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On Saturday September 13, the LentiGO made its first passes on the track since it has been a part of Team Truck Melanoma. It was an exciting and also nerve-racking time as it was also MY first time ever drag racing.
Drag racing is not originally the type of racing that the LentiGO was going to do, but as our organization has grown and we have worked to build out the truck there has been a lot of mission creep as to what we want the vehicle to be able to do. Since the v8 swap, it has opened up a lot of different possibilities for ways that we can help spread the message of melanoma awareness, and one of those ways is through participating in drag race events at out local racetrack. We are very lucky to have the Portland International Raceway essentially in our back yard, so t it makes it very easy to go over there. I can tell you the drag racing is a completely different experience, and one that you should try out if you have not tried it...However, prepare yourself for videos that don't look nearly as cool as it feels when you're actually inside the vehicle racing.... The video evidence is where I discovered that from a perspective up in the grand stands that the LentiGO actually appears to be the LentiSLOW. I know one of the main issues is that the LentiGO had an open rear differential, which if you don't know what that means, it means that all of the power that is being transferred from the engine to the wheels is only going to go to the tire with the LEAST amount of traction. As the LentiGO does have a pretty powerful engine, it makes it very easy to just spin the tires...or one TIRE in the case of an open differential. Even at 97 MPH, on video, the truck look completely underwhelming... SO, we are making some changes! A limited slip differential has been installed in the rear end. A new diff cover with a girdle to help protect the bearings has also been installed. We also now have a line lock on the front brakes to help with those pre-run burn outs to warm up the tires. We have also got a full drag pack of wheels and tires. Fat slicks in the rear, skinnies up front all in a combination that will save nearly 100 lbs of the street radials and wheels. I think we should be able to get some decent runs and numbers now! Why this matters is it helps open us up to more aspects of the Motorsports and automotive enthusiast community where we can reach more people with our message of early detection and prevention. We are super excited for this new chapter! Keep your eyes pealed to see us on the track soon! Next planned racing to be done 10/03/2025!!! The last grudge match drags of the year at PIR. We will see you there! Bring your vehicle and your helmet and race against the LentiGO!
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We are very excited and grateful to announce Fuck Cancer (letsfcancer.org) continues to generously support Truck Melanoma's free skin check outreach at events across the PNW and the Mountain West.
Their continued support through grant funds allows us to continue to offer the free skin check with local dermatologists at events we attend. To date, since Truck Melanoma's inception in March 2023, we have done ~250 free skin checks, finding 25 potential melanoma skin cancers and over 30 potential non-melanoma skin cancers. Fuck Cancer's continued support is pivotal in making our work possible. Join us in saying thank you to Fuck Cancer and their continued partnership allowing for a stronger, unified attack on melanoma! It is something that will seem pretty crazy when you think about it, but did you know that there are numerous states that DO NOT allow school kids to have sunscreen in school without having a prescription of Dr's note? How absolutely crazy is that?!
We need to do better. I have ran into it before when I offered to have Truck Melanoma provide sunscreen samples for my kids on their school field day and was told that they were not allowed to bring sunscreen in to share. Want to know if your state is one that allows sunscreen in schools? Check out this awesome article by SkinCancer.org: https://www.skincancer.org/blog/does-your-state-allow-sunscreen-in-schools/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Your%20Summer%20Sun%20Safety%20Month%20Update&utm_campaign=Your%20July%20Update%3A%20Don%20t%20Get%20Burned%21%20%28Copy%29 There is also an area their that you can sign a petition if your state is one that does not allow sunscreen. Protect the children's Trucking skin! On the morning of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, our beloved General Sherman—our 2005 1st Gen Toyota Sequoia and the heart of Truck Melanoma’s outreach mission—was involved in an automobile accident. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured. But General Sherman, the workhorse that’s towed our race truck, the Lentigo, held our Ironman 4x4 mobile clinic set-up and carried us across highways, to racetracks, and community events, has been seriously damaged.
For years, General Sherman hasn’t just been a vehicle. It's been our basecamp for skin checks. Our mobile education center. A sun-safe haven for those learning about melanoma and skin cancer prevention. It's been the symbol of our mission: taking life-saving sun safety education directly to motorsports and automotive enthusiasts—meeting people where they are. Now, we’re facing an unexpected challenge. Without General Sherman, our ability to bring free skin checks and sun safety outreach to events is at risk. We need your help. Repairs and rebuilding won’t be easy—or cheap. Whether it's restoring General Sherman or replacing him with another capable tow rig, every dollar will go directly toward keeping our outreach moving. Your support allows us to continue providing potentially life-saving services, educating communities, and helping catch skin cancer early when it’s most treatable. If General Sherman has ever inspired you, if you believe in the mission of Truck Melanoma!, we’re asking you to stand with us now. Please consider donating today. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one mile closer to being back on the road. 👉 Click below to donate and help rebuild General Sherman. Together, we can keep racing for awareness—and saving lives. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Truck Melanoma Expands Regional Impact with New Mountain West and Pacific Northwest UnitsRacing for Awareness. Saving Skin. Portland, Oregon — 07/03/2025 — Truck Melanoma, the nonprofit hellbent on kicking skin cancer’s ass in the motorsports and automotive world, is proud to announce its official expansion into two new regional divisions: the Mountain West Unit and the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Unit. Fueled by community demand and growing awareness at racetracks, trails, and garages, this regional expansion marks a major milestone in Truck Melanoma’s mission to bring melanoma and skin cancer education, early detection, and sun protection straight to the people who need it most—on their terms, in their world. “We don’t do soft,” says Ryan Kiernan, founder and director of Truck Melanoma. “We’re showing up where most nonprofits won’t—under the hoods, at the dynos, in the pits, on the trails—and we’re not just handing out sunscreen. We’re saving lives. These new regional units mean more boots on the ground, more skin in the game, and a whole lot more people getting the wake-up call they didn’t know they needed.” Each unit will be led by a Regional Outreach Lead, a dedicated volunteer spearheading local engagement, event presence, and partnerships within their respective communities. These leaders will drive education and awareness efforts while keeping things authentically Truck Melanoma: gritty, real, and rooted in the culture of motorsports. Truck Melanoma’s skin check clinics have already helped identify multiple potential melanomas and skin cancers at automotive events across Oregon and Utah, while distributing over 25,000 sunscreen and SPF samples—free of charge. With the launch of the Mountain West and PNW Units, that reach is accelerating—trail by trail, pit by pit. Join the Fight. Fuel the Mission.We’re calling on gearheads, weekend warriors, race fans, and sunscreen slingers to step up:
Truck Melanoma is gearing up for a packed summer of high-impact outreach, and we need your help.Whether you're a medical assistant, med student, dermatology provider, or just passionate about early detection and sun safety, this is your chance to get involved in a way that directly saves lives—right where awareness is needed most.
If you've been following our work, you already know we're not your typical skin cancer awareness campaign. We go where others won’t--under the hood, on the trail, at full throttle. This summer is no different. 👇 Upcoming Volunteer Events🔧 July 19–20 – Lucky Dog Racing League “Salute to the Dogs”📍 Portland International Raceway This one hits close to home. One of the racing teams has a member currently battling metastatic melanoma. We'll be trackside offering sun protection education, handing out SPF samples, and encouraging early detection through skin checks and awareness conversations. ☕ August 2, 9:00–11:00am – Rigs and Coffee @ Iron Rigs📍 Beaverton, OR A low-key, high-sun event with the off-road and overlanding crowd. This is an ideal space to have real conversations with folks who spend long hours outside and don’t often hear about skin cancer prevention. 🧼 August 16, 10:00am–4:00pm – PDX Adult Soap Box Derby📍 Mt. Tabor Park, Portland A family-friendly, Portland favorite with a diverse audience. This is an all-day opportunity for meaningful outreach in a fun, accessible environment. 🏁 Tentative: August 29–30 – NASCAR Xfinity Series📍 Portland International Raceway Pending confirmation, this would be one of our largest events of the year. High visibility. Huge turnout. Major opportunity to make an impact. 🧴 What Volunteers Do:
🚨 Why It MattersEvery summer, we meet people who’ve never heard that melanoma can be deadly—or that it can be caught early. We’ve identified multiple suspected skin cancers during these outreach events and connected individuals to care they wouldn’t have sought otherwise. Sometimes, a free SPF sample and a 60-second conversation is what it takes to save a life. 💥 Want to Help?If you're available for any of these dates—or just want more info--contact us here or send a DM on Instagram @truckmelanomaofficial. We’d love to have you on the crew, even if it's just for a few hours. Can’t make it but still want to support? Your donation helps us keep showing up and handing out protection where it counts: 👉 https://www.truckmelanoma.org/donate-now.html Thanks for being part of the movement. Let’s protect some trucking skin this summer. -- Ryan Kiernan Founder & Director, Truck Melanoma www.truckmelanoma.org Melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, can be overwhelming to navigate — emotionally, physically, and financially. For individuals diagnosed with melanoma, timely treatment and access to support resources can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the various ways patients and their families can seek help with melanoma treatment.
1. Understanding Melanoma and Its TreatmentMelanoma occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) become cancerous. Treatment depends on the stage of melanoma and may include:
Knowing the stage of melanoma is essential. Early-stage melanoma often only requires surgery, while advanced cases may need a combination of therapies. Reference: American Cancer Society. (2024). Treatment of Melanoma Skin Cancer 2. Finding a Melanoma SpecialistSeeking care from a dermatologist or oncologist with experience in melanoma is critical. Patients can:
Academic medical centers and cancer institutes often have dedicated melanoma programs. 3. Accessing Financial AssistanceThe cost of melanoma treatment can be significant. However, there are several financial aid resources available: A. Government Programs
B. Nonprofit Organizations
4. Joining Clinical Trials. Clinical trials give patients access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available. To find trials:
Participation may include free or reduced-cost treatment. Clinical trials are especially important for patients with advanced melanoma. 5. Support for Travel and Lodging for patients who live far from treatment centers, travel and lodging can be barriers. Some organizations offer support:
6. Emotional and Psychological SupportThe emotional toll of cancer can be heavy. Consider:
Supportive services improve coping skills, emotional health, and treatment adherence. Reference: American Psychosocial Oncology Society. Getting Help 7. Getting Help for Children and Families If a parent is diagnosed, family support becomes essential:
8. Resources for Underserved Communities, Undocumented individuals, uninsured patients, and those in rural areas can find support through:
9. Helplines and Online Resources; Here are essential resources to contact:
These helplines offer assistance in multiple languages. Receiving a melanoma diagnosis can feel isolating, but support is available in many forms — from financial assistance to emotional care. Patients and families are encouraged to reach out, stay informed, and ask for help. No one should go through melanoma treatment alone. Sources & References:
If you or someone you know needs help with melanoma treatment, start with these resources — help is out there, and no one has to face melanoma alone. Melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer, but it is also one of the most preventable. By adopting proactive habits and understanding risk factors, individuals can significantly reduce their chances of developing this disease. Prevention not only involves minimizing sun exposure but also includes lifestyle adjustments and regular skin monitoring.
Key Takeaways
1. Protect Your Skin from UV RadiationUltraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds is the leading cause of melanoma. Protecting your skin from UV rays is the cornerstone of melanoma prevention. Tips for Sun Safety:
Why Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen? Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays age the skin and contribute to wrinkles, while UVB rays cause sunburn and play a key role in skin cancer development. 2. Perform Regular Skin Self-ExamsEarly detection is a major part of prevention. Checking your skin monthly can help you spot changes early. How to Conduct a Skin Self-Exam:
Keep a record of your moles to track any changes over time. When in doubt, consult a dermatologist. 3. Understand and Manage Risk FactorsCertain individuals are at higher risk for melanoma. Knowing your risk can help you take extra precautions. Common Risk Factors:
Genetics and MelanomaSome people inherit genetic mutations that increase melanoma risk. If you have a strong family history, genetic counseling may be recommended. 4. Make Sun Safety a Family HabitTeaching sun protection from an early age creates lifelong habits. Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to UV radiation damage. Tips for Families:
5. Get Regular Dermatological ScreeningsEven if you perform self-exams, seeing a dermatologist regularly is key—especially if you’re in a high-risk group. Frequency of Screenings:
Dermatologists use tools like dermatoscopes and total body photography to detect subtle changes in the skin. 6. Eat a Healthy Diet and Support Immune FunctionWhile diet alone won’t prevent melanoma, some evidence suggests that a healthy immune system can help detect and destroy abnormal cells. Foods That May Help:
Conclusion: Melanoma prevention is within your control. By combining smart sun habits, regular skin checks, and an understanding of your personal risk, you can significantly lower your chances of developing this dangerous cancer. Empower yourself and your loved ones with the knowledge and habits that protect your skin for life. References
Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that originates in the melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Although it is less common than other types of skin cancer, melanoma is significantly more dangerous because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. Early detection is crucial, and understanding the symptoms is the first step toward timely diagnosis and treatment. Key Takeaways
Common Symptoms of Melanoma1. Changes in an Existing MoleOne of the most common early signs of melanoma is a noticeable change in a pre-existing mole. This includes changes in:
3. ABCDE Rule for Recognizing MelanomaThe ABCDE rule helps people recognize potential melanomas:
5. Melanoma on Unusual AreasAlthough melanoma most often appears on areas frequently exposed to the sun (such as the back, legs, arms, and face), it can also occur in less obvious locations, including:
Different Types of Melanoma and Their SymptomsSuperficial Spreading Melanoma
When to See a DoctorIf you notice any of the above symptoms or skin changes, it’s important to see a dermatologist or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Regular skin self-exams and annual dermatology visits are essential, especially for individuals with risk factors such as fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer. References
Title: Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Spot the Signs and Protect Your Skin
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of skin cancer and the importance of early detection. At TruckMelanoma.org, we’re especially focused on educating Motorsports enthusiasts, automotive enthusiasts, truck drivers, outdoor workers, and those in high-UV exposure roles about the risks—because melanoma and other skin cancers don’t discriminate based on occupation. Understanding the Three Most Common Types of Skin Cancer1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Melanoma and Driving: What You Need to KnowUV rays penetrate vehicle windows, meaning truckers and other drivers are at increased risk—especially on the left side of the body. This makes truck driver melanoma a serious occupational concern. Tips for Skin Cancer Prevention on the Road:
This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to examine your skin and talk to others about the importance of early detection. Whether you’re a driver, technician, or work under the sun, protecting your skin today could save your life tomorrow. Stay informed. Stay protected. Visit TruckMelanoma.org for more resources on melanoma prevention, diagnosis, and support. |
AuthorMy Name is Ryan Kiernan, and I am the Founder and Director of Team Truck Melanoma. I have been an automotive fan since before I was able to drive, and I have been a medical professional for the past nearly 22 years. Learn more by watching the introduction video on our home page! Archives
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