A routine eye test changed Carolyn Alkemade’s life forever. Diagnosed with rare ocular melanoma, she transformed shock into purpose — now speaking publicly to raise awareness and encourage people everywhere to prioritise eye health and early detection.

Inspired by John Robson’s tale of resilience, hope and the power of clinical trials, the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association nominated MASC Trials as its charity partner, showing what can happen when regional Australia gets behind a cause they believe in.

After Paul Beard's double lung transplant, the immunosuppressant drugs he needed led to skin cancers. Seeking a solution, Paul enrolled in the SiroSkin clinical trial.

When Illana Klevansky was diagnosed with ocular melanoma, the news was so traumatic that she started a journal to help process her thoughts and fears.

When Ana Ratapu was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, she had to fight to access life-saving treatment. With the clock ticking and limited treatment options available in New Zealand, Ana made the decision that would save her life: move to Australia and join a clinical trial.

When John was offered a place on the CHARLI trial to treat his stage IV melanoma, he didn't hesitate, especially as he could access the treatment near his home in regional Victoria.

When Allen Schnitzerling was diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, his prognosis was dire. But after putting his faith in his doctors and their “special soup”, as he affectionally calls it, Allen is now planning adventurous holidays with his wife.

When Lisa, Jenny and Vikki immigrated to Australia in their younger years, they had no idea that the outdoor lifestyle they embraced would lead to a melanoma diagnosis later in life.

Stuart is a participant in the Melanoma Margins Trial