The co-sponsor is Jeffrey D. Brown, owner of JB's Ice Cream in East Longmeadow, site of the fund-raiser.
Jeffrey D. Brown, left, owner of JB's Ice Cream in East Longmeadow, and Springfield police officer Michael Carney are co-chairing a melanoma fund-raiser, "Scoops for Melanoma," on Saturday and Sunday, featuring ice cream from the store at 622 North Main Street in East Longmeadow.EAST LONGMEADOW – Springfield police officer Michael Carney has spent years repairing the damage he caused to his skin from more than 20 years of tanning.
“When I think about all the money, time and energy I have spent trying to make up for those years of tanning I realize it was a waste,” he said.
Carney is once again joining with Jeffrey D. Brown, owner of JB’s Ice Cream, to sponsor “Scoops for Melanoma,” a fund-raiser and awareness effort about the dangers of tanning and skin cancer.
A percentage of the ice cream sales and all of the raffle sales will go to the Melanoma Education Foundation, a non-profit organization that educates people about the dangers of melanoma.
“It was very successful last year. If we can get people in here talking about skin cancer and the dangers of tanning then I consider it a success,” Brown said.
Both men were diagnosed with skin cancer in the past three years.
Carney was diagnosed with melanoma in 2009. With a history of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, Carney’s growth on his right leg was determined to be stage 2B, just before a stage 3. Carney had a five-inch hole carved out of his leg which required a skin graft from his thigh. He underwent three months of chemotherapy and was out of work for five months. His sister was recently diagnosed with skin cancer as well.
“It’s also genetic. People who have a history of it in their family should visit a dermatologist twice a year,” he said.
Brown was diagnosed in February of 2010. He did not have to undergo chemotherapy but he did have skin removed from his neck.
Both men are doing well now, but have to see their dermatologists regularly. Carney also has an oncologist and plastic surgeon he keeps in close contact with.
“I have spent so many years correcting the damage to my skin that I imposed on myself all because I was trying to look good,” he said.
Both men said their goal is to raise money, but more importantly awareness.
“Tanning in a tanning bed increases your changes of getting melanoma by 75 percent. Young people don’t think about that when they are out in the sun all day or in a tanning bed,” Carney said.
Brown said there will be raffle prizes including free golf lessons, gas cards, restaurant certificates and more.
“Everyone we have approached has been so giving and willing to help. It’s going to be a great event,” Brown said.
The event will also include a clown and other activities for kids.
The ice cream shop is located within the Pride gas station plaza on North Main Street.