Ms. Kathleen Barnard

Biography

Kathleen Barnard is Founder and President of Save Your Skin Foundation (SYSF), a national not-for-profit group dedicated to the prevention of non-melanoma skin cancers, melanoma, and ocular melanoma. In 2003, Kathy was diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma. By the establishment of SYSF in 2006, her cancer had spread to her vital organs and her treatment options were limited. Fortunately, one of her sons discovered an immunotherapy trial treatment taking place in Alberta, Canada; this trial would save Kathy’s life. While her cancer treatments have finished, the battle with melanoma is not over for Barnard. Kathy prioritizes patient care and support.

Kathy was a key player in federal tanning bed legislation for Canada’s Youth, and is the recipient of the British Columbia Community Achievement Award for her leadership in addressing and raising awareness around skin cancer issues. Additionally, Kathy is on the Conference Board of Canada advisory committee for Value of Oncology Innovation in Canada.

About Save Your Skin Foundation:
Save Your Skin Foundation (SYSF) is a patient-led organization dedicated to the fight against nonmelanoma skin cancers, melanoma, and ocular melanoma through education, advocacy, and awareness initiatives across Canada. SYSF provides a community of oncology patient and caregiver support
throughout the entire continuum of care, from prevention and diagnosis to survivorship. SYSF is a member of SkIN Canada, La Coalition Priorite Cancer au Quebec, IMC (Innovative Medicines Canada), the Skin Cancer Prevention Framework of Alberta, Sun Safe BC, Ontario Sun Safety WG, CSPA (Canadian Skin Patient Alliance), Health eMatters, and other Canadian and Global melanoma skin cancer initiatives. Additionally, SYSF is a member of All.Can International and is bringing the All.Can initiative to Canada, and is the secretariat of CONECTed (Collective Oncology Network for Exchange, Cancer Care Innovation, Treatment Access and Education).