Melanoma survivors story

I am Pale BUT Proud

A survivors story of Melanoma: My Melanoma diagnosis has had a tremendously profound impact on my life, and I was thrilled to use my experience for the benefit of others. But there was no way to champion my cause further without mixing in additional, once-private components. The more of my journey you take with me, the more you’ll notice the personal and intimate touches of mine along the way.

For instance the name “Pretty Pale” came about because, in earlier years, people made fun of me due to my noticeably pale complexion. They would tell me in an unkind way that I was “pretty pale”, and should get some color. I’d like to have a word with those people now, and tell them just where their mocking “advice” led me. Initially, I turned to tanning in an effort to both increase my color and make my cellulite less noticeable. But I also tanned out of peer pressure, as everyone I’d admired at my gym was toned and very tanned. It all seemed to go hand-in-hand together.

Now let’s fast forward to the present day, where “Pretty Pale” takes on a whole new meaning. In place of the negative connotation those words once had for me, now resides a lovely one that celebrates both beauty and a healthy lifestyle. The truth is, people confident in their own skin are not only attractive; they project attractiveness.

I want Pretty Pale to continually deliver inspirational messages of self-confidence and self-acceptance to people as they are, without alterations, just as Kspin Designs does-but with a more educational, experienced tone. If you review my history with Skin Cancer Awareness you’ll see a history, a pattern, of me promoting self-esteem in one’s appearance without need or assistance from either a natural or artificial tan.

This all started with Kspin Designs, and has evolved into everything else I’ve done since to help others. You’ll learn more about them in future posts.

If I’d only had enough self-confidence in myself-in my own skin-back then, I wouldn’t have resorted to altering my body through tanning the way I did. But I now see the Silver Lining. And my greatest hope is that my journey, sincerity and ability to help people see the best in their physical selves will continue inspiring them to avoid making the mistakes I once did.

You are beautiful. We’re all beautiful, every one of us. And I want to celebrate that beauty with you, my extended Pretty Pale family.