How You Can Help
Free Skin Cancer Screenings for Young People
February 2008
Giselle and Parr Doss understand the sense of invincibility that young people often feel. They know the years between 20 and 30 are a time when individuals typically experience an unbounded sense of optimism regarding the future. The corollary of this belief can foster that dangerous sense of invincibility. Melanoma, however, has no respect for optimism or invincibility. Giselle and Parr Doss hope to educate young people that skin cancer strikes any age, any skin type, and in any area of the skin, regardless of whether it is routinely exposed to the sun. Through the generosity of many friends and family members, a fund has been established in memory of the Doss’ son, Eban, to raise awareness of melanoma with young people through free screenings on college campuses.
Eban was a talented musician and DJ in Houston. His performances brought people together, and he easily made friends throughout the music community. One sign outside a venue where Eban performed read, “If you weren't a friend of Eban Doss that is because he hadn't met you yet,” on the day of his passing.
Although his music kept Eban out at night, during the day he loved the outdoors. While Eban enjoyed hiking and fishing, his cancer was not caused by the effects of too much sun and it started in a place where he could not see it. This highlights the importance of making screening services available to young people like Eban.
The Dosses are working with M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to conduct free skin cancer screenings for students at the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas. Susan Chon, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology, will coordinate and administer the screenings at both universities along with distribution of informational material. If the screening uncovers an abnormality, the student will be directed to a clinic for further investigation.
The Dosses feel that education is the most valuable aspect of this program. Even if nothing is detected at the campus evaluation, mere participation in the screening will foster future vigilance on the part of the student and may save his or her life in the future. A second essential component of the program is taking the evaluations to young people, many of whom may not have health insurance or immediate access to a physician who can perform the screening. The first screenings will be held at the University of Houston on March 12 and at the University of St. Thomas on April 8.