The Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation, artist Laurene Boglio and AREA 23 are using street art to urge New Yorkers to get their skin checked for melanoma now that summer is ending. On Thursday, September 19, Laurene Boglio created chalk drawings combined with the gum spots already on NY sidewalks to create the effect of moles on the body. Using a canvas littered with typically overlooked spots will help draw attention to similarly ignored spots on the body. Ultimately, the goal was to encourage everyone to pay closer attention to their moles on a regular basis.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., making up more than half of all cancers in the country. Mollie’s Fund and the Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation were created by Jack and Maggie Biggane in memory of their daughter, Mollie, who died of melanoma at the age of 20. Their mission is to increase awareness for melanoma prevention, provide information and services on skin cancer prevention, and support existing patients. September represents a critical time for melanoma awareness. It marks the end of a summer spent soaking up the sun and serves as a crucial moment to remind people that sun exposure is a year-round issue that continues into the fall and winter—making September the perfect time to remind people to pay close attention to the moles on their body.