The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) will celebrate two major milestones this year as it hosts the 15th Annual Denver Gala on Thursday, September 24 at Asterisk Denver, marking 15 years of bringing the Denver melanoma community together. The Foundation also embarks upon its 30th anniversary celebrating three decades of progress, innovation and hope and recognition of the treatment breakthroughs on the horizon. The gala will once again welcome Jacquie Palisi as emcee. A fourth-generation Colorado native, Emmy Award-winning television host and passionate melanoma advocate, Palisi has made melanoma awareness and prevention a central part of her life after being diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2005 and three additional times since. Her personal experience has fueled her commitment to educating others about the importance of early detection, sun safety and regular skin checks.
DENVER, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) will celebrate two major milestones this year as it hosts the 15th Annual Denver Gala on Thursday, September 24 at Asterisk Denver, marking 15 years of bringing the Denver melanoma community together. The Foundation also embarks upon its 30th anniversary celebrating three decades of progress, innovation and hope and recognition of the treatment breakthroughs on the horizon. The gala will once again welcome Jacquie Palisi as emcee. A fourth-generation Colorado native, Emmy Award-winning television host and passionate melanoma advocate, Palisi has made melanoma awareness and prevention a central part of her life after being diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2005 and three additional times since. Her personal experience has fueled her commitment to educating others about the importance of early detection, sun safety and regular skin checks.
"I am incredibly honored to be returning as this year's emcee for the Melanoma Research Foundation Denver Gala. When you've experienced melanoma firsthand, this isn't just another event on my calendar, it's deeply personal," said Jacquie Palisi. "And that's why I'm so passionate about the work of the MRF. They fund groundbreaking research, support patients and families, and they continue to raise awareness that's helping to save lives every single day."
Gala attendees and donors are essential to advancing the fight against melanoma and creating a lasting legacy of hope for generations to come. Funds raised through the gala will help fuel groundbreaking research and accelerate the development and approval of new treatments, expand options for melanoma patients, strengthen patient and caregiver support programs, increase education and awareness, and advance advocacy efforts that drive meaningful change across the melanoma community.
During the event, IDEAYA Biosciences will be recognized with the Corporate Leadership Award for its groundbreaking contributions to melanoma treatment and research. This honor highlights the company's unwavering commitment to innovation and improving patient outcomes.
The MRF will also proudly present the Humanitarian Award to Sapna Patel, MD in recognition of her commitment to fighting melanoma through exemplary patient care, cutting-edge research and scientific leadership. Finally, we will celebrate the incredible strength and courage of Arielle Gold, Enzo Rebora and Lori Rosemond, RN, honoring them for the bravery they've shown in their melanoma journeys. Gala attendees will come together to honor the melanoma community with an unforgettable evening featuring a cocktail reception, elegant seated dinner, inspiring presentations and a powerful awards ceremony.
The MRF extends heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated gala co-chairs — Elise A. Barish, Gerald Falchook, MD, MS and Kimberly Neyman, MD, FAAD — along with the entire host committee, generous financial sponsors, in-kind partners and all supporters whose collective efforts are instrumental in bringing the 15th Annual Denver Gala to life.
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About the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma and the melanoma rare subtypes. The MRF is a committed advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF's website (www.melanoma.org) is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. Find the MRF on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Media Contact
James Merrick, Melanoma Research Foundation, 1 202-579-3450, [email protected], melanoma.org
SOURCE Melanoma Research Foundation
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