8/19/2009 9:50:00 AM Former Sun Prairie resident spreads skin cancer awareness
Local Gilbert and former Sun Prairie resident, Dawn Anderson, a past skin cancer patient helps raise awareness to sun exposure by designing sun reactive bracelets, known as "SunBling."
"My focus in making SunBling reactive bracelets is to spread knowledge of harmful exposure to the sun and its relation to skin cancer," said Dawn Anderson, who started SunBling after being diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma in 2007.
Anderson first noticed a small red mark on her chest, which after time became larger and darker in color. She decided to see a dermatologist, which her doctor noticed it immediately, and within five minutes it was cut out for a biopsy. A few days later Anderson began two painful, six-week treatments to essentially burn away the cancerous and pre-cancerous cells.
"Now I am left with the scars which remind me everyday of what I went through and to wear sunscreen," said Anderson, who also admits, "Growing up in Wisconsin, when the sun was out, I was out basking in baby oil with no sun protection."
Knowing certain fabrics and apparel react to sunlight, Dawn Anderson decided to make bracelets that change color in the sun, alerting the wearer that they are being exposed to harmful rays. Anderson decided on bracelets because it would be something she could wear everyday, be fashionable and most importantly be a very visible reminder.
SunBling bracelets come in a variety of colors, finishes and sizes for all ages and genders. The color of the beads on SunBling bracelets get more intense the more they are exposed to direct sunlight. A portion of SunBling's proceeds are donated to skin cancer research.
"It's a really great feeling knowing that the bracelet I'm making for someone could save their life," said Anderson.
For more information on Dawn Anderson's story and SunBling bracelets, visit www.sunbling.com.
