Pittsburgh non-profit donates $25K to melanoma and pancreatic cancer research

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh-area non-profit organization, Miles Against Melanoma PA, presented the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute with a $25,000 donation on Friday.

A $20,000 donation was given to the Melanoma Center’s director, Dr. John Kirkwood, and a $5,000 donation was given to the Pancreatic Cancer Center, represented by Cindy Valko, RN.

Miles Against Melanoma PA raised the funds by hosting several events this year, including a 5K, the Tim Woiner Memorial Golf Outing, and Dinner, Drinks & Diamonds.   More than 1,000 area residents attended the events and 100% of the money given to UPCI will go directly to research.

Miles Against Melanoma PA is directed by Jessica Rogowicz of the South Hills, a two-time melanoma survivor, and Jessica Fera of Pittsburgh, who lost her father to melanoma in 2010.  Fera’s husband is a two-time melanoma survivor, and her mother is a pancreatic cancer survivor.

To learn more about Miles Against Melanoma PA, visit milesagainstmelanoma5kpa.org.

WPXI