Melanoma March began as a community fundraising event in 2012 when James Economides decided to raise awareness and research funds in honour of his son, Michael, who passed away from melanoma in 2008 at the age of 20.
Turning his grief into action, and with friends, family and his local community by his side, Melanoma March was born.
What began as a single event along one beachfront promenade is now MIA’s major annual fundraising campaign.
The family-friendly walking event for the Cobram-Barooga community will be held on Sunday, March 15 at Kennedy Park, Thompsons Beach.
Pharmacist Paul Ukich, 62, is receiving ongoing treatment for melanoma and will also be participating in the walk this month.
Mr Ukich was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2002, the cancer was located on his calf and was surgically removed.
“Twenty years later, in 2022, the melanoma returned in the same location and was also detected in the lymph nodes behind my knee,” Mr Ukich said.
“It was diagnosed as stage four melanoma and required further surgery and treatment with targeted therapy.
“A year later it returned elsewhere and I am now undergoing immunotherapy ... the most important thing is to look after yourself, keep learning and try not to feel overwhelmed by the diagnosis.
“Cancer is a word, not a sentence.
“Thanks to the incredible advances made in immunotherapy, there is hope for many patients living with melanoma, and that’s why I’m walking and supporting Melanoma March.”
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world.
One person is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes, and one person dies from the disease every six hours.
It is the most common cancer affecting 20- to 39-year-old Australians.
Less than a decade ago, advanced melanoma was an almost certain death sentence, with patients rarely surviving more than a few months.
World-class research by MIA has led to groundbreaking treatment advances and improved patient outcomes.
Close to 60 per cent of advanced melanoma patients are now surviving and are essentially cured because of these groundbreaking treatments.
The 2026 Melanoma March campaign helps fuel this critical research and the development of new breakthrough treatments.
If you are unable to take part in the event, you can still support the campaign by hosting a March Your Way activity with friends or individually.
To participate or donate to Melanoma March, visit melanomamarch.org.au.
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