Paige Grogan was just 18 years old when she first heard the life-changing words “you have cancer.” A college freshman at the University of Kansas, it was her mom, Wendie, who made the difficult drive down to campus to deliver the news – the suspicious-looking mole Paige had just had removed was indeed cancerous.
Paige needed more surgery. Her mom asked her not to look up “melanoma” on the internet because she didn’t want Paige to be scared. Luckily, they caught her cancer very early and got it treated quickly.
One day I hope to live in a world free of cancer. We must continue to invest in cancer research so we can get there.
Paige had used indoor tanning to feel less self-conscious about her body and fair skin when she performed in dance and other events. Her mom had also tanned indoors, and Paige started indoor tanning at age 14 to help her feel more confident. They both now regret those decisions.
Paige says her cancer changed her life, and she tries to use the impressive scar on her leg to educate her classmates and policymakers about the dangers of tanning.
She knows now the dangers of tanning and the research that supports the need to stay out of the sun and use sun protection. Today, Paige uses her voice to advocate for more cancer research funding so we can learn more about how to prevent cancer.