Members of the original Rays of Hope fundraising team, established in 2020, include, from left: David Horne, Beverly Corrigan, Bradley Murphy and Shane Mahon. In front is Jessica Summers. Submitted photo
By Mark Squibb
The Southern Shore “Rays of Hope” squad has been named the Melanoma Canada 2024 Top Fundraiser Team.
“I’m pretty proud of the team, no question,” said Beverly Corrigan, who for the last five years has organized a Strides for Melanoma fundraising event on the Southern Shore in conjunction with Melanoma Canada.
At the core of the fundraising team are a number of Special Olympians and their families.
Corrigan said the award came by way of the hard work and dedication of volunteers.
In 2020, the Rays of Hope raised approximately $4,300 for Melanoma Canada. Donations would continue to grow year over year, and in 2024 Southern Shore volunteers raised over $16,700 for melanoma treatment and awareness, helped in part by the introduction of a 50/50 ticket draw.
Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer. Most melanomas are caused by exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.
To protect oneself, Corrigan recommends applying broad spectrum sunscreen at least 15 minutes before heading out — and re-applying it frequently— and to avoid the sun as best you can during peak hours, which are typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Corrigan also recommends wearing proper UV light blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, as ocular melanoma is a risk.
