MARYLAND DERMATOLOGISTS SET NEW RECORDS IN SUN SAFETY OUTREACH AT POPULAR LPGA TOURNAMENT

“Play Safe in the Sun” volunteers reach new heights in checking for skin cancer and raising awareness among crowds of sun-drenched golf lovers, LPGA Tour players, caddies and news reporters



PHOTO GALLERY • McDonald’s LPGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE General Inquiries:
WDS Offices
1-877-WDS-ROSE
| (1-877-937-7673)
Media Inquiries:
Nancy FitzGerald
(760) 333-9296


(June 18, 2009—Havre de Grace, MD)-- Amidst sweltering temperatures and huge crowds of golf fans, a dedicated team of volunteers representing the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) broke its national records for “Play Safe in the Sun”, a 3-year community outreach service in collaborative partnership with L'Oréal USA. The well-received WDS skin cancer screenings and sun safety outreach took place at one of the major tournaments in pro ladies’ golf, the McDonald’s LPGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola in Havre de Grace, MD.

WDS members and board-certified Maryland dermatologists Karen Beasley, MD (Hunt Valley, MD) and Valerie Callender, MD (Mitchellville, MD) co-hosted the successful outreach event, supported by an energetic team of volunteers joining them to offer free skin cancer screenings, and sun safety outreach to tournament spectators over the busy weekend. In addition, volunteer dermatologists conducted private skin cancer screenings and sun damage assessments for a record number of LPGA Tour players, caddies and sports writers during a special day of outreach designed to heighten awareness about the risks of prolonged sun exposure that come with the game of golf.

"The record-breaking number of people who were screened by the WDS is a testament to the growing awareness and importance of sun protection among golfers, caddies and spectators alike," said Philippe Patsalides, General Manager, Active Cosmetics Division, L'Oréal USA. "The partnership between L'Oréal USA and the WDS behind the
“Play Safe in the Sun” Campaign has played a major role in helping to make this happen and we are proud to be associated with this important endeavor."

The following local dermatologists performed free skin cancer screenings and provided sun safety education: Christine Ambro, MD, Karen Beasley, MD, Valerie Callender, MD, David Jaffe, MD, Beverly Johnson, MD, Oanh Lauring, MD, Kelley Redbord, MD and Margaret Weiss, MD. Additional volunteer support was provided by: Kim Brazil, CMA, Sonya Davis, MD, Maria Kessides, Chesahna Kindred, MD, Angela Lotsikas, MD, Clinzo Mickle, MD, Ire Rodney, MD, Jody Seling, Sarah Slade, PA, and Mary Trageser.

Corporate volunteers who contributed hands-on support included: Gene Colon, Paul Fehn, Jodie Hebert and Mike Scenna, all representing L'Oréal USA; Thomas Moog and Robin Holmes, RN, of Canfield Imaging Systems, which furnished the sun damage assessment photographs; and Kass Benchoff, Kristi Lake, Neal Rafferty and Marijean Zawrcz, all from Galderma.

Highlights from the event include:

A grand total of 328 skin cancer screenings were provided during this 4-day outreach to the golf community, representing a cumulative 125 hours of volunteer service by WDS members and supporters.
67 LPGA Tour players, caddies and members of the golf news media underwent free skin cancer screenings with a remarkable 46% of these individuals referred to dermatologists for further diagnosis/biopsy of suspicious sites presumptively diagnosed as skin cancer.
87 from those groups received sun damage assessments with the UV reflectance camera, representing the highest participation since “Play Safe in the Sun” began in 2004.
Volunteers conducted total of 261 skin cancer screenings for the public, with a one-day screening record set on Saturday with 117 screenings performed for golf fans and an equally record-breaking heat index.
An overall 30% of all individuals screened were referred to dermatologists for further management of lesions suspicious for skin cancer or pre-cancer.
25,000 samples of various broad-spectrum sunscreens were distributed to the public with the message, “re-apply every nine holes!” Booth visitors had the chance to slather on sunscreen and learn that a golf-ball sized amount of sunscreen constitutes a proper application for the body and face.
Havre de Grace Mayor Wayne Dougherty declared “Play Safe in the Sun” Day in the city in recognition of the local sun safety outreach.

In addition to funding support from L’Oreal USA, product donations for the public, players and members of the media were provided by Garnier, Lancome, SkinCeuticals and La Roche Posay.

The WDS national campaign, is co-chaired by WDS members Adrienne Stewart, MD (Denver, CO) and Michel McDonald, MD (Nashville, TN). The service effort draws from the Society’s 1,500 dermatologist members to provide volunteer support in local communities to heighten sun safety awareness and promote healthy skin practices among outdoor sports enthusiasts. WDS will present
“Play Safe in the Sun” at the Safeway Classic in Portland, OR

WDS will premiere its sun safety outreach in the world of professional tennis at the Pilot Pen Classic in New Haven, Connecticut in August.

For further information, please visit: www.playsafeinthesun.org or www.womensderm.org.

ABOUT THE WOMEN’S DERMATOLOGIC SOCIETY (WDS)
The Women's Dermatologic Society supports the careers and professional development of women dermatologists. The mission of the Women’s Dermatologic Society is to help women in dermatology achieve their greatest personal and professional potential by striving to foster, promote, and support women’s issues in dermatology; identify, train, and recognize women leaders in dermatology; and provide a forum for developing relationships and the exchange of ideas and research relevant to women’s issues; and promote the highest possible standards of ethics, research, patient care and education, as well as public education.


ABOUT L'ORÉAL USA
L'Oréal USA, headquartered in New York City, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of L'Oréal SA, one of the world’s leading beauty companies. L'Oréal USA has Research and Development, Manufacturing and Distribution facilities across eight states in the U.S., including New York, New Jersey, Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, Ohio, Colorado and Texas. L'Oréal's impressive portfolio of brands includes Lancôme, Giorgio Armani, Shu Uemura, L'Oréal Paris, Garnier, Vichy, La Roche-Posay, L'Oréal Professionel and Kérastase. The U.S. is the base for the product development, international marketing and advertising for L'Oréal's nine American brands: Maybelline New York, Soft-Sheen.Carson, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Ralph Lauren, Redken 5th Avenue NYC, Matrix, Mizani, SkinCeuticals and PureOlogy.


2008 Listing of Completed Events...
ADT Championship LPGA Playoffs - West Palm Beach, FL (Nov 21-23) Pre-EventPost-EventPhoto Gallery
Samsung World Championship - Half Moon Bay, CA (Oct 2-5) Pre-EventPost-EventPhoto Gallery
2008 Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament - New Haven, CT (Aug 17) Pre-EventPost-EventPhoto Gallery
McDonald's LPGA Championship - Havre De Grace, MD (Jun 6-8) Pre-EventPost-EventPhoto Gallery
Sybase Classic - Clifton, NJ (May 15-18) Pre-EventPost-EventPhoto Gallery

PLAY SAFE IN THE SUN' MAKING HEADLINES
» New York Times
The WDS community outreach service Play Safe in the Sun makes headlines, as recently featured in Sports Section of the New York Times.
» Dermatology Times 'Playing it safe: Women's derm society reaches thousands with sun protection message'
» Back 9 Radio Network
Interview with Dr. Valerie Callender



LPGA Tour Player Paula Creamer speaks out in support of WDS efforts to spread the message about sun safety.
(Read more about Paula Creamer HERE)
Produced by John R Buonpane | The Wizard Company
www.thewizardcompany.com

ATTENTION WDS MEMBERS:

Please join us for a fun and rewarding community service outreach, offering free skin cancer screenings, sun damage assessments and sun safety education for golf enthusiasts enjoying the LPGA Tournament. We also have a special day for private screenings for the LPGA Tour players and caddies.

Members: Volunteer now for future events
For more information please call the
WDS office at: 1-877-WDS-ROSE (937-7673)







ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:


ABOUT THE EVENT:
Welcome to the 19th annual Sybase Classic presented by ShopRite.  We are delighted to have the opportunity to welcome the LPGA Tour back to historic Upper Montclair Country Club.  Over the past 18 years, the event has grown into one of the premier international golf tournaments on the LPGA Tour. 

The greatest lady golfers in the world will be competing for a $2 million purse.  In addition to showcasing some incredible golf, this premier sporting event focuses the national spotlight on our community – providing significant opportunities for nationwide recognition of our corporate partners.  Proceeds from the event will go to support area charities.

We invite you to become part of the action.  And, while you and your guests are out enjoying the many Tournament Week festivities, you can rest assured that your patronage and corporate support will assist in making this contribution to charity a reality.

The Sybase Classic staff is dedicated to working with our corporate partners, media partners, volunteers, Tournament charities, and the LPGA Tour to create a successful and rewarding event for all involved.

Thank you.


(Learn more at: Official Sybase Classic Site)



For further information about Women’s Dermatologic Society, visit:
www.womensderm.org
www.playsafeinthesun.org


Contact (General Inquiries): WDS Offices at 1-877-WDS-ROSE
Contact (Media Inquiries): Nancy FitzGerald, Director of Communications at (760) 333-9296

The Women's Dermatologic Society supports the careers and professional development of women dermatologists. The mission of the Women’s Dermatologic Society is to help women in dermatology achieve their greatest personal and professional potential by striving to: foster, promote, and support women’s issues in dermatology; identify, train, and recognize women leaders in dermatology; and provide a forum for developing relationships.

Women's Dermatologic Society
575 Market Street, Suite 2125, San Francisco, CA 94105
Toll-Free: 1-877-WDS-ROSE (937-7673) | Tel: (415) 764-4925 Fax: (415) 764-4933
eMail: wds@womensderm.org | www.playsafeinthesun.org