Our Ambassadors and Advocates
The Australian Melanoma Research Foundation is honoured to have the support of ambassadors and advocates who generously give their support and time to help raise awareness and funds for melanoma research.
Glenda Thomson
Driven by the loss of her son Aaron, Glenda has turned profound grief into purposeful advocacy. As an ambassador for the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation, she is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of melanoma and the critical importance of early detection. Through sharing Aaron’s story, at schools, workplaces and within the broader community, Glenda is working to challenge melanoma misconceptions, particularly among young people, and encourage simple, life-saving habits.
Her mission is clear: to ensure fewer families experience the heartbreak hers has endured, and to create lasting change through education and awareness.
We wish to congratulate Glenda on receiving a citation on Australia Day 2024 Citizen of The Year Award – Lameroo, SA.
Fiona Kilby
Fiona is a mother of two and works at the National Archives of Australia in Canberra, but her passion is trail-running. It was on one of her training runs with her coach that Fiona noticed she couldn’t start the timer on her watch. The next morning, she couldn’t move her arm and a week later, Fiona had a 3.5cm lesion, eventually identified as a stage 4, metastatic melanoma, removed from her brain. Skin and eye checks failed to find the source of Fiona’s melanoma. Subsequently, further lesions were found and removed.
Fiona is now in remission and receives ongoing immunotherapy. She views her recovery and treatment like one of her trail runs. “There are uphills and downhills, although there have been some very hard and intense days,” Fiona said.
Fiona has been supported by her husband and children but also by her second family – her trail running mates. The group was shocked at Fiona’s diagnosis as they were surprised someone so young, fit and healthy who practiced good sun protection regimes and ran in the early mornings could get melanoma.
Did you know...
BE DIAGNOSED WITH
MELANOMA
MELANOMA IN AUS
EVERY 6 HOURS
TREATED IF DETECTED
EARLY
CANCER IN
AUSTRALIA