Your Story Series: Amy
Could you please share your experiences around being diagnosed with melanoma? What diagnosis did you receive and how long ago?
I’ve been diagnosed with melanoma multiple times, along with Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome, a genetic condition that significantly increases my risk of developing skin cancer.
My first diagnosis was in 2016, at 28 years old, when a small changing spot on my upper right chest was confirmed as Stage 1B melanoma. That moment changed everything for me especially because I thought I was too young for something like that to happen.
Since then, I’ve had two melanomas removed in 2019 on my right arm inches from each other, and again in 2023 on my upper right back. Each one was caught early through consistent skin checks and trusting changes in my skin, even when they seemed small or easy to ignore.
More recently, in January 2026, five biopsies were taken during my routine skin exam. Four came back atypical, including new growths forming within old melanoma scar sites from 2019 which now require further surgical removal.
How has your relationship with the sun changed following your diagnosis?
My relationship with the sun has completely changed since my diagnosis.
I used to think of the sun as something harmless, something I didn’t really have to think about. But after multiple melanoma diagnoses, I see it very differently now.
I’m still outside every day. I still walk with my Australian Shepherd, Roxy, and I still hike whenever I can. I love being outdoors too much to ever fear the sun. But I approach it with intention now, not casually.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable for me, even on cloudy days or short outings. I also rely on wide-brim hats, UPF 50+ clothing, and planning my time outside more carefully. It’s become about layering protection in simple, consistent ways.
For me, it’s not about fear, it's about respect. Respecting what UV exposure can do over time, especially with my history.
I’ve learned that sun damage doesn’t always show up right away. It builds quietly, and I’ve already lived through that reality.
So now it’s balance. I still live fully outdoors, I still move my body, I still take in the sun and fresh air I just do it with awareness and protection built into my everyday life.
What does living a sun-safe life mean to you, and how has sun protection impacted your confidence or comfort when spending time outdoors?
Living a sun-safe life means I don’t take chances with something I now understand too well.
It’s checking my skin, protecting it daily, and being intentional every time I step outside. It’s not fear, it's awareness, after everything I’ve been through.
It hasn’t stopped me from living outdoors. I still walk with my dog, I still hike, I still choose to be outside. But I do it differently now with protection that matches what I know.
Sun safety didn’t make my world smaller. It made it more honest.
“I didn’t change my love for the sun, I changed how seriously I protect myself from it.”
What is your favourite Solbari product and why?
My favourite is the Ultra Wide Cotton Linen Hat UPF 50+. It’s something I rely on when I’m outside for long stretches because it gives me consistent coverage and makes protection feel simple and second nature.
I also use the Driving Gloves, which I didn’t think much about at first, but I’ve learned how much sun exposure your hands get just from everyday driving. That constant UV exposure adds up over time, leading to premature aging and it can also increase risk for skin cancers on the hands and even around the nails, which are often overlooked.
What I like most about both is that they make sun protection feel easy to build into daily life, not something complicated or easy to miss.
“I’ve learned the smallest areas we forget to protect are often the ones that need it most.”
What advice would you give to someone who hasn’t yet embraced sun protection in their routine?
Start simple, and make it something you can actually stick to every day.
Sun protection isn’t just SPF, it's your full routine. It’s daily sunscreen, UPF 50+ clothing, a good hat, and small habits that protect you without overthinking it.
And it’s not seasonal. You have to protect your skin year-round, not just in the summer, because UV exposure is still there even on cloudy days, in winter, and in everyday life.
The most important thing is consistency, not perfection. Find what fits into your lifestyle so you’ll actually use it because it only works when it becomes part of your daily routine.
“I didn’t change my life for sun protection, I built sun protection into the life I already live.”
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through everything I’ve been through, it’s that awareness is powerful but action is what truly protects you.
Skin cancer doesn’t always start in an obvious way. It can be small, quiet, and easy to overlook until it isn’t. That’s why checking your skin, protecting it daily, and taking changes seriously matters so much more than people realize.
I also want people to know you don’t have to stop living your life to protect your skin. I still spend time outside, I still walk and hike, I still live fully I just do it with intention now.
And if you take anything from my story, let it be this: don’t wait for something to happen before you start taking your skin seriously. Start now, with the small things you can actually stick to.
Your skin is with you for life; it deserves that level of care.
