Today is November 20, 2009.  Today would have been Monica Walz-Jensen's 36th birthday, but because Melanoma took her life at the young age of 33 she isn't here to celebrate.  We, her friends, family, acquaintances, classmates, neighbors, and even those who never got the pleasure of knowing Monica continue to fight the fight against Melanoma in her honor.  The Monica Jensen Foundation is now in the beginning stages of planning a 4th year of fundraising events to raise money in this continued quest.

With your help and support we have been able to give an annual donation to the Rochester Mayo Clinic that now totals close to $10,000.  We have been able to support dedicated athletes in their college education by giving scholarships to four girls from the New Richmond and Hudson school districts.

We have only just begun!  We are excited to introduce this Monica Jensen Newsletter to keep you informed and educated.  This will be an exciting new way for us to not only be able to communicate to you about our Foundation and upcoming events, but also inform you about Melanoma prevention and the newest research successes that your continued donations and support help make possible.

The date is set and preparations are in full swing for the FOURTH annual Run/Walk so mark it on your calendar now!  You have been cordially invited to attend the Monica Jensen Foundations 5K Run/Walk - 10K Run on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at Lakefront Park in Hudson, WI.  Stay tuned to our website www.monicajensenfoundation.org for new 2010 run/walk details and registration information.

The support that has been received in the past three years has been overwhelming, which is essential to KEEP FIGHTING THE FIGHT.  In 2010, the Monica Jensen Foundation is striving to prove the old adage "there is strength in numbers"! Whether it be through volunteering, participating or donating, we need your help.  So please bring out your family and friends and join our fight.  Together our numbers will make a difference.

An estimated 2,390 men and women were diagnosed with, and 240 died from, cancers of the eye and orbit in 2008.  The reality is that all of us are susceptible to eye and eyelid cancers or other damage from the sun.  We need to find and practice ways to help protect ourselves on a daily basis because the damage will keep adding up over time.

Although the eyelid is designed to protect the eye, its skin is very thin and contains many fragile tissues that may be injured by UV light.  Inside the eye, the lens and the cornea filter UV rays, but by doing so for many years, they may become damaged.  This UV damage is instrumental in causing numerous forms of cancers of the eye.  Although rare, intraocular melanoma is the most common eye cancer in adults and is the cancer responsible for taking the life of Monica Walz-Jensen.

Whether skiing, snowboarding, mountain climbing, shoveling snow, or just strolling outside this winter, it's important to protect your eyes.  While UV radiation is generally lower during the winter months, snow reflection may actually double overall exposure.  Taking steps to protect your eyes is as important as applying sunscreen to protect your skin!  Make sure that you and your family wear your UV protection sunglasses when outside.  When picking out sunglasses, watch for labeling that indicates the ability for the lens to bock 99-100% of both UVA and UVB light.  Be stylish be protected with large, wrap-around style sunglasses as the more skin you cover, the better!

To support the Monica Jensen Foundation while getting great deals shopping go to www.goodsearch.com and choose to support the "Monica Jensen Foundation".

To make an on-line donation visit: www.razoo.com/story/The-Monica-Jensen-Foundation