Ellie Rinehart, Melanoma Survivor
"At 26 years old, I never imagined I would be diagnosed with cancer. It was one of those distant possibilities — something that happens to other people, until it happens to you. My journey started when I noticed a small freckle on my forehead that seemed to be slowly growing. Because of its location, it was easy to monitor, and over time, I grew concerned enough to mention it during my annual full-body skin exam with my dermatologist.
Initially, she wasn’t overly alarmed. The freckle didn’t exhibit the typical characteristics of skin cancer. However, out of an abundance of caution, she decided to remove it and send it in for testing. After two weeks, I received the dreaded phone call with the results showing it was indeed melanoma.
Hearing the word ‘melanoma’ at my age was life-altering. Thankfully, it was diagnosed as Stage 1A — we had caught it very early and I’m incredibly grateful for that. After several consultations, I selected a surgeon to perform Mohs surgery to remove the cancerous cells. The procedure lasted eight hours. By the end, both my mom and my partner had fallen asleep in the waiting room. The surgery left a sizable hole in my forehead, and to aid in the healing process, the surgeon sewed in sterilized fish skin — a treatment known for promoting faster tissue regeneration. The recovery process has been slow and, at times, frustrating. Being patient is not always easy — but knowing how lucky I am to be here makes every moment of discomfort worth it.
What this experience has taught me is something I now feel deeply compelled to share: you are the best advocate for your own health. No one knows your body better than you do. If something feels off, trust your instincts. Listen to your body. Care for it. Love it. And never hesitate to speak up when something doesn’t seem right. It just might save your life."
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