05/20/2026
From Misdiagnosis to No Evidence of Disease: Meet Alicia🎗️
At just 20 years old, Alicia noticed a mole on her knee changing in size, shape, and color — all classic warning signs that the spot needed to be examined further. Although initially misdiagnosed as benign, a second opinion confirmed it was melanoma, beginning Alicia’s long and difficult cancer journey.
After multiple surgeries, including a skin graft and lymph node biopsy, Alicia remained tumor-free for three years. Shortly after graduating college at 23, the melanoma returned aggressively. She underwent a 13-hour isolated limb perfusion surgery, additional emergency procedures, radiation for metastatic melanoma in her brain, and eventually received a stage 4 melanoma diagnosis at just 24 years old.
With limited treatment options available in 2014, Alicia endured intensive immunotherapy before switching to a different immunotherapy, where she finally began to see hope. Her tumors continued shrinking until she reached the words every cancer patient hopes to hear: No Evidence of Disease.
Alicia remained tumor-free for nearly a decade before experiencing another recurrence in 2023. After additional immunotherapy and radiation, she once again has no active melanoma to this day! 🔔
Now, Alicia continues to share her story to raise awareness about the seriousness of melanoma and the importance of early detection and regular skin checks ➖ did you know May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month? 🖤 Through the Young Adult Program at Roswell Park, she found support, connection, and comfort knowing she wasn’t alone while navigating cancer at such a young age.
Show Alicia some love in the comments, and help us spread awareness for Skin Cancer & Melanoma this May by sharing her story! ⬇️
