As we rake leaves, dig out our mothers’ pie recipes or make travel plans for Thanksgiving week, it’s a good time to remember that feeling grateful is not just good for our mental health. Studies suggest it may also help improve heart health, lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. (Hey, we work with doctors, so we like to include some science!)
With that in mind, our colleagues at The Skin Cancer Foundation share their thoughts on thankfulness.
“I’m grateful for YOU! I served the Foundation for many years on the marketing communications team. In 2024 I became the Foundation’s executive director. In this new role, it has been my honor to form deeper relationships with all the donors and partners who make our work possible. I love learning about your connection to our cause, and what it is about our mission that resonates with you. It motivates me to continue striving for excellence, so that we may reach more people with our life-changing and lifesaving prevention, detection and treatment information. I’m also grateful to the Foundation’s Board of Directors for being so supportive during this transition, and our incredible staff. Every member of our team is full of creative ideas, energy and enthusiasm and they make coming to work every day a pleasure.”
Becky Kamowitz
Executive Director
“I am so grateful to join a team that is fighting skin cancer with science and education. Most of us didn’t get a #loveyourskin message in our earlier years. Smarter living can help us make skin cancer the least common cancer in the world. May we all enjoy life in the shade this year!”
Abby Ludowise
Senior Director of Marketing Communications
“I’m thankful that I was drafted into the Army in 1953, where I was lucky to get to work in pediatrics at Tokyo Army Hospital. That led me to medical school, which led me to dermatologic surgery, where I performed 47,000 Mohs surgeries in 49 years of practice and taught my skills to others. I’m also grateful I was able to create The Skin Cancer Foundation in 1979, publish my memoir on its 40th anniversary in 2019 — and celebrate my 94th birthday in 2024!”
Perry Robins, MD
Founder
“I’m thankful that I live in the heart of New York City, close to our SCF office, dear friends and the “nature getaway” of Central Park, where I can make my own shade with UPF clothing, UV-blocking sunglasses and a colorful parasol! I’m also grateful for my 14 skin cancer scars and all the brilliant and caring dermatologists and Mohs surgeons who have sliced, diced, diagnosed and stitched me up. They’re why I’m passionate about this cause.”
Julie Bain
Senior Director of Science & Education
“This year, I’m grateful for finding my balance! In fact, that was the theme of the 2024 edition of our annual magazine, The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal, and for good reason. We’re all juggling work, family and the myriad other interests and obligations each of us embraces. I’m thankful for the inspiring work the Foundation does every day. It’s an honor to lead the charge. I’m grateful for my husband and partner in our medical practice, Robert H. Gotkin, MD, who helps keep me grounded. And I’ll give a special shoutout this year to my adorable baby grandson, who has brought infinite new love and joy into the holiday season.”
Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD
President
“Each day, I’m excited to get up and go to work for The Skin Cancer Foundation. That is an incredible feeling. I love how dedicated we are to the Foundation’s mission of saving and improving lives. It is amazing what this small but mighty group of caring and passionate people can accomplish!”
Victoria Kopec
Senior Director of Digital Strategy
“I’m thankful for the years of companionship and unconditional love Hamilton, my fluffy white rescue cat, shared with me until he passed earlier this year. I am thankful for Eliza, my new one year old rescue housemate, whose endless curiosity is such a joy to watch. Their selflessness and forgiveness inspires me to practice the same in my daily life whether it is with my family or confronting skin cancer – there is healing in the caring.”
Paul Melia
Creative Services Director
“I’m grateful to live in New York City, where there’s always something to do and new things to experience – like taking a yoga class in Times Square with thousands of other people! Whether it’s practicing yoga in an iconic NYC location (Times Square, Bryant Park, Central Park), taking the ferry to the beach, catching a last-minute performance, or simply wandering around different neighborhoods, I am grateful to continuously discover the hidden gems NYC has to offer every day.”
Rachel Kramer
Director of Development
“On this Thanksgiving holiday, I am grateful for all the love and support from my family, health, the wonderful career opportunity granted to me within an amazing organization and other blessings bestowed upon me this year. May this Thanksgiving bring us all much love and happiness.”
Mayra Colón
Finance Administrator
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