CURE Ocular Melanoma

11/06/2025

In 2002, Cindy Schulz was diagnosed with choroidal melanoma, a rare form of OM.

Today, she continues to receive dilated eye exams every two months, crediting them with saving her sight and even her life.

“Had I not gone in for my dilated eye exams, my life would be drastically different — I could be blind or worse.”

Cindy now channels her experience into raising awareness through the campaign every November!

Read Cindy’s full story and learn how early detection and community and have shaped her OM journey: https://melanoma.org/news-press/eyegetdilated-ocular-melanoma-awareness-cindy-schulz/

11/06/2025

A huge thank-you to Aura Biosciences for being a proud Sponsor!

This month, we’re raising awareness around ocular melanoma (OM), the most common eye cancer in adults. While OM is not preventable, early detection through routine, dilated eye exams can be lifesaving. Your support helps us educate the community, empower patients and drive critical research forward.

11/05/2025

Protect your future eyesight with .

Did you know a dilated eye exam is the only way to spot eye diseases like ocular melanoma (OM) early? The National Eye Institute calls it one of the best things you can do for your eye health.

What is a dilated eye exam?
Your doctor checks how clearly you see, your side vision, how your eyes move and respond and then uses drops to gently widen your pupils. This allows them to look deep inside your eyes.

Why it matters:
Many eye diseases, including OM, have no warning signs. You might feel fine and still be at risk. A dilated eye exam can catch problems early, when they’re easiest to treat.
For diseases like OM, a dilated eye exam is often the only way to detect it early, when treatment is most successful.

What to expect:
Your vision may be blurry and sensitive to light for a few hours after a dilated eye exam. It’s good practice to bring sunglasses to your appointment and consider having someone drive you home. Lastly, before you leave the doctor’s office, remember to book your next dilated eye exam to stay on top of your eye health!

Your eyes are worth it. Early detection saves sight. Join us and help spread the word for .

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/get-dilated-eye-exam

11/03/2025

Make Your Voice Heard for the Melanoma Community at Advocacy Days!

Registration is now open for Advocacy Days, happening March 1–3, 2026 in Washington, DC!

Join melanoma patients, caregivers, supporters and advocates from across the country as we unite to share our stories, connect with lawmakers and champion policies that improve outcomes for everyone affected by melanoma.

Whether it’s your first time or you’ve joined before, your voice matters—and this is your chance to help drive meaningful change in Washington.

Please note: Limited travel scholarships are available and will be awarded on a lottery based system.

Learn more and register now: https://buff.ly/XMvrmMB

11/03/2025

“I thought I just needed big girl glasses — that $40 test changed everything.” In October 2020, Diane finally scheduled her first eye exam in more than 10 years. What started as a routine eye dilation visit turned into a life-changing OM diagnosis.

Her story is a powerful reminder that a simple, routine eye exam can be lifesaving.

Read Diane’s full story and learn why she’s urging others to .
Early detection saves lives: https://melanoma.org/news-press/eyegetdilated-diane-story/

11/01/2025

Three years ago, Dr. Allie Dashow received a life-changing ocular melanoma diagnosis.

Allie has since transformed her experience into her own personal mission to educate and empower others. Featured recently in the Daily Mail, she shared her story of resilience and the importance of raising awareness for this rare disease and discussed the MRF's NYC Gala.

At this week’s 24th Annual New York Gala, Allie was honored with the Courage Award, recognizing her unwavering strength and advocacy. Dr. Tate Kirk of Northwell Health was also celebrated with the CURE OM Vision of Hope Award for his groundbreaking work and compassionate care for patients battling metastatic ocular melanoma.

Together, they embody the courage and progress that define the CURE OM community and the campaign — reminding us why early detection, research and patient advocacy matter.

Read the inspiring story in the Daily Mail and join us in celebrating their impact: https://melanoma.org/news-press/i-had-dry-eyes-and-dismissed-my-symptoms-then-i-was-diagnosed-with-a-six-in-one-million-disease/

11/01/2025

Three years ago, Dr. Allie Dashow received a life-changing ocular melanoma diagnosis..

Allie has since transformed her experience into her own personal mission to educate and empower others. Featured recently in the Daily Mail, she shared her story of resilience and the importance of raising awareness for this rare disease and discussed the MRF's NYC Gala.

At this week’s 24th Annual New York Gala, Allie was honored with the Courage Award, recognizing her unwavering strength and advocacy. Dr. Tate Kirk of Northwell Health was also celebrated with the CURE OM Vision of Hope Award for his groundbreaking work and compassionate care for patients battling metastatic ocular melanoma.

Together, they embody the courage and progress that define the CURE OM community and the campaign — reminding us why early detection, research and patient advocacy matter. Read the inspiring story in the Daily Mail and join us in celebrating their impact: https://buff.ly/xSqqhsk

11/01/2025

Three years ago, Dr. Allie Dashow received a life-changing ocular melanoma diagnosis.

Allie has since transformed her experience into her own personal mission to educate and empower others. Featured recently in the Daily Mail, she shared her story of resilience and the importance of raising awareness for this rare disease and discussed the MRF's NYC Gala.

At this week’s 24th Annual New York Gala, Allie was honored with the Courage Award, recognizing her unwavering strength and advocacy. Dr. Tate Kirk of Northwell Health was also celebrated with the CURE OM Vision of Hope Award for his groundbreaking work and compassionate care for patients battling metastatic ocular melanoma.

Together, they embody the courage and progress that define the CURE OM community and the campaign — reminding us why early detection, research and patient advocacy matter.

Read the inspiring story in the Daily Mail and join us in celebrating their impact: https://melanoma.org/news-press/i-had-dry-eyes-and-dismissed-my-symptoms-then-i-was-diagnosed-with-a-six-in-one-million-disease/

11/01/2025

All month, we’re shining a light on ocular melanoma (OM) — the most common eye cancer in adults — and the importance of early detection through routine, dilated eye exams through our campaign. Though OM is not preventable, we know that awareness and early detection are critical. A yearly dilated eye exam can be lifesaving. OM is often found during a simple, painless eye exam that can help protect your vision and your life in the long run.

All month, we’ll support the OM community through:
• Educational resources about OM awareness, early detection and treatment
• Inspiring patient and caregiver stories
• Details about an upcoming Ask the Expert webinar focused on OM

is here and we’re excited to encourage more people to schedule their annual dilated eye exam while celebrating and lifting up the OM community.

Learn more and explore resources: https://buff.ly/eQxR9Fl

10/31/2025

Today, we honor and celebrate the ocular melanoma community and the 14th anniversary of the MRF’s CURE Ocular Melanoma (CURE OM) initiative. In 2011, CURE OM which stands for Community United for Research and Education of Ocular Melanoma, was created to propel the field of OM awareness and early detection, advocacy and patient and researcher collaboration and support forward.

OM is a unique rare melanoma that impacts nearly 2,000 Americans each year. CURE OM was founded to help unite and support patients and caregivers who often experience isolation because of the rarity of the disease and to help drive treatment innovation.

Because of the work of CURE OM and dedicated ocular researchers, we are encouraged by the now 2 FDA approved treatments for
OM including:

•Tebentafusp-tebn (Kimmtrak) - the first FDA approved systemic treatment for metastatic ocular melanoma patients. Click here to learn more: https://buff.ly/AjLwwA0

•Melphalan Directly to the Liver- (Hepzato Kit) – the first FDA approved liver-directed therapy for metastatic ocular melanoma patients: Learn more here: https://buff.ly/99lp75o

As we embark upon CURE OM’s 14th anniversary, we celebrate tremendous strides towards a cure for OM and acknowledge the significant progress needed to treat those with few or no options.

Together, through the CURE OM initiative, we have hosted and connected through symposiums and educational webinars dedicated to educating and empowering the OM community:

• Funding more than 24 OM research grants, totaling nearly $2.6 million
• Hosting 14 Global CURE OM Science Meetings, uniting leading experts and researchers from around the world focused on discovering effective treatments for patients
•Connecting patients and caregivers with one
another around education and support through 14 "Eyes on a Cure: Ocular Melanoma Patient and Caregiver Symposium" held across the United States

We encourage all to take a moment to watch this inspirational video featuring the founders of CURE OM as a reminder of the initiative’s vision and purpose: https://buff.ly/srKRElY

Although we have accomplished a lot together, there is still more work to be done.
Learn more about the CURE OM initiative: https://buff.ly/eQxR9Fl

10/29/2025

Fort Myers, our Miles for Melanoma 5K is almost here! Rally your OM team and join us in taking steps toward life-saving research, vital education and critical resources for the OM community. Every mile matters—register today and be part of the movement! https://buff.ly/KWfOQRo

10/28/2025

The CURE OM initiative hosted its 14th Annual CURE OM Global Science Meeting on October 25 in Amsterdam in conjunction with the Society for Melanoma Research Annual Meeting. The meeting brought together leading ocular melanoma (OM) experts for an innovative day of collaboration.

This initiative continues to advance OM research and treatment options, striving for improved outcomes for patients and their families. Thank you to our event sponsors: Immunocore, Castle Biosciences, Inc., Delcath, IDEAYA, iOnctra and Aura Biosciences.

Throughout the meeting, expert panels highlighted major advancements in immunotherapy, cellular approaches and translational science that are expanding possibilities in OM treatment.

Featured scientific sessions included:

• Powering the immune system through Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, oncolytic viruses and cellular therapies

• Innovation talks showcasing industry-supported research advancing future therapeutic options

Together, these conversations reflect a strong global commitment to improving care, hope and outcomes for those affected by OM.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1368634931937820&type=3

The 14th Annual CURE OM Global Science Meeting was held on October 25, 2025, and brought together leading clinicians, researchers and advocates in Amsterdam to advance progress in ocular melanoma. Held in conjunction with the Society for Melanoma Research Annual Meeting, this program fostered interdisciplinary collaboration focused on innovative treatments and future cures.