The Cancer Bucket Foundation: Making Strides in the Fight Against Melanoma

For the third year, our Greater Des Moines (DSM) community will come together to raise awareness and funds for melanoma research with the Safe in the Sun 5K/10K Run. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 9 a.m. at Ada Hayden Heritage Park in Ames, Iowa. Whether you're a runner, a walker or simply someone who supports this important cause, I invite you to join me and make a meaningful impact in the fight against melanoma and skin cancer.

A Personal Connection

I hardly knew what Melanoma was when I was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2013 after finding a lump in my right armpit. The lump had not bothered me, except that it continued to grow larger every month. I had no idea my Melanoma journey was about to begin. Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and potentially fatal cancers worldwide, with a high risk of spreading if not caught early.

As a two-time stage 4 melanoma survivor, this cause is deeply personal to me. I founded the Crown Cover UPF clothing line in 2019 and co-founded The Cancer Bucket Foundation in 2022, with the mission of funding groundbreaking melanoma research and promoting skin cancer prevention. Alongside Dr. Leslie Christenson, a McFarland Clinic dermatologist specializing in skin cancer treatment, and Megan Burt, a skin cancer survivor and a physical therapist, we are working to raise awareness about melanoma and fund research to help advance treatment options.

Since we started The Cancer Bucket Foundation, we’ve raised more than $28,000 for melanoma research through the University of Iowa Center for Advancement. These funds have been allocated to support critical research into immunotherapies, which are already transforming cancer treatments and saving lives worldwide.

Why You Should Join Us for the Safe in the Sun Run

The Safe in the Sun Run is not just a race; it’s a chance to join a growing movement aimed at educating the community about sun safety and the importance of early skin cancer detection. At the same time, we are raising vital funds to continue supporting melanoma research. Proceeds from race registrations, sponsorships and donations are directly allocated to fund research grants and programs that implement sun safety measures.

We established this annual event with the belief that prevention and research go hand in hand. By participating in the Safe in the Sun Run, you're directly supporting the future of cancer treatment and prevention.

How You Can Get Involved

Here’s how you can support the 2025 Safe in the Sun Run and The Cancer Bucket Foundation:

• Register to Run or Walk – Sign up for the 5K or 10K and participate in this fun and impactful event.
• Donate – If you can’t participate, consider donating to The Cancer Bucket Foundation to help fund melanoma research.
• Sponsor – Help spread the word by sharing information about the event, educating others on the importance of sun safety and early detection.

Join me in the fight against melanoma! Together, we can fund research, spread awareness, promote prevention and take meaningful steps toward finding a cure. I hope to lace up my walking shoes alongside you on Thursday, May 3, 2025 at Ada Hayden Heritage Park for the Safe in the Sun 5K/10K Run!

There are so many things to do in Greater Des Moines (DSM)! From events and festivals to major attractions, living in DSM means having fun is a given. Check out the trails, Broadway shows, sports teams and more throughout the region. Find out what each community has to offer and build connections in DSM!

Learn more at this year's event by following updates on the Safe in the Sun Run 2025 Facebook page.

Improving the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community through volunteering and community service is a priority for many. Thanks to community engagement opportunities and leadership connecting local businesses to causes that provide services to improve the region, DSM continues to be a place that provides support for those who live, work and play here.