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Melanoma Research Foundation Issues Statement on Recent Death of Jim Johnson
A statement from the Melanoma Research Foundation
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July 31, 2009 (FPRC) -- HILLSBOROUGH, N.J.—The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) released the following statement regarding the recent death of Jim Johnson, defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Melanoma Research Foundation extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Jim Johnson, long-time NFL defensive coordinator. Johnson passed away earlier this week after a hard-fought battle with melanoma at the age of 68. He was a highly respected and talented man whose presence will be sorely missed by countless individuals.
The MRF applauds the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to memorialize Johnson’s legacy by establishing a melanoma research fund in his name at the Abramson Cancer Center. There are few treatment options for melanoma in its most advanced stages, which makes generating awareness and supporting research essential to combating this deadly and devastating disease.
It is estimated that one person will die every hour from melanoma in 2009. If not caught early, melanoma is known to be the most deadly of all skin cancers and the median lifespan for patients with advanced melanoma is less than one year. The MRF is committed to funding medical research to find effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma.
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About Melanoma
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike men and women of all ages, all races and skin types. In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, nearly 69,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2009, resulting in 8,650 deaths or one person every hour. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25- to 29-years-old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15- to 29-years-old.
About Melanoma Research Foundation
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s Web site is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org.
Send an email to Deborah J. Danuser of Melanoma Research Foundation
202 742 5256
Keywords:
melanoma, Jim Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles
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