cancer’.
Queensland has a significantly higher incidence of melanoma than any state in Australia and the disease impacts a greater percentage of the population than anywhere in the world.
As a health promotion charity the foundation strategically develops and delivers prevention based education and awareness programs across Queensland communities with a focus on dual streams:
- UV Radiation protection (building a ‘Sun Smart State’);
- Early detection and treatment (reducing cases of advanced disease).
VISION
MISSION
OBJECTIVES
Reduce youth sun exposure rates in Queensland by 5% within 5 years (from 2016 to 2020);
Reduce the incidence of advanced melanoma (stages 3 and 4) across Queensland by 5% within 5 years (from 2016 to 2020);
Reduce the number of melanoma deaths per year in Queensland by 5% within 5 years (from 2016 to 2020);
Tracy Eather, FOUNDER and Brett Otto, CEO
The Melanoma Awareness Foundation was formed in February 2008 by Mrs Tracey Eather following the passing of her daughter, Amanda. Tracey joined with her daughter’s surgeon, Dr Mark Smithers along with other close contacts to form the board of trustees. Brett Otto took over the role as CEO of the foundation in June 2015. Brett is a multiple melanoma survivor and has been involved in the melanoma community since 1988.