Geraldton Community Holds Annual Melanoma March

On Sunday, the Geraldton community in Western Australia held its annual Melanoma March, an event dedicated to raising funds for research and awareness of skin cancer.

The march was held in memory of local residents Emily Robertson-Miller, who died in July 2023 at age 29, and Jason O'Brien, who died in 2021 at age 47.

Participants stated the goal was to support research for earlier detection methods and to promote sun safety.

Event Details

The Melanoma March in Geraldton took place on Sunday. It was the 15th annual occurrence of the event in the city.

Background and Motivation

The march honored two local residents:

• Emily Robertson-Miller, a 29-year-old mental health support worker who died in July 2023.
• Jason O'Brien, a Geraldton resident who died from melanoma in 2021 at age 47. Sources indicate the march has honored O'Brien in recent years.

According to statements from her partner, Ruby Blakeway, Robertson-Miller died approximately 30 hours after falling ill at work in July 2023. She had a melanoma removed from her shoulder in 2022 and was considered to have recovered.

When she fell ill, she was hospitalized. Medical staff initially considered a stroke, and she was later transferred to Perth for surgery. During that surgery, doctors discovered two large tumors in her brain, identified as metastatic melanoma. The damage was described by medical professionals as unsurvivable.

Blakeway stated that prior to her death, Robertson-Miller had experienced headaches and mood changes, which were attributed to a history of migraines. Blakeway said neither Robertson-Miller nor her doctors had considered the possibility that the melanoma had spread to her brain.

Purpose and Community Statements

Participants stated that funds raised from the march would be directed toward melanoma research. Ruby Blakeway expressed hope that the research would lead to medical interventions for earlier detection.

Blakeway and other attendees emphasized the importance of sun awareness and regular skin checks.

Blakeway noted that Robertson-Miller did not frequently spend time in the sun. Friend Casey Clark commented on the availability of sunscreen, noting there are many product options for people who are sensitive to traditional sunscreen textures or scents.

Community Context and Statistics

Friends and family described Emily Robertson-Miller as a mental health support worker and an advocate within the local diverse and LGBTQIA+ community. They stated that before her death, she had discussed plans to start community initiatives, including a food cupboard, a soup kitchen, and improved blood donation facilities.

According to data from the Melanoma Institute cited in multiple sources:

• Melanoma is described as the deadliest form of skin cancer.
• It is reported as the most common cancer affecting people in their 20s and 30s in Australia.
• Australia is stated to have the highest rates of melanoma in the world.
• The institute reports that an estimated one in every 18 Australians will develop melanoma.