Brave young woman who led a high-profile melanoma campaign loses the battle against cancer at the age of 28
Brave young woman who led high-profile campaign for greater public exposure after being diagnosed with melanoma tragically loses her battle at age 28
- Gina Savage passed away on Monday from an incurable melanoma
- She was a strong proponent of raising awareness of the disease
A young woman who spent the last years of her life spreading awareness about melanoma has passed away.
Brisbane lawyer Gina Savage, 28, died Monday, eight years after being diagnosed with incurable metastatic melanoma.
Her foundation, the Six Hour Project, shared a memorial post on Saturday.
“We are deeply, deeply saddened to share the news that we lost our beautiful light, Gina, on Monday, June 12 after an eight-year battle with melanoma,” it read.
Gina lived every day to the fullest and really squeezed every minute out of life, while remaining a true advocate for melanoma prevention and awareness, after being diagnosed with the insidious disease at just 20 years old.
“She was dedicated to raising funds and awareness for those facing the same battle as her, or those who may still be facing it.
“There are no words to describe this insurmountable loss in all of our lives and the lives of her vast circle of family and friends.”
Young advocate Gina Savage (above) died Monday of an incurable melanoma after spending the last years of her life spreading awareness about the disease
Ms. Savage completed four rounds of radiation, tried five systemic medications, and had 60 lymph nodes, 17 melanoma tumors, and both ovaries removed (pictured, a melanoma on her back)
The Melanoma Institute Australia also shared a tribute, writing: ‘We are extremely saddened to learn that Gina Savage has passed away at just 28 years old.
During her eight-year battle with melanoma, Gina dedicated herself to raising awareness of melanoma and fundraising for melanoma research.
“We are so grateful for everything she has done, including supporting MIA last year at the National Press Club of Australia address in Canberra.
“We still have a lot to do, but the work of Gina Savage, and others like her, inspire us all to redouble our efforts and get to zero deaths from this terrible disease.”
Ms Savage was diagnosed with melanoma in 2015 when she was 20 after finding a small bump on her scalp.
The cancer spread throughout her body and she underwent three major surgeries to remove tumors from her abdomen and pelvis.
During her treatment, she completed four rounds of radiation, tried five systemic medications, and had 60 lymph nodes, 17 melanoma tumors, and both ovaries removed.
Ms. Savage’s passion was spreading awareness about melanoma and sun safety.
Ms Savage (above) founded the Six Hour Project to spread awareness about melanoma and denounced the ‘glamorization’ of tanning on social media
A memorial service for Ms Savage (above) will be held at the Brisbane Powerhouse on Thursday
In particular, she denounced the “glamorization” of tanning on social media, describing it as a “kick in the guts.”
“Watching people glorify a tan on social media is honestly a kick in the guts as myself and so many others fight for our lives,” she said last November.
The Melanoma Institute Australia warns that an Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes and an Aussie dies from the cancer every six hours.
A memorial service for Mrs Savage will be held at the Brisbane Powerhouse on Thursday 22 June.