The Mantua Township Committee recognized May as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month with a proclamation honoring resident Heather Furfari on May 11.
Furfari, who’s lived in Mantua for 19 years, is a two-time survivor of melanoma. She was first diagnosed in 2017 with Stage I melanoma after accompanying her sister to a dermatologist appointment. The doctor there insisted that Furfari have a spot on her chest removed.
A biopsy showed it was in fact melanoma.
Deputy Mayor John Legge presented the proclamation to Furfari. He, too, has dealt with skin cancer issues – including basal cell carcinoma – and still gets regular checkups.
“Heather was unexpectedly referred to both an oncologist and an ophthalmologist,” Legge explained of Furfari, “learning that skin cancer can even spread to the eyes. And after several appointments, she underwent surgery to remove the melanoma from her chest. Fortunately, no chemotherapy or radiation was needed.”
Furfari got regular skin checks, Legge noted. But in May of 2019, she pointed out a tiny new freckle.
“Though it was the smallest spot her doctor had ever biopsied, it was removed, and a few days later, confirmed as melanoma,” Legge said. “As it was caught early, Heather underwent surgery in June, followed by a second surgery in August. She was again fortunate to require no chemotherapy or radiation.”
Furfari has emphasized that early detection helps save lives and urges people to get regular skin checks, stay alert to new or changing spots and advocate for their own health. She also advocates for strong sunscreens, a point also made at the meeting by Mary Beth Konecki, founder of The Sunscreen Project, a local group dedicated to raising melanoma awareness.
Like Furfari, Konecki is a survivor.
“Today is really about Heather, her strength, her resilience and the reality that skin cancer impacts so many lives and friends in ways people don’t see,” Konecki observed. “Her experience is also why The Sunscreen Project exists. Our mission is simple: Make sunscreen accessible, encourage prevention and remind people that protecting your skin is protecting your health.”
The next Mantua committee meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, June 8, at the municipal building.
Resident and melanoma survivor Heather Furfari (third from right) was presented with a township proclamation on May 11.
