Amanda Eilian’s Story
After detecting an odd spot on her wrist, financial professional Amanda Eilian discovered she had melanoma, leading her to seek treatment as well as forge a relationship with the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA). This is her story.
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Amanda Eilian’s Story
Amanda, a busy financial professional, mother and wife, noticed an odd spot on her wrist.
Amanda Eilian:
The doctors said “No. Fine. Don’t worry about it.” About five months after the birth of my second daughter, my older daughter started pointing to it and saying, “Is that chocolate?” She was really noticing it. The third year when I went in to see the doctor I said, “I know it’s nothing but just take it off, make me feel better.” About a week later, I actually got a voicemail saying, “Sorry, I was wrong, this is actually melanoma and you need to get back here quickly.”
The initial outlook for Amanda was grim.
Eilian: Then I went in to see another doctor, which was not a very uplifting experience. She was discussing my options and said, “You’re probably indicated for a lymph node biopsy but that won’t really increase your life expectancy because there aren’t any treatment options, so why would you even bother.”
A successful surgery gave her new hope.
Eilian: I found a good surgeon. Because of the location it needed to be a hand specialist so that I didn’t lose any function of my hand. Even though it’s a small spot, they end up having to take a lot out. But it was as successful surgery. They got clear margins. It’s been now three years and thank God, nothing has come back. The outcome was positive at the end.
How did you get involved with the Melanoma Research Alliance?
Eilian: I was really excited when I found out they existed about six months after I was diagnosed. Their goal is to basically put themselves out of business. They want to find a cure for melanoma and it’s a big goal but I think they’re actually doing it and I think they will get there. They believe in collaboration. All of their research funding recipients have to share results. They’re really advancing the medical research faster than would be under some older models. They’re really taking an intelligent approach, so I was excited to join the board earlier this month and just happy to support them in any way I can.
Sponsors
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LFFM
The annual Leveraged Finance Fights Melanoma benefit cocktail party is planned for May 20th at the Summer Garden and Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center. Funds raised benefit the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) and have helped produce breakthrough immunotherapy treatments for patients.
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