It’s been a wonderful spring for the Destination Healthy Skin free skin cancer screening and education program. From April through early July, we traveled through the Midwest, down the East coast and all around the South, with more than 1,400 free screenings in the books this year. And we’re only halfway through the season!
Our amazing volunteer dermatology providers identified 509 potential skin cancers and precancers, including 27 suspected melanomas.
Many participants have already shared stories with us about their experience with the program, expressing their gratitude that they were able to identify suspected skin cancers and get to a dermatologist for follow up treatment. Providing this vital public health service has undoubtedly saved lives in 2026, and we’re only halfway done!
Driving Peace of Mind
At every event along our route, several participants tell us that they wouldn’t have gotten a screening this year if we weren’t in town. One visitor noted that the DHS event in New York was a “great opportunity to learn more about my skin,” and another said their screening lifted a “huge burden off their mind.”
These heartfelt comments motivate us to do our best to reach as many communities as possible. In addition to meeting new friends, we saw plenty of familiar faces along our route. Representatives from several of our program sponsors visited us on the road, and many participants returned to the program after having visited in previous years – one man said it was his third time getting a screening with us!
Here’s just a bit more feedback from the fantastic people we met during spring:
“Such a great offering. I would not otherwise take the time to do a skin screening.”
“I have lots of moles, and wanted to make sure none of them are cancerous.”
“Healthcare is expensive, so this is a great initiative!”
“Thank you for all you do to help others.”
Expanding our Reach
We got some great news coverage in New York, Ohio, Vermont, Florida and Alabama, including an informative in-studio interview with volunteer dermatologist Jeffrey Stricker, DO, in Dothan.
“Some of the common signs (of skin cancer) are a pimple or a sore that simply doesn’t heal or seems to be sticking around for a couple of weeks,” Dr. Stricker said. “If you have a scaley spot that doesn’t appear to be going away…or any moles that seem to change size, shape or color.”
When our DHS providers spread lifesaving prevention and detection information on the news, we are able to extend the reach of the program beyond those who can physically visit the RV.
Grateful for You
Every mile we travel makes a difference in the fight against skin cancer. We couldn’t do it without your help! Thank you for following us as we travel around the country, sharing our updates and supporting the program.
We are also incredibly thankful for our 2026 program sponsors: The Natural SKN Company, EltaMD Skin Care, Merck, Regeneron, Bristol Myers Squibb, dsm-firmenich, The Lynne Waxman Foundation, Massage Envy, Sun Bum and HEINE Optotechnick GMbH & Co.KG. The RV’s exterior wrap and UV-protective window tint were provided by Avery Dennison and installed by Chicago Wrap, and its extendable awning was provided by Sunbrella.
Check out a few photos from the 2026 program so far!
First responders in New York City stopped by the RV for screenings and sunscreen samples.
The program made a stop at the Bald Hill Fair in Farmingville, NY this May, giving fairgoers an opportunity to squeeze in a screening between rides and games.
We visited our friends at Regeneron in Sleepy Hollow, where volunteer dermatologists screened 119 people in one day!
Dr. Jennifer Tang shows off the RV’s brand new HEINE dermatoscope in Miami.
Participants wait their turn for a screening in Willoughby, OH.
Dr. Kathleen Mannava and Dr. Nana Duffy took a quick break from screening for a photo in Rochester.
Dr. Jeffrey Stricker screened all day in Dothan, AL, even after heading to the WDHN-TV studio early that morning for an interview about skin cancer and sun protection.
