Benefit will focus on melanoma

FOUNTAIN HILLS - Battling melanoma means fighting until every person is conscious of their risk, knows how to protect their skin and knowing the early warning signs of this dangerous cancer.

The Kristi A. Stockley Melanoma Foundation will host its inaugural "A Sweet Night to Raise Awareness" from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Fountain Hills Community Center. The purpose is to raise awareness, celebrate life and continue the battle to stop melanoma.

The event will feature food, music, an auction, education, and celebration. Tickets are $50, and all proceeds benefit the foundation.

"Awareness and advocacy are so critical to preventing melanoma and treating patients," said Michele Jeffery, event coordinator. "The Kristi Cares Foundation is tirelessly dedicated to making people conscious of protecting themselves through education."

Donations collected during the evening will benefit the foundation's educational efforts, which include speaking at schools, informing people about preventing melanoma, and patient advocacy.

"The Kristi Cares Foundation is in part about preserving the memory of Kristy," said Bob Stockley, foundation president. "It's also about making sure melanoma doesn't rob more families of memories with their loved ones."

The foundation was founded in memory of Kristi Stockley, who died of melanoma in February 2006. She was employed at Channel 3 (KTVK) prior to her diagnosis. As a wife, daughter and friend, her diagnosis, battle and death spurred passion in her loved ones to educate Arizonans about how to prevent and recognize the early warning signs of melanoma.

Visit www.kristicares.com, or call Jeffrey at 480-580-6803.

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