Jamie Regen was pretty, popular and smart. She was on the drill team at Plano High School in North Texas. And pictures show her as a beautiful, happy outgoing teenager.
But Jamie was tanning every day during her lunch hour.
At age 20, Jamie was diagnosed with stage II melanoma skin cancer. She died three weeks before her 30th birthday.
Now, her mother, Donna Regen, in an extraordinary act of generosity, has cooperated with the American Academy of Dermatology to produce a public service announcement about the dangers of tanning. In making the announcement, she released photos of Jamie in the days before she died. It was difficult, she acknowledged in interviews, but her hope is that by releasing this material, other teens might understand the risks of tanning which we now know to be carcinogenic to humans.
Here is the public service announcement. If someone you know continues to tan, forward the link to her.
Be safe. Be SunAWARE. Please don’t use tanning beds.
I think that all tanning facilities should by law be made to show this video,just like cigerette packs have warnings. If teens would see this tape it might wake them up. Also would be good if high schools would show this at an assembly or health class.
I think people would be interested to know that Jamie was born with a mole on her back. It is this location where the melanoma started. Had Jamie’s mom surgically removed the mole with the help of a doctor then Jamie may be alive today.
This isn’t the fault of a tanning salon.
I am so sorry. I will talk to my daughters grandaughters about it thank you for sharing your story.
i think every teen should pay attention to this warning just like me..Sorry for yur loss
My heart goes out to Jamie and her family.
I too am from North Central Texas, (Fort Worth)
I was diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma while stationed in Germany back in late November 1998. During my Christmas leave.
I was referred to Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX.
I was 37 years old at the time.
The staff placed me in a Barber’s like chair, where I received a local anesthetic. Then the doctor then commenced to carve a hole in my face just under my left eye about the size of a Silver Dollar. I had to do this two times. He said it was very aggressive!
I was lucky; I could have lost my left eye, and or possibly my nose too. All the other patients were old white men about 70 years old.
I have been cancer free for 12 years
God Bless Jamie, and her family and Friends
Your right, most people have moles and freckles which are harmless. However, there are lots of reasons why they can change and become cancerous. Exposure to UVR is the most common reason and the reason we constantly remind people to use sun protection. Equally important, however, is to understand that there are hereditary factors that can cause cancer. If a member of your family has had skin cancer, you may be more likely to have it. Please routinely check your moles and freckles and report any suspicious changes to your dermatologist.