2010 Pale is the New Tan Walk: Fighting Skin Cancer

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - One day before she turned 28-years old, Scarlet Lawrence Akins lost her battle with skin cancer but her mother is continuing the fight, hoping to raise awareness about melanoma.

She never sunbathed or frequented tanning beds.

Instead, it all started, and ultimately ended, with an unsightly mole that transformed her life and her health. Now Scarlet's mother is hopeful her daughter's death will teach others to pay close attention to their skin.

Every August is a bitter reminder for the Moore family; a memory of a life taken too soon.

"I was there when she took her first breath, I was with her when she took her last breath," Cheryl Moore said.

Her daughter was 27-years old. Bubbly, smart, and ambitious, the 'Ole Miss grad was just beginning her life. The newlywed was expecting her first child.

"She started getting sick, and so we all, including her doctors thought it was cause she was pregnant."

But the sickness seemed to get worse. Mom, living in Florida at the time, moved back to Collierville to be closer to her daughter. After a CAT scan, doctors would learn what plagued the 27-year old.

"Her OB/GYN came to her room and said 'Scarlet, now we know, you have cancer'."

That was April 2006, the cancer was spreading as quickly as doctors worked to save her life--to her brain, lungs, and spine. In May, she was able to deliver a healthy baby girl. Madison is now 4 years old. In August, just one day before her 28th birthday, Scarlet lost her battle.

"Cancer took her at just the prime of her life. She had so much to give, and so much ahead of her."

One year later, as the death anniversary approached, the family wanted to remember her. Talks would turn into a walk, in six short weeks.
"It was crazy trying to get everything done. We learned a lot that year."

Now, in its 4th year, it's grown bigger and better. The 2010 Pale is the New Tan (PINT 5K) is planned for Friday and they're hoping for a big turnout. All of the proceeds go to Melanoma Research Foundation.

"They give out money and funds and grants to doctors who are doing research to try to find a cure for melanoma."

That's all Cheryl Moore wants a cure for the disease that took her daughter far too soon. But through it all, she's learned more than she's ever dreamed of.

"Be your own advocate, take care of yourself, and realize every day is a gift."

FOX13 is sponsoring the walk that starts on Friday, August 6th at 7:00 pm at the Ridgeway Loop in East Memphis. Pre-registration ends Tuesday at midnight.

Visit our website to get signed up or to make a donation to the cause.