La Roche-Posay Links with Mollie’s Fund

As part of its continued efforts towards sun safety education and awareness, La Roche-Posay is partnering with Mollie’s Fund for the second year in a row. This year, the skin care company will donate 5,000 pieces of its advanced broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection Anthelios Sunscreen Cream to the foundation, which was created in the memory of Mollie Biggane, a college sophomore who passed away from melanoma at the age of 20.

The foundation’s goal is to increase awareness for melanoma prevention, provide information and services on skin cancer detection and support melanoma patients with education on treatment options.

“We are honored to accept this donation on behalf of centers nationwide,” said Jack Biggane, Mollie’s father and president of Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation. “La Roche-Posay has impressed us so much with its dedication to educating people about skin health and their innovative, skin-nourishing formulations, and we’re excited to continue working with them for a second year. Because of their commitment to raising awareness about melanoma and the importance of early detection, there’s no brand more suited to help us with the mission of our daughter’s foundation than La Roche-Posay.”

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed in over two million people across the country, making it the most common form of cancer in the US. While melanoma accounts for less than five percent of skin cancer cases, it results in the vast majority of skin cancer deaths. It is also the most common form of cancer in young adults between the ages of 25 and 29 and the second most common cancer found in young people between the ages of 15 and 29.

“Education, protection and early detection make a difference,” explains Angela Bennett, VP of La Roche-Posay. “Our research shows that 99% of skin cancer patients survive with early detection. By teaching people about the dangers of UV rays and providing products that help protect from the sun, we hope to help prevent new cases in the coming years.”

Mollie’s Fund will distribute 5,000 pieces of Anthelios Sunscreen Cream, which offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, to cancer centers across the country, with 3,600 pieces reaching infusion patients at The Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. The remaining 1,400 units will be donated to Mollie’s Fund for distribution throughout 2013.