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Callie Crews is a junior high school student at Palmer Trinity School who learned about melanoma when her mother was diagnosed with the dangerous form of skin cancer in 2015. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color) start to grow out of control.
Since then, Callie and several of her friends and family members have launched a non-profit organization called One Change Bracelets. The mission of One Change Bracelets is to raise awareness and money for melanoma research by producing and selling a very interesting item of jewelry.
“My friends and I learned in science class that when certain plastic beads are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, they will change color,” says Callie. “We were into making jewelry and decided to design something stylish that would attract kids our age and send a message about the harmful rays of the sun, and to make one change – putting on sunscreen – that could prevent you from developing melanoma.”
The large bead on each One Change Bracelets changes color as it warms up in the sun, starting out a clear white and then becoming pink, purple or yellow, thereby reminding the wearer to apply sunscreen. Bracelet cords are available in many different colors and each bracelet costs $10, plus $2 for shipping locally. Bracelets may be ordered online at the organization’s website at https://www.onechangebracelets.org/.
One hundred percent of all sales proceeds go to melanoma research. To date, Callie and her team have donated more than $120,000 to the Melanoma Research Foundation and other research organizations.
“We’ve learned that there are many ways to prevent melanoma and other skin cancers, but it must start at a young age,” says Callie. “It’s our mission to spread the word to children and adults, hopefully decreasing one of the few preventable cancers. You can decrease your odds of getting skin cancer by protecting your skin with one change…putting on sunscreen.”
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, regular use of sunscreen can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent.
Miami Miles for Melanoma 5K
On Saturday, February 11 at Zoo Miami (12400 SW 152 Street) the Miami Miles for Melanoma 5K will kick off at 9 a.m. (event site opens at 7:30 a.m.). Callie’s mother recovered from melanoma and is doing well. Both mother and daughter will be at the Miami Miles for Melanoma 5K race on February 11 and invite you to join them in supporting a good cause.
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