#wheresyahatmummy seeks to address the family aspects of melanoma awareness.

The program aims to educate young women, aged between 18 and 40 on the importance of sun protection and early detection. Central to the program is the notion of educating mothers to pass on sun smart habits to their children through appropriate examples and home based education.

Community based awareness forums are central to the programs strategy. The program also utilised extensive social media platforms to raise awareness amongst young mums as to the importance of sun protection and early detection.

Fostering a cultural shift towards sun smart practices, including the promotion of:

• Stylish Parasols;
• Attractive UPF 50 rashies;
• Fashionable hats;
• Habitual sunscreen application.

Lynda had a mole removed from her back at her local doctors surgery in Kingaroy, Queensland. The biopsy tested positive for malignant melanoma. Following further surgery, Lynda went about her business as a working mum.

Two years on, the melanoma had spread through her body, only becoming evident when tumours on her spine ruptured leaving her paralysed from the waist down.

Lynda’s life was turned upside down within a few hours of experiencing the back pain, a paraplegic with less than 3 months to live. Immobilised in a hospital bed acquired from a family friend, with the support of her family, including mother Gabrielle, Lynda endured advanced melanoma at the family home for more than 16 months, inspiring an entire community with her indefatigable spirit.

A beautiful soul, forever selfless, Lynda touched the hearts of literally thousands of people prior to and throughout her illness. Lynda’s legacy has now become the work of the foundation, saving lives.

Learn more about the role parents play in educating their children on melanoma prevention by watching this video entitled New Family Rules – compliments of David Cornfield Melanoma Fund Canada.