Ellen Gray's life was cut short when in 2007, at just 29 years old, she passed away from cancer, after melanoma that was first detected on her head in 2006 spread to other parts of her body. Ellen was described as the sun by those who loved her, someone who was bubbly and happy all the time, the kind of person who lit up a room when she walked in, someone others seemed to orbit around.
While her family and loved ones were left to mourn the unthinkable loss, they were also determined to keep Ellen’s legacy alive, and educate others on the importance of skin cancer awareness and practicing safe habits to protect your skin.
Those who supported Ellen, like Dr. John Humphrey, executive director of the North Canton Medical Foundation, continue to keep Ellen’s mission going. Through the creation of Ellen’s Effort, their fundraising efforts, and Love Your Skin Stark County, designed to focus on education, they’re working to help protect others.
Dr. Humphrey shared that he is particularly concerned about the risks associated with tanning salons, and their locations near schools, such as college campuses.
“It’s really tragic because, in the main, it is a totally preventable fatal disease, just totally preventable,” said Dr. Humphrey.
“That is why we have so vigorously supported the efforts of Love Your Skin Stark County and the efforts of her parents and her husband. It’s been one of passion for us at the foundation.”
Dr. Humphrey said Love Your Skin Stark County has been a community-wide effort, one that the foundation is proud to be part of.