Founded by a melanoma survivor, we understand firsthand the importance of prevention and are driven to design stylish ways to protect you with UPF 50+ clothing & swimwear. In April, we asked our amazing community to share their skin cancer story in any way their lives have been impacted.
During May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we share these stories as part of our #GetReal campaign. Through these powerful & personal accounts, we aim to ignite awareness, inspire action and foster a community united in the fight against this prevalent yet often preventable disease. With 1 in 5 Americans being diagnosed with skin cancer it's time we #GetReal.
Join us as we illuminate the personal journeys, triumphs and challenges of those impacted by skin cancer, empowering each other to prioritize sun safety and early detection. Together, let's shine a light on skin cancer and work towards a future where prevention is paramount and every story ends with hope.
Below are survivor stories from our Cabana Community. We will continue to add more!
"My story began when I was 26 as well! I found out I had squamous cell carcinoma on my nose and Mohs surgery was required. This was before there were many doctors practicing this type of procedure, so we went to Chapel Hill. Since then my experience has been one of many skin checks, biopsies, surgeries and sun avoidance. So happy for the new technologies and Cabana Life! Love the colors and designs of this clothing line and appreciate there are others that share stories like mine."
- Renee F.
Wearing the Napa Embroidered Tunic Dress
"In 2014 my wife booked my dermatology screening after she had a basil cell removed from her forehead. During my screening, 2 melanomas were found and subsequently removed. This was the start of my battle as over the next several years I had 3 additional non-pigmented Melanomas removed. Early screening saves lives. It's simple get screened and you have a 99% better chance of survival than finding a melanoma too late!"
- Jason Sessions
Founder of #GetNakedJax event in Jacksonville Beach, FL raising money to support the Melanoma Research Foundation
"I have had 3 spots of melanoma removed in the past 2 years. I live in Florida and avoiding with my active 5 year old daughter, so avoiding the sun is difficult. Cabana life allows me to go to the park and teach my daughter how to ride her bike without fear of further skin damage from the sun. I'm thankful for their clothing and wear it daily!"
- Kaitlyn S.
"I went to what I thought would be a normal dermatology appointment; however the doctor removed two moles from my back. Unfortunately, both moles came back as melanoma. One being stage 0 and the other being stage 1. Little over a month from my diagnosis I had wide excision surgery to remove the melanoma. Thankfully they were able to get it all and my current treatment is going to see my dermatologist every 3 months. I thought I would never get skin cancer; it didn’t even occur to me. I never tanned at a tanning booth and was always wearing sunscreen while in the sun."
- Jane M.
"I have had Moh’s surgery many times. Fortunately, not melanoma but I have had Basil Cell a lot. I adore your clothes. We travel a lot and have a beach house. I always get compliments on your dresses and I spread the word that wearing your clothes really “could be a lifesaver”. Keep making your fashionable clothing and letting us go out in the sun feeling secure and safe."
- Mary W.
"I went to the Dermatologist for a routine skin check and they did a biopsy of a multicolored spot on the back of my arm. It was in a location I could not see on myself, but when I saw it in the mirror it didn’t look good. It came back Melanoma. Thank God it was stage 0, but still scary hearing I had melanoma. I am so glad I can wear long sleeve rashguards to protect my skin now. Thank you Cabana Life!"
- Lynn M.
"I have had skin cancer off and on for last 15 years. I love your clothes so that I know that at least the clothes are protecting me every time I wear them."
- Jane C.
"I have had Moh’s surgery many times. Fortunately, not melanoma but I have had Basal Cell a lot. I adore your clothes. We travel a lot and have a beach house. I always get compliments on your dresses and I spread the word that wearing your clothes really 'could be a lifesaver.' Keep making your fashionable clothing and letting us go out in the sun feeling secure and safe."
- Mary W.
"I found the first skin cancer on my face in 2007 and it was a Melanoma in situ. It's a good thing that I worked for a dermatologist! MOHS wasn’t recommended for Melanoma at that time because the borders were too irregular and the dyes not very good, so it was excised. Since then, I have had several skins cancers and wear sun protective clothing all the time. Unfortunately, the damage was done years ago. My children are very careful in the sun. Educate yours! I had a very close friend, who was a golfer, die of a Melanoma, and a neighbor. While working we diagnosed a 20-year-old Marine Biology student with a stage 3 Melanoma."
- Cathryn B.
"At 37, almost one year ago on May 8, I was diagnosed with stage 1a melanoma. I thank God it was removed at an early stage. After my diagnosis I was on a deep search for clothes that not only made me feel good but also protected me from the sun! I was so happy to find Cabana Life and their beautiful pieces! I have not only bought several pieces for myself, but as well for my mother in law who has also had skin cancer."
- Sarah G.
Left: Wearing the limited-edition Sag Harbor Cover Up that has since sold out
Right: Wearing the Sullivan's Island Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress
Melissa, Cabana Life Founder & Melanoma Survivor
From all these impactful stories, one truth resonates: skin cancer doesn't discriminate. It touches lives in myriad ways, reminding us of the importance of sun protection, regular screenings and advocating for our own health. Let these narratives serve as your friendly reminder from the fellow Cabana Community. Read more #GetReal stories here.
We're honored to help protect you & your family with our UPF 50+ fashion. We strive to make you feel empowered to prioritize skin health. Let's continue to share, educate and support one another in this fight. Together, we can make a difference. As always, 100% of the proceeds from our Meaningful Merch Collection are donated to the Melanoma Research Foundation. We are proud to support this amazing organization and their fight to eradicate skin cancer.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of raising awareness and fostering hope in our #GetReal series. As always, stay sun safe & stylish!