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Episode SummaryÂ
When Kathleen “Kathy” Barnard noticed two small spots on her arm, she had no idea they would lead to a diagnosis of metastatic malignant melanoma—and a prognosis of just three to six months.
In this episode of Amplify, Kathy shares the extraordinary story of how persistence, family advocacy, compassionate-access treatment, and emerging immuno-oncology gave her another chance at life. She also speaks candidly about the gaps she encountered throughout her journey, from an initially dismissed concern and missing medical records to financial barriers and unequal access to treatment.
Those experiences became the foundation for the Save Your Skin Foundation, a patient-led organization that has spent 20 years supporting people affected by melanoma and other skin cancers while advocating for prevention, research, clinical trials, innovative treatments, and more equitable cancer care across Canada.
Kathy’s story is a powerful reminder that lived experience can expose weaknesses in healthcare—and become a driving force for meaningful change.
Episode Highlights
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00:33 — Why melanoma deserves greater attention
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02:44 — The early signs that started Kathy’s journey
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04:44 — Receiving a metastatic malignant melanoma diagnosis
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08:04 — How healthcare gaps revealed the need for patient advocacy
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09:30 — Treatment, difficult side effects, and the team that inspired her
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11:21 — Learning the cancer had spread and facing a three-to-six-month prognosis
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12:19 — How Kathy’s son helped find another treatment option
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14:13 — The remarkable response to an innovative treatment
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17:02 — Kathy’s advice for patients and families facing cancer
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19:50 — The beginnings of the Save Your Skin Foundation
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20:48 — Immuno-oncology and the fight for treatment access
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23:39 — How patients can become advocates for themselves and others
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26:58 — Prevention, collaboration, and the All.Can initiative
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33:29 — Why cancer research and treatment access must be equitable across Canada
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36:19 — Life beyond cancer: pickleball, travel, and connecting with patients
Links & Resources
- Save Your Skin Foundation — Patient support, education, prevention, advocacy, and resources for melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers, and ocular melanoma
- All.Can International — A global initiative working toward sustainable, efficient, and patient-centred cancer care
- Melanoma Canada — Information and support services for people affected by melanoma and skin cancer
- Canadian Cancer Society: Melanoma — Information about melanoma, risk factors, signs, diagnosis, and treatment
- Government of Canada: Skin Cancer — Skin cancer information and prevention guidance
Kathleen “Kathy” Barnard
Founder at Save Your Skin Foundation
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. This year marks Kathy’s 20th
anniversary since her battle with cancer and 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
non-melanoma 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).
Disclaimer:Â
The views and opinions expressed by guests on Amplify are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, Patient Voice Partners, or its affiliates.
Medical Disclaimer:
The content shared on Amplify is for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing discussed on this podcast—including stories, experiences, perspectives, or commentary from hosts, guests, or contributors—should be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
Always seek the guidance of your physician or other licensed provider with any questions regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options.