Stories of Hope: Marit Peterson, Melanoma Patient
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- Опубліковано 19 бер 2014
- Melanoma survivor Marit Peterson was 4 years old when her mother, Candy Peterson, explained her own diagnosis of breast cancer. Candy says Marit's upbeat reaction: "We match, Mommy!" melted her heart and reminded her of her daughter's positive approach to tougher times in early childhood.
Marit, now 9, of Dallas, was born with a small bump on her finger. Pediatricians initially dismissed it as nothing. After the bump started to resemble a melanoma lesion similar to the one her grandfather had experienced, Candy's maternal instincts kicked in. She insisted on a biopsy, which failed to confirm whether or not the bump was cancerous. Still, local doctors recommended that the family visit MD Anderson.
That's where the Petersons met Jeffrey E. Lee, M.D., chair of Surgical Oncology, who's become like family to them. After diagnosing Marit with stage IIIb metastatic melanoma, he started treatment immediately. Marit had surgery and a year of Interferon injections. By the age of 2, she was officially labeled a survivor, already having endured more clinics and hospitals than many of us do in a lifetime.
"I love Dr. Lee. He saved my life," says Marit. "He took all my cancer away, and he's looking for clues to take away all the cancer for everybody. I'm lucky to have him as my doctor."
Overcome with gratitude, yet determined to end childhood melanoma, the Petersons felt compelled to support Lee's research into the inherited genome for melanoma. They established the Marit Peterson Fund for Melanoma Research and started a benefit golf tournament, which in seven years has raised more than $1 million.
Lee and his staff attend the Richardson, Texas, tournament every year to provide free skin cancer screenings. His continued partnership touches the Petersons.
"We're so thankful for Dr. Lee's involvement," says Candy. "Every year he gives a presentation on what the fund has accomplished over the past year, and it reaffirms everyone's commitment to this cause."
The Marit Peterson Fund has supported genetic testing on 1 million variations across the melanoma-causing part of the genome. The studies have identified several genes that may pose an increased risk for developing the disease.
The Melanoma Moon Shot, part of MD Anderson's Moon Shots Program to accelerate cancer advancements and save lives, is building upon the advances of Lee's studies as well as those of MD Anderson's immunologists, genomics experts, behavioral scientists and prevention researchers in a campaign to reduce deaths from melanoma and eventually to eradicate the disease.
The Petersons are thrilled that melanoma is one of the six initial moon shots efforts.
"When melanoma gets cured someday, I'll be really happy," says Marit. "It's important to help MD Anderson and Dr. Lee because it takes money to complete the research they need to make people better."
"Thanks to the Melanoma Moon Shot, all of this work we've been doing on the inherited genome for melanoma is going to become a part of something so much bigger," says Candy. "We couldn't be more grateful."
The success only strengthens the Petersons' commitment to the institution.
"All of the players on a football team can't be exactly the same. You need the best people at every position, and that's what MD Anderson has," says Candy. "We had the surgeons, the dermatologists and the pediatric oncologists, all working together for the win, which was getting our little girl back."
For more information and to make a donation, visit: cancermoonshots.org
Great too hear she's all clear 👍
Strong girl 😊
What a beautiful, Tiny Hero. She's so strong and beautiful. Im in awe of her courage and I know how difficult melanoma is. Thank you for sharing her journey. Interferon is hard on the body and the both of you battling and SURVIVING...impressive. Beautiful family!!
Marit Peterson you are a remarkable young lady with an amazing mom. Congratulations on starting the foundation to fight melanoma.
I just watched Marit Peterson's melanoma story. What an inspiring story and amazing little warrior that she is!!! I'm so happy that she is a survivor!!! I'm a stage 3b nodular melanoma survivor but I always refer to myself as a warrior. I'm currently celebrating 3 years no evidence of disease. Shortly after my diagnosis 11/21/11 I created a Facebook.com/TheCancerSPOT in 2012 to raise melanoma awareness as well as inspire and humor my fellow warriors. I recently launched a year long campaign called Hand The Hoodie for pediatric melanoma warrior/survivor to raise melanoma awareness. I am so thrilled that the UVskinz.com donated the UVskinz hoodie for the campaign and will be sharing the warriors/survivors pictures on their social media sites. I hope you will check out the campaign that is pinned to the top of my page and allow Marit to take part in it. Thank you, Donna Piunt
I have become so calloused to all these blogs put out, very sad is that I believe way over half are made up for one creepy reason of another. However ....... I do find myself watching them here & there like now when I am unwinding to go to bed. Well, it was same as usual for me until you mentioned your grease cancer. For some reason , that one hit me. First thought was holy cow jaw dropper .... Then the good thought came. Please don't be offended ( I also NEVER reply to these either) I just felt so strong that you are a special soul that Gods loves intensely. Not only is he tempering you & building you up with these events that would break most people, he is blessing likewise so much along this journey ... it's so clear to me. Mark my words, He has something great & beautiful planned for you. Hang in there Sounds like you are doing well,Much love, Penny
Plz help me ...mujhe English nhi aata Mera baby girl k v skin problem hai bohut Sara doctor ko dikhaya thik nhi huwa plz plz help me plz plz 🙏 🙏🙏
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