Destination Healthy Skin RV Provides Free Skin Cancer Screenings Nationwide

The Skin Cancer Foundation has officially launched the Save Destination Healthy Skin campaign to raise funds for the purchase of a new RV for the Foundation’s mobile skin cancer screening and education program, Destination Healthy Skin. Massage Envy signed on as a lead sponsor of the campaign, donating $25,000 to support the Foundation’s efforts.

Related: The Skin Cancer Foundation Raises $725K at Annual Champions for Change Gala

Inside the Destination Healthy Skin RV, which travels nationwide each year, local volunteer dermatologists provide free full-body skin cancer screenings in private exam rooms. All visitors receive information about skin cancer warning signs and proper sun protection, as well as product samples courtesy of program sponsors.

Through the Destination Healthy Skin program, volunteer dermatologists have provided more than 29,000 free skin cancer screenings, identified nearly 12,000 potential skin cancers and precancers — including 529 suspected melanomas — and distributed free skin cancer educational materials and sun protection products to more than 100,000 people.

The Destination Healthy Skin program provides skin exams for many people who otherwise would not have had the opportunity. About 65% of program participants receive their first skin cancer screening onboard the Destination Healthy Skin RV.

The Destination Healthy Skin RV, a 2010 model purchased by the Foundation in 2014, travels about 10,000 miles each year. The Foundation has put approximately 150,000 miles on the vehicle, and due to general wear and tear, maintenance costs for keeping the RV on the road continue to rise.

The Foundation hopes to purchase a newer, more fuel-efficient vehicle for Destination Healthy Skin, with accessibility features that would offer an even better experience for program participants. In addition to purchasing a new vehicle, the Foundation will need to customize the vehicle to create a waiting area and exam rooms.

“Our Destination Healthy Skin RV has helped us bring free skin cancer screenings and educational information to people all over the country,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, M.D., president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “This vehicle is an integral part of a lifesaving program, but we need help to purchase a new RV that will allow the program to thrive for many years to come. Our goal is to raise $500,000, and we’re counting on the support of our incredible corporate partners and individual donors to help us get there. Every little bit counts.”

The Foundation soft-launched the campaign at its annual Champions for Change Gala on May 15 in New York City. Following a brief video about the program and the need for a new RV, an in-room pledge drive raised nearly $100,000 to support the campaign. Massage Envy leads sponsorship efforts for the campaign with a $25,000 donation that the Foundation will highlight on social media this month and encourage followers to match.

“Massage Envy is dedicated to enriching people's lives through wellness and self-care,” says Todd Schrader, Massage Envy Franchising CEO. "We are honored to work with The Skin Cancer Foundation to increase access and availability of skin cancer screenings, driving skin cancer education across the country.”