Join the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) and Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and University of Maryland, Baltimore County for a patient symposium about melanoma from 8:00AM to 3:00 PM ET on Saturday, September 26, 2026.  During this symposium, participants will learn the latest in diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.

IMPORTANT: This event is an in-person ONLY event. If you are not able to attend in-person but would like the YouTube link sent directly to your email, please still register. All registered attendees will receive the YouTube link after the event has concluded.

To view additional information on important topics to melanoma patients, visit the MRF's YouTube Page. The symposium will be recorded and available on-demand following the event.

* One registration required per in-person attendee. Walk-in/Day of registration IS available*

Agenda

8:00AM - 9:00 AM    Check-in/Registration & Breakfast

Breakfast will be provided

9:00AM - 9:10 AM    Welcome & Announcements

Johns Hopkins, UMBC & Melanoma Research Foundation

9:10AM - 9:20 AM    MRF Presentation

Debbie Churgai, Senior Education Program Manager, MRF

9:20AM - 9:50 AM  Melanoma Therapy in 2026: State-of-the-Art and Evolving New Standards of Care

Suzanne L. Topalian, MD

9:50–10:20 AM   Aging, Gender, and Therapy Resistance in Melanoma

Ashani T. Weeraratna, PhD

10:20–10:40 AM   BREAK

Snacks and drinks to be provided.

10:40–11:10 AM    Aging, Metabolism, and Melanoma Metastasis

Gretchen Alicea, PhD

11:10–11:30 AM    Rare Melanomas and Melanoma in Patients of Color

Vito W. Rebecca, PhD

11:30 AM–12:20 PM      Lunch & Networking

Lunch to be provided

12:20–1:00 PM        Engaging the Community: Raising Melanoma Awareness and Improving Equitable Care

Jalecia King, MPH

1:00–1:40 PM        Melanoma Through the Clinic and the Laboratory: Lessons from Early Detection, Patient Care, and Emerging Research

Thomas Hornyak, MD

1:40–2:00 PM       Break

2:00–2:25 PM     Navigating Your Melanoma Journey

Patient Navigator / Oncology Social Worker

2:25–2:50 PM Patient & Caregiver Panel Discussion

2:50–3:00 PM       Closing Remarks & Resources

3:00 PM       Adjourn

**NOTE: All the times listed above are in US eastern time zone. Thank you.