FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAYWARD, CA- The William S. Graham Foundation for Melanoma Research, Inc., fondly known as “The Billy Foundation” has been honored with the American Academy of Dermatology’s Gold Triangle Award, recognizing excellence in public education of dermatology issues.  The award Ceremony took place at the Hilton Towers in New York City on August 1, 2002. 

Karen Graham, Chair and Founder/President of the non-profit corporation based in the San Francisco East Bay and her husband Dan were on hand to accept the honors.  A letter signed by President George Bush, sent his and Laura’s congratulations to the winners.  Celebrity guests did the honors of presentation.  Barry Corbin, Northern Exposure fame; Christopher Knight, Brady Bunch “middle son” and Barbara Feldon, Agent 99 of Get Smart TV series did the honors. 

The “Billy Foundation was one of 40 recipients from across the country which received this inter-nationally recognized award.  Mrs. Graham was delighted to accept the recognition given to the foundation she brought up over six years ago in honor of her son, Billy’s death to malignant melanoma at the age of 22.  They were awarded in the Health Community Organization-Communication Campaign for the first of its kind in the United States-Sun Safety Initiatives of SB 310- The Hat Bill and SB01632 (now on the governors desk) Sunscreen Issue on School Campuses that the foundation was the initiator and sponsor on.   The foundation has screened over 5,000 people with their Screening Safari-free skin cancer screenings program and taught over 7,500 children with their SS KIDZ programs in schools. 

Local contact information is:

The William S. Graham Foundation for Melanoma Research, Inc.

The “Billy Foundation”

26203 Production Ave. , Suite 12-A

Hayward, CA  94545

510-264-9078

FAX:  510-264-9079

e-mail:  zebra@bfmelanoma.com

Visit:  www.bfmelanoma.com