Mission Statement:
Race Against the Sun is working hard to increase the awareness, prevention and early detection of Melanoma.
Our Inspiration:
Jessica Coleman is the inspiration for Race Against the Sun.
She was one of thousands who are currently struggling with Melanoma. Some days were better than others, but her positive attitude helped her “put Melanoma on the run” for her and for others affected by the disease.
In June 2004, Jessica noticed that a mole on her toe was bleeding. A biopsy confirmed it was melanoma. In August 2004, two of her toes were amputated to produce a safe margin. A sentinel node biopsy was performed to determine if the melanoma had spread. Unfortunately, microscopic traces were found in two lymph nodes in the groin area. Jessica had an inguinal lymph node dissection on September 7, 2004 (her daughter’s first day of second grade). Thankfully, the lymph nodes were clear of disease. But Jessica persisted and immediately began a clinical vaccine trial at Fox Chase Cancer Center with Dr. Naomi Haas. That clinical trial continued until November 2005.
Just as the trial ended, Jessica noticed swelling in her groin area and other small nodules under her skin. A PT scan confirmed the spread of melanoma to her groin, pelvis, and abdomen. This is when Jessica’s cancer journey brought her to Dr. Riley at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem. In December 2005, she began Interluekin-2 (“IL-2”) treatments administered by Dr. Riley. She received 6 treatments of IL-2 through April 2006. IL-2 involved infusions every eight hours for as long as her body could endure. IL-2 kept Jessica’s cancer stabilized but did not completely cure her. She returned to Fox Chase in May 2006 and began a Phase I clinical trialof a drug named 
AG. The beginning of the trial also required five rounds of chemotherapy during the summer of 2006.
Jessica persevered on the clinical trial despite unpleasant side effects and bravely continued her battle, always doing whatever she could do to get to her miracle.
On Monday, September 17, 2007, Jessica found peace at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia and as her husband Ed says, she shared three smiles in her last minute of life, one for Ed, one for her 10-year-old Justine, and one for her 7-year-old Eddie. She was in Ed’s arms and was surrounded by her parents and sister. Justine and Eddie were surrounded by other family and friends at the hospital.
Her husband, Ed, was steadfast in his support, going with her to every doctor appointment and being by her side every step of the way. Some days were a struggle, but Jessica’s attitude always remained positive as she truly enjoyed the love and support of her family and friends.
Who Benefits:
All proceeds benefit Race Against the Sun’s Melanoma Fund for Research and Prevention at
St. Luke’s Cancer Center in Allentown.
Click here if you would like to make a donation to Race Against the Sun.
