Melissa Kathleen Bambino was a beautiful vibrant woman who lost her life to Melanoma on December 26, 2003. She was 29 years young.

The Melissa K. Bambino Melanoma Foundation has been established by Melissa’s family and friends to honor her memory... and to help eliminate this devastating and preventable disease.

Our mission is simple:
Research. Awareness. Prevention.

Our primary fundraising vehicle is an annual Sun Run™. This event is a 5K run / walk that is open to adults and children. It promotes sun safety as well as the importance of an annual skin exam. Proceeds from each run go to Melanoma research and awareness.


The Melissa Fund SUN RUN™... Runners, Walkers and Strollers Welcome!


The sixth annual Melissa Fund SUN RUN™ will be Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 10 AM in New York City’s Riverside Park. The race entrant contribution is $30 in advance and $35 on race day. Go to the SUN RUN™ page for registration information.


The Melissa Fund SUN RUN™ is a timed, USATF certified/sanctioned event for those participants interested in running. Non-running adults, teens, children, parents with strollers, and (child-friendly) dogs on leashes are all welcome to participate in the walking group. There will also be a short children's run right before the start time of the adult running group.


The Sun Run™ is a trademark of The Melissa K. Bambino Melanoma Foundation.

2010 SUN RUN™ RACE RESULTS click here