The AMF Mission

• Raise public awareness and educate on the prevention and risks of melanoma

• Provide patient education, advocacy and facilitate patient support groups

• Fund research and discovery programs for the treatment of melanoma

One American Dies Every Hour From Melanoma.

Who we are

The American Melanoma Foundation or AMF (originally known as the Merlin Foundation) was founded in Southern California in 1990 by a group of melanoma patients and their relatives who believed in the importance and ever-growing need for support of specific research for new treatment approaches in melanoma, one of the most serious of all cancers.

Since inception and through fundraising efforts, AMF has supported research for new treatments in melanoma. The AMF expanded to successfully contributing to the general community with education and awareness programs as well as to the patient community through patient support groups, a critical need for patients with this disease and the unique issues they are facing.

The AMF has achieved national recognition in recent years for its education and awareness information and programs, support programs through direct events and other communication vehicles such as a quarterly newsletter and via its website. The AMF wishes to continue the success of these programs and expand into new geographic areas in need of these important services.

The AMF is a 501 (c) (3) agency and is registered as a charitable, non-profit organization. The AMF is governed by a volunteer board of directors comprised of medical and corporate professionals along with community members who have an interest and commitment to preventing and fighting melanoma. In addition to our volunteers and board members, the AMF is supported by a renowned Medical Advisory Board, comprised of leading clinicians in the melanoma field.

1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.