Mission, Texas- Leal Elementary School has been named the recipient of a 2016 Shade Structure Program Grant by the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy). The grant provided $8,000 for the purchase and installation of a permanent shade structure over some of the school’s playground area inside its running/walking track. Leal Elementary School is one of 19 organizations to receive a 2016 Shade Structure Program Grant from the Academy.
McAllen dermatologist Dr. Charmaine Browne, a member of the Academy, sponsored the grant application. Tenzo McAllen installed the two shade structures involved in the project.
Pictured are students, district staff, and a representative of Dr. Charmaine Browne’s office during a recent ribbon cutting for the two shade structures.
Children and teens are especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of the sun because of their time spend outdoors. Seeking shade is an easy way to reduce the risk of skin cancer. In addition to seeking shade, the Academy recommends everyone protect their skin from the sun by covering up and wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
While skin cancer is highly treatable when caught in its earliest stages, skin cancer can be deadly. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is now the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old, and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old.
The Shade Structure Grant Program is part of the Academy’s SPOT Skin Cancer campaign to reduce the incidence of skin cancer by educating the public about effective skin cancer prevention tips. To learn more about the Shade Structure Grant Program or for ways to prevent and detect skin cancer, visit www.SpotSkinCancer.org.