Ahhh, the summer. It’s the time of the year that used to make me excited as a child. No early bedtime. No school. Playing out in the sun and hanging by the pool. As children, life is so carefree. As an adult today, I don’t have the same joy as I did as a girl. I’m working full time, have bills to pay and stay indoors because I am too tired after work to go out and play. Then of course, I am cautious because of my husband’s diagnosis with malignant melanoma.
My husband was diagnosed two years ago with malignant melanoma. The tumor had spread into his lymph nodes. In addition to surgery, he had “chemo” (for lack of a better term) to continue to fight the cancer cells. The treatment required him to inject himself weekly with dangerous medications that gave side effects that changed weekly and equivalent to having the flu. This went on for two years. It doesn’t sound so bad on paper. Unless you’ve had the flu, that is—now imagine having that for two years. Treatment was grueling for him, and by watching him fight cancer, I realized I could not wish this on my worst enemy.
Presently, he feels much better and is currently has “no evidence of disease.” His scans have been clean, however, that is not to say he’s cured or in remission. You see, with melanoma, there is no cure—he will be fighting this for the rest of his life. Melanoma is a sneaky bastard like that.
Miles Against Melanoma is a national non-profit organization that I work with in San Antonio. We are resolute on teaching the San Antonio community about the harmful effects of UV Rays. Melanoma, if caught early enough, is almost 100% preventable. However, for some unusual reason, many people do not take it seriously. Maybe it’s because people think it can’t happen to them. Or perhaps it’s because one thinks because they are not pale it does not affect them. Whatever the case may be, many don’t really understand what can happen if diagnosed. It affects anyone and everyone, and contrary to popular belief, melanoma diagnosis is on the rise—over 200 percent since the 1970s.
In our efforts to educate the community about melanoma, we are teaming up with Paciugo Gelate Café at 999 E Basse Road on Wednesday, August 6. Paciugo will donate half of its proceeds from today to our cause. Additionally, Miles Against Melanoma will be onsite for fun giveaways as well as giving out educational materials about preventing melanoma. We will also be accepting registrations for our large fundraising event in October, the Miles Against Melanoma City Solve Scavenger Hunt.
Paciugo is a connoisseur of gelato. Daily menu changes allow them to have a rotation of flavors, bringing variety to confectionary goodness. One popular flavor is called Monkey Business, a creamy blend of banana and hazelnut, or you could go for Orange Saffron.
However, if you want to live on the edge, you have can try flavors not considered the typical gelato fare, such as Black Pepper Olive Oil, which they describe best as Pepe Nero in Italian. Paciugo says the flavor is a fantastic balance of cream with a hint of sharp peppercorn. The first taste is soft and delicate, with the peppercorn flavor building in the back of the throat as the gelato is eaten. Paciugo also make espresso drinks to counter act the sugar jolt—you know, so you can have seconds.
Personally, I am a chocolate fan, but if there are nuts—like Hazelnut—then I am sold. Paciugo makes a Chocolate Hazelnut that I love, and I find it a nice reward when I can have a cheat day from eating healthy.
I hope that you join us on today for some cool, tasty treats. Ultimately, the money you spend will help us support those people with financial needs that have been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing treatment. This includes assisting with co-pays for chemo as well as ride sharing to treatment. Join us and purchase a treat—or two—and help us support cancer patients in San Antonio.
To learn more about Miles Against Melanoma, visit our website or find us on Twitter and Facebook. And be sure to stop by Paciugo located at 999 E Basse Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 today to purchase some gelato!
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