May 9, 2011 - Charleston, SC: Last Monday kicked off National Melanoma Awareness Month, as well as the fourth annual “I WILL REFLECT” melanoma awareness initiative at The Spa at Charleston Place. There was no better way to welcome summer than by watching a poolside fashion show while enjoying views of Charleston’s cityscape and sipping signature cocktails, all to benefit the MUSC Fund for skin cancer research. Nearly 200 people attended the evening’s party, which also included a silent auction complete with designer sunglasses, spa services, BOTOX® treatments and skincare products. Local designer, Cavortress, as well as Tommy Bahama and Everything But Water showcased their summer styles, while guests noshed on hors-d’oeuvres courtesy of Charleston Place Hotel and took in the up-close and personal view of the runway. Other supporters of the event included Jackson Davenport, Magar Hatworks, Lumete Eyewear, TouT Models and Talent, Cos Bar, Article 5 Salon and Van H. Designs.
Event attendee and melanoma survivor, Annie Sheehan, was there to share her story with others, as well as doctors and staff from the MUSC department of dermatology. The cause resonates closely for Sheehan who said, “I know it’s tanning season - prom is coming up, then graduation. But if they knew what I’ve gone through, they’d think twice.” As an “I WILL REFLECT” ambassador, Sheehan will also share her story in an upcoming campaign video.
Guests were encouraged to “Get Screened” annually by a dermatologist, as well as to be diligent when applying sunscreen. The night’s emcee, Charleston Waterkeeper Executive Director, Cyrus Buffum provided statistics and helpful information to guests during the fashion show saying, “One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles chances of developing melanoma later in life. Risk of melanoma doubles with more than five sunburns at any age.”
Such facts are staggering statistics that hammer home the importance of safe sun habits and annual full-body mole checks. The “I WILL REFLECT” campaign will continue throughout the summer, and limited-time “I WILL REFLECT” spa facials are available at The Spa at Charleston Place, with 10% of proceeds benefitting the MUSC Fund. “I WILL REFLECT” bracelets are also for sale for $3.00 at The Spa and select locations, including Germain Dermatology, McLean Sheperd, M.D. and Charleston Battery games.
For more information or to schedule an “I WILL REFLECT” spa treatment, please visit http://www.charlestonplace.com/web/ocha/spa.jsp or call 843.937.8522.
About The Spa at Charleston Place
Renowned as the Holy City’s finest, Charleston Place is positioned at the very heart of Charleston, offering guests unparalleled customer service and accommodations that epitomize southern hospitality. The Spa at Charleston Place has been rated by Travel + Leisure readers as the “Top City Hotel Spa in the United States and Canada” and recently voted by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of the “Top 10 Spas in the United States, Canada and Caribbean.” The Charleston Place Hotel has been selected as one of the best hotels in North America consecutively for the past nine years by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Learn more about The Spa at www.charlestonplace.com/web/ocha/spa.jsp.
About Medical University of South Carolina
Founded in 1824 in Charleston, The Medical University of South Carolina is the oldest medical school in the South. Today, MUSC continues the tradition of excellence in education, research and patient care. MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and residents, and has nearly 11,000 employees, including 1,300 faculty members. As the largest non-federal employer in Charleston, the university and its affiliates have collective annual budgets in excess of $1.3 billion. MUSC operates a 700-bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children's Hospital and a leading Institute of Psychiatry. For more information on academic information or clinical services, visit www.musc.edu or www.muschealth.com.
