Live from Studio 1A: Giada Shares

Posted: Thursday, March 29, 2007 9:13 AM by Elizabeth Neumann
Filed Under: Live from Studio 1A

Over the past few weeks I have been working with producer Jennie Thompson gathering elements for some pieces we have done with Giada de Laurentiis - one of our contributors who has been co-hosting our 9:00 hour with Natalie Morales this week. Today we aired a spot on Giada's brother, Dino, who passed away from skin cancer when he was thirty years old. WATCH VIDEO

I went on the shoot when Jennie interviewed Giada about her brother, and it was incredibly sad to hear her tell the story of his diagnosis and rapid decline through treatments until his eventual death. We shot the interview in Jennie's home, with a backdrop set up, to make sure it was both an intimate and comfortable setting for such a difficult conversation.

I think it's admirable when people in the public eye are able to share their personal stories to raise awareness for different issues, and Giada was incredibly graceful in her telling of this story. Today was the first time Giada told the story publicly. There is a sense with celebrities that they have it all together all of the time. I think it's always compelling to realize that no matter who you are, you will have to face challenges and extreme sorrow in life.

I also was personally drawn in because melanoma - skin cancer - is not an issue I would normally pay a lot of attention to. I love the beach, I love the sun and I have to admit, I love when I have a healthy glow from a tan. It was a strong wake-up call to realize that the "healthy glow" that I crave - as much as I do wear sunscreen and know that the sun's rays are bad- could actually kill me. Not to sound ignorant, but I never thought about melanoma as a killing cancer. I also never really thought about it as a cancer affecting young people.

It was a very intense experience having a chance to work on this story with Giada and Jennie, and I hope it helps people realize - as I realized - that melanoma is a very real and deadly problem in our lives. We can all do more to protect ourselves when out in the sun, and I know I will take this story with me into the summer months.

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Comments

I was diagnosed at age 51 with malignant melanoma. The freckle on my upper arm, which I had all my life, turned darker and I had it checked. It did not look like what I had thought "skin cancer" would look like nor did it fit all the criteria ABCDE as we have all read about. I loved the beach, still do, but never got truly tan, but I had my share of sunburns. 3 surgeries later, I am still seeing the dermatologist 4 times a year, get blood tests twice a year and I stay out of the sun, and have a rather large scar to remind me of how short life can be.

Elizabeth, MA (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 10:13 AM)

As a Melanoma (stage III) cancer survivor, I'm always grateful to see this topic covered by the media. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the backing that breast cancer has, yet it can affect more people per year than most cancers, and if not caught soon enough, is extremely deadly. There are no proven vaccines and chemo/radiation is usually not an option. "When in doubt, cut it out" has always been our slogan. My melanoma was found in a childhood mole that I had removed 5 years ago. I didn't even see a change in it. I was just tired of looking at it everyday. Luckily, a friend of mine encouraged me to just have it removed. That friend saved my life. I am forever grateful to her and live everyday as it could be my last. Those of us that have been diagnosed with cancer understand what gratitude is and most feel that it has changed our lives in a positive way. All I ask is that we spread the word to whomever will listen that sun tans, sun burns, moles and spots should be treated as potentially deadly. It's not "just skin cancer"!

Matt Hurdle, Fishers,Indiana (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 10:21 AM)

I want to thank you for putting this story on the air this morning. I have been suffering from melanoma for over 2 years. I have been on 3 different forms of treatment and have metastatic melanoma in my lungs. Skin cancer is one of those that people tend to "blow off" as minor, not realizing that it is such a killer and affects so many people, not only those with melanoma but their family and friends. I appreciate your putting such a personal yet vital story on the air.

Tammy Yatcko (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 10:27 AM)

I watched Giada's story and couldn't help but think of our 16 year old daughter who seems to think tanning beds can do NO HARM as long as you don't overdue it! I wish my daughter could have seen this story on TV........especially the part that tanning beds can increase skin cancer 70%!!!! Sometimes they listen to others much better than they do with parents!

Joanne Hickson, Omaha, Ne. (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 10:30 AM)

After listening to the story about Giadas brother I have a suggestion...All doctors should know what melanoma looks like and if they aren't sure, they should send their patients to a dermatoligist. I lost my daughter 5 years ago to melanoma because a doctor misdiagnoised her. She had a mole on her thigh that started changing and he told her it was just her hormones changing because she was pregnant! By the time it was diagnoised correctly (after the baby was born) she lived 16 months. She died a horrible death. The cancer had spread and she died from brain tumors....very painful, horrible death. She did what she should of, asked the doctor to check that mole several times and he told her, no it was fine. I lost a wonderful loving daughter, her family lost a wife and mother of two children all because a doctor failed to recognize melanoma.

June Cornell (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 10:40 AM)

I was very touched by Giada's piece regarding her brother and her family's battle with skin cancer. I have seen a friend die from this disease, I was shocked that something as small as a cancerous mole could lead to such a quick death. My daughter is 23 years old and she is constantly at the tanning beds. Nothing I say to her phases her. She doesn't believe that she is risking her life, the statistics you quoted today regarding the probability of getting skin cancer from tanning beds is very troublesome. I've never used one and don't think that in places I've seen them that there are any warnings regarding them. Is it plausible that like cigarette packs a warning must be clearly displayed regarding the risk of skin damage and skin cancer associated with their use? It might make a difference.

Linda Baird Springfield, Mo. (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 10:40 AM)

When hearing Giada's story today, it made me pick up the phone and call a dermatologist. I have several moles and beauty marks that should be checked often due to a family history of skin cancer. I have a raised mole and another bump on my back that I have put off for 2 years to have checked and when I saw the story of her brother dying at 30 it scared me. I have four little boys under the age of 6 and I guess I have just been too busy to have my skin checked. So in a few weeks I hope to have everything taken care of. This was a great eye opener.

Dawn Mascari, North Branford, Connecticut (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 10:46 AM)

Losing someone you love so young is always difficult, but Giada will never know how many lives she's saved today. A good friend of mine lost her father to a "cut that wouldn't heal" when she was a teen. She's spent the time since educating everyone she can about melanoma. My parents have each had multiple skin cancers removed and I didn't know enough to be careful till I was almost 20. Now I have a new problem, a skin allergy to the active ingredient in sunscreen, oxybenzone. Any suggestions?

Elaine Vetter, Holden, MA (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 10:48 AM)

Thank You Giada for telling us your very sad story. I tell my kids all the time to use sunscreen and not to go to tanning beds but they just don't listen. Could you please post Giada's interview so that my kid's can watch it and maybe get through to them.

Michelle Gatses, Lemont, IL (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 10:52 AM)

I think this was a wonderful piece. Giada is so sweet and I have loved her through the Food network. But what a great story for all of us to hear. Guida, thanks so much for sharing your story with all of us. I know that took a lot of guts to share that.But it makes me just love you even more. You are the greatest. And you have done a great job with working on the Today Show.

jules baytown texas (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 10:53 AM)

Thanks to Giada for sharing her loss with viewers. I am 46 and when I was young, I too, was a "sun worshipper". I had two moles removed last year, one was "pre-cancerous" and required further surgery. I currently have yearly "mole patrols". I have tried to convey the seriousness of this with my oldest son (18) who contiues to use a tanning bed. I wish that more young adults would understand the danger associated with tanning beds and that the tanning bed industry would be more forthcoming with their clients regarding the dangers of tanning. The public is lured into a false assurance that they are safe. Thanks again Giada for sharing your story.

Cheryl Hatfield, Texarkana TX (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 10:56 AM)

I was diagnosed this past August with malignant melanoma. I went from dermatologist to dermatologist, all refused to even see me. I finally made my PC Physician take it off. I now have a huge scar on my leg, get blood/xrays every 3 months & pray for no reoccurance. To hear someone say "Oh its just skin cancer" makes my blood boil. This cancer may not be the "Vogue" cancer but it is deadly. Anyone can get this, young, old, it does not discriminate. Thank you Giada for a heartfelt story. I hope more people will step forward and spread the word of this deadly cancer.

Kathie Morley, Spring, TX (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 11:19 AM)

Giada's story this morning stopped me in my tracks. You see I had never heard my story before. 11 years ago I had a growth removed from my back. I had been aware of the "mole" for some time but never saw it. As time went on I showed it to a friend who suggested that I go to the doctor. Of course, I didn't! I had all the excuses, too busy, it was nothing, you name it. Finally it started itching and bleeding on my clothes so I decided I had better go see about it. Two weeks after it was removed I got the news; Stage 3 melanoma. My worst fear, I had cancer. In May of 1996 I had an excision and sentinal node test which revealed the melanoma hadn't spread. This story brought back the gratitude I feel and how precious and valuable life is. I won't forget to be grateful ever again. Thankyou Giada.

Patricia Sullivan, Rockville, Maryland (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 11:19 AM)

Thanks. I just forwarded this blog to my brother who is a doctor. He has some spots/moles on his back and I want him to have someone look at them. I told him that I don't ever want to be in the same position as Giada.

Debra Wiener, NYC, NY (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 11:20 AM)

to Elaine, try sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, a dermatolgy office could give you suggestions for name brands

Rita, Wi (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 11:33 AM)

Giada, thanks for sharing your story. I lost both my father and my father-in-law to melanoma. They died within two weeks of each other. My dad had a red mole start in the corner of his eye and by the time he had it looked at (after it started bleeding), it was too late. He lost his eye. He then got another lump on the side of his face, then in his neck and finally, he got brain tumors. It took six years for him to die of this terrible cancer. My father-in-law got melanoma in his brain with no outside entry points and the cancer took him within five months. I'm certain it's just a matter of time before someone else in my family is diagnosed. I know that we are certainly more careful about sun exposure than when I was a child. Please wear sunscreen everday!

Jennett Apgood, Sandy, Utah (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 11:35 AM)

It is so important to get personal stories out there, treatment options that your have undergone so that the public is informed that they do have options. My mother was diagnosed stage four melanoma under her foot November 2005. She refused chemo/radiation since it is often expiramental with this type of cancer. She is currently undergoing the Gerson Therapy, and is doing extremely well with it. As her daughter, I have also had the opportunity to educate myself in the prevention and treatment of this cancer. It is amazing that it ihow you treat your body and eat can affect you long term.

Joanna ,Frankfort, IL (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 12:01 PM)

We lost our youngest son 4 years ago this May 4th at the age of 24, his death came 9 months after his diagnosis. So many young people think this is an old person disease. His was a mole that basically "exploded" like Dino's on his back only it was in stage 4 when diagnosed. We cared for him at home through his surgery, radiation, and chemo and held him through his last breath. It is one of most agressive forms of cancer and it is NOT getting the attention or funding it's requiring. Corey fought to the bitter end a true testament to the courage he always possessed ,We miss him more each day. Peg and Allan Wilson

Peg Wilson Vancouver British Columbia Canada (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 12:17 PM)

I can't not thank you enough for sharing this story. I lost a cousin to melanoma when she was only 33. She grew up in the CA valley and it ended up taking her life. Again, thank you for sharing this important info with the public. I had no idea we should be gettting anual screenings!!

Emily Dunn, Del Mar, Ca (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 12:22 PM)

Thank you so much for again covering the skin cancer topic for us. I was also diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in 2001 in the middle of my back. I spent my youth on the So. Cal. beaches and was "moley" anyway. Mapping discovered spreading the the lymph nodes under my arms. I am so grateful to Dr. James Economou, head of oncology at UCLA, as he excised the affected area and removed the lymph nodes. I am now a 6 year survivor, and cannot stress enough how important this topic is and to get regular skin checkups.My prayers are with you Giada, and Thank you again.

Geoffrey Bowen, Fresno, Ca. (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 12:31 PM)

Thank you for the story this morning. This cancer has had the least amount of research and improvements to treatment than any other cancer over the last several years! You can make a difference by making a donation to www.bradsmelanomafoundation.org a very small 501.3.c organization where proceeds go to MD Anderson Cancer Center for research to find a cure for this disease.

Cathy Burrows, Coppell Texas (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 12:38 PM)

It was so great to have this segment this morning on Today. I admit as a 24 year old read head with many moles I am in a high risk category. Although I have only been tanning twice in my entire life I do enjoy the sun and being outside. I also enjoy being darker than my pale white complexion. It was great to hear the facts of people being diagnosed and how many occur because of tanning beds and irresponsible sun use! Thanks for the informative segment...it has really opened my eyes!

AnnMarie Ely La Grande, OR (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 12:56 PM)

THANK YOU!!! i am a stage 3 melanoma patient- 5 years ago i had a pencil earaser sized mole removed from my thigh. it had gone from a flat freckle to my lymph nodes in 3 months. i currently have no evidence of disease but as you know that can change quickly. i have educated all of my friends and family on sun safety and skin checks and i am so glad that you have nationally shared your story and help to educate others. I am sorry that you lost your brother. dawn davis 36 years old stage 3 - diagnosed 6 years ago.

Dawn Davis, Kent, ohio (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 12:59 PM)

Thank you Giada for sharing your story publicly. My husband died 1 year ago this month from malignant melanoma at the age of 47. He was treated with every therapy available for melanoma and even some "trial" drugs; sadly nothing helped. Now I'm religious about applying sun screen and regular dermatologist visits for my children and myself. Please continue to spread the word.

Patty Russell, Pascoag, RI (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 1:06 PM)

My Husband passed away almost 1 year ago at the age of barely 50. This is not "just skin cancer". It robbed me of my love and his sons of a wonderful father. This needs to get out there. Thank you for putting this segment on your show!

Krista, Victoria, BC (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 1:28 PM)

As a melanoma survivor, I applaud this wonderful, heartfelt and touching story of a well-loved young man struck down by this completely-preventable disease. My heart goes out to his family and friends, and I thank you for sounding the alarm. This summer: Slip into long-sleeves, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat.

Liz Cratty - Eugene, Oregon (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 1:34 PM)

Since there is not a good treatment for melanoma, the key is to discover suspicious skin lesions at an early stage while they are nearly 100% curable. Check moles for A)symmetry, for irregular B)orders, for multiple C)olors, for a D)iameter larger than a pencil eraser and for E)volution which is an enlarging or new mole. These are the ABCDE's for self-screening. It is important to keep checking for new or changing moles, particularly if you are at risk. Those that have had a melanoma removed may be cured but they are at high risk for recurrence of new melanomas. If you have a lot of moles it is very hard (impossible really) to be able to tell if new or changing ones are present though. DermAlert is an image comparison software program developed through funding from the National Cancer Institute that is inexpensive and lets you use your digital camera in the privacy of your own home to find changing moles over time. Then you can point out the changes to your dermatologist. You can see details and demo at http://www.dermalert.com

Brian, Fairfax, CA (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 1:40 PM)

Dear Giada, I am so sorry to learn that you lost your brother to melanoma. I lost my husband a little over two years ago to melanoma. By the time we even knew he had "skin cancer", it had already spread to his lungs and his brain. Nine days later he was gone and I was left to raise our five week old daughter. Melanoma awareness is so very important. Before it affected my personal life I have to admit I was ignorant of the fact that it can kill you. Thank you for sharing such a personal story and for helping to promote melanoma awareness. Also, keep up the good cooking! Joey was a big fan of The Food Network. Sincerely, Aimee

Aimee H. Greenville, SC (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 1:59 PM)

Having lost our youngest son in Jan.2006,to the MONSTER,We could certainly relate to this story.Mike was 37,survived only 10 months after his initial diagnosis,but left us with a determination to educate and make more people aware of this insideous disease. This program should be aired on prime time television,and shown in every school! It is an uphill battle we fight!

Marty Heldenberg (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 2:01 PM)

Thank you Giada for sharing your difficult story today. You have turned a very unfortunate experience into awareness for so many people. I'm sure your brother would be proud.

Stephanie, Boulder, CO (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 2:48 PM)

Giada, I want to thank you for sharing this most personal and tragic story of the loss of your brother. My husband was just diagnosed last month with Stage III melanoma, and we are in the process of researching advanced treatment options now that he is past the initial surgeries. Thank you for the wonderful public service you have performed in sharing your story. I am sure what you did today will ultimately save many lives. My heartfelt thanks go to you.

Bonnie Hiatt, Eagle, Idaho (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 3:04 PM)

Thank you Giada for telling your extremely sad story to the Today Show audience. I know it took an enormous amount of courage for you to do so. I was overcome with sadness as I watched you fight back the tears to tell your brother's story. He would have been proud of you. What you did today will surely save lives. My beautiful niece, Cathleen , died of melonoma at age 36 leaving behind her husband and three children, all under 5 years of age. A month before her death, with the melonoma cancer having spread to her brain, she went to Villanova to join her family and friends at a walk to raise awareness about this deadly skin cancer. Melonoma so desperately needs a spokesperson to raise awareness. Like Katie Couric you can reach so many people and help spread the word of early detection and prevention. In the past 30 years there have been practically no medical advances in medicine to help fight this killer of so many beautiful people. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you did today. Thank you for facing the cameras and telling your brother's story. I realize it was painful for you. I have such respect for coming forward today to help others.

Cathy Valenti, Erdenheim, Pa (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 3:15 PM)

My daughter turns 17 on Saturday as a gift I was going to get her a membership for tanning. I was going to give in with all her pleading. After reading this story I will not give in. Thanks for sharing your story!

Mary, Lakewood, Ohio (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 3:30 PM)

Thank you Giada for telling your story about your brother. I am a mother of a 20-year-old daughter who recently found some of the "abcd" changes on moles she has had since birth. To our stunned surprise these were pre-melanomas and thanks to her proactive attention, were caught on time. I was so grateful that you stressed that tanning beds can increase skin cancer 70%. Tanning is so prevalent among teenage girls and hopefully after seeing this story, parents will emphasize how dangerous tanning is. I know that my daughter will never tan at a salon again, and I hope that others will listen to what you and the Doctor had to say this morning. I think that you are wonderful for sharing such an important story with everyone.

Patti Lawson-Cherry Hill, NJ (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 3:36 PM)

Thank you for sharing your story Gaida. I lost my husband(54),a strong, handsome man in the prime of his life to this insidious cancer. The 1st Monday in May is Melanoma Monday and a Melanoma surivior Carole A from NY has been in the Today audience for the last few years. Education and early detection are still the only real chances one has fighting this cancer..and the best source to find information and support iswww.MPIP.org..I would suggest everyone posting here pass this site on to everyone they know.

Joan R Victoria, BC Canada (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 3:40 PM)

My father died five years ago from Melanoma. He died within six months of being diagnosed. He too was of italian decent and his parent owned a beachhome in Southern California. He loved to fish, play golf and baby his fruit trees. This senseless disease would have been preventable if our family would of pressured him into going to the doctor sooner when we notice the mole on this back. Thank you so much for sharing your story it really touched home!

Amalia Cimmarusti, La Canada Flintridge, California (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 3:44 PM)

Dear Giada, THANK YOU for sharing such a personal story! My daughter (age 22) was diagnosed with MM in January. Prior to her diagnosis we had no idea about melanoma. I am sure you have saved at least one life today and you are an angel for being so brave.

Nancy Gemma, Pembroke Pines, FL (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 4:10 PM)

As an oncology nurse, I was too well informed when I was diagnosed with melanoma several years ago. And while I am pleased when there is coverage of this much understated disease, I am always saddened by the fact that everyone hangs on those ABCD's of melanoma. Mine was completely atypical - no color, no irregular border, no change in size. Fact of the matter is that it looked like a blemish on my nose -- nothing else. Even the dermatologist did not believe the diagnosis at first. After extensive surgery on my nose/face I spent five years disease free... only to then be diagnosed with it in a node in my neck. Now I have had a modified radical neck procedure where they remove most of the muscle and all of the nodes in that side of the neck. And I have done an entire year of immunotherapy shots. I live day by day - grateful for each new day and always keenly aware of the fact that Melanoma lurks just around the corner for me - as it does for so many who are unsuspecting. I wish that someone would speak up about the fact that ANY skin change is potentially life threatening not just the ones that fit the ABCD rule.

Lee Ambrose Kingsport TN (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 4:15 PM)

Thank you for bringing attention to this topic. A high school friend of mine was diagnosed with malignant melanoma over two years ago. He was initially misdiagnosed and unfortunately as the cancer worsened we was unable to get a proper diagnosis and subsquent treatment due to lack of insurance. He passed away at the age of 26, a few months after his second child was born. He was a very active person and played outdoor sports, including baseball for much of his life. It is very important for people to understand that this disease afflicts the young as easily as the old. It is preventable and treatable when caught early on. While sun exposure is inevitable, proper precautions are necessary. Thank you, Giada, for sharing this personal story and continuing to show people why us "twenty-somethings" need to apply that sunscreen and stay out of the tanning beds.

Gretchen, Somerset, PA (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 4:40 PM)

Giada, I like to tell you how impressed I was this morning about you telling everybody your brothers and your family story. I'm a 43 year old guy who doesn't bother with a shirt or sun block all summer. My family has been after me for years to put a shirt or sun block on. I just blow it off. I go for hours daily without protecting my skin. I think you just convinced me to watch the sun, don't tell my family it was you that convinced me to watch out :) I guess sometimes it takes a pretty lady who has faced tragedy and doesn't care how tanned a guy can get. Thanks for sharing, Ray

Ray Albany, N.Y. (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 4:42 PM)

Your story about Giada's tragic loss of her brother to melanoma couldn't have come at a more relevant time. My sister in law was diagnosed with melanoma over 3 months ago. The strange thing is that she didn't have any evidence of it on her skin. It was found in her some medidastinal lymph nodes in a chest x-ray she had done for bronchitis. She has been undergoing chemo and has just found out that she had 2 small metastasis in her brain. If you have any further information on cutting edge treatments for this advanced stage of melanoma it would be great to see a segment on that. We've done alot of research on our own, but any help would be appreciated. With the right treatment, we know she will make it.

Cathy Digiammo, Palm Harbor, Fl (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 4:56 PM)

I was glad to see you cover the disease, melanoma cancer, this morning. The love of my life died last year from this dreadful disease and the public needs to be aware of its deadliness. Thanks to Giada and the dermatologist for giving people the opportunity to understand the effects of this cancer on the patient and their loved ones. The word about it needs to get out.

Audrey, Lakeville, Minnesota (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 5:09 PM)

THANK YOU Giada for sharing your story about Dino. I lost my dad to melanoma in 2002. Since then, my family and I have been passionate about raising awareness of the dangers of melanoma and how important early detection is. We are organizing a run/walk(www.blockthesunrun.com)in my dad's memory to raise money for melanoma research. As you well know, we need better treatment for metastatic melanoma. Thanks again for being brave and telling Dino's story, it is the personal stories of loss that will raise awareness and save lives.

Krista, WI (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 5:36 PM)

Thank you so much for the segment on this morning's show about melanoma. This cancer is devastating and it is so rarely talked about. My mother died of malignant melanoma (the primary lesion was on the back of her calf, no big deal, she said) but at time of diagnosis it was already level 4. My brother died of penile malignant melanoma (I doubt that site ever saw the sun), my sister had extreme facial surgery for level 3 melanoma and another brother had facial melanoma, level 2 at time of excision. I just had my yearly dermatology checkup and my dermatologist said something that was significant. The words were "it's not a matter of IF you get melanoma, but WHEN." Melanoma has a large genetic component. Melanoma can appear in places that the sun never has shone. I am a huge advocate of sun block but please be aware that melanoma is not necessarily tied to sun exposure. Thank you so much for airing this segment and thank you, Giada, for sharing.

Barbara Walters, Desert Aire, WA (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 6:31 PM)

Thank you Giada for sharing your story and bringing light to this cancer. I am a stage IV melanoma survivor. I am 43 years old and just did not know how skin cancer could kill you. Once people start to understand that a pencil size mole has the ability to travel DOWN through the layers of the skin, thus reaching your lymph system or a blood vessel can in many cases result in death, will hopefully understand how dangerous tanning is. I am so determined to educate others I started a melanoma awareness foundation called operation sun shield. I would love if you get time to visit www.operationsunshield.org Melanoma education should be in every school system and tanning beds should, like cigerettes, have a warning label that states this product causes cancer. I can't thank you enough for this show, to those of us that have been affected by melanoma it is shows like this that are priceless to us.... we KNOW that skin cancer can kill you and only want to save others from having to go through what we go through and see everyday, and that is people, young and old, all races are dying from skin cancer.

Jane , Hope Mills, NC (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 6:52 PM)

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Giada for telling her brother's story and spreading the word about Melanoma. My 16 year old son was diagnosed with melanoma a year ago. This is not a elderly cancer - it can affect anyone at any age. Knowledge is power and we really need to educate everyone we know about this horrid disease.

Kristin Neal, Bessemer City, NC (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 7:00 PM)

I'm not sure what blog to post this on but I just wanted to encourage The Today Show to put Giada on more often - she's got a vibrant, likable personality and besides a couple "flubs" on the transitions, I think she's great! Go Giada!

Caytee, Logan, Ut (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 7:04 PM)

Dino was my son-in-law, and watching Giada's segment this morning was very hard. Seeing the pictures of him and remembering the good times when many of those pictures were taken was bittersweet, he is missed by us every single day. After Dino's diagnosis many of his family members and friends went to the Dermotologist for their first screening. As a result several of his friends and both our daughter (Dino's wife) and our eldest son were diagnosed with melanoma but at a very early stage, most were in their late 20's or early 30's, all of them are here today because of him. None of us wanted to learn about melanoma in this way, but unfortunately we did. I hope Giada's audience listened this morning and learned that Melanoma can happen at any age, prevention and screening are so important, don't put it off. Thank you Giada, for sharing.

Kathy Singer, Clarkesville, GA (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 8:31 PM)

I thank you so much for such a sensitive,educational story.My husband's ugly,itchy,pencil eraser sized mole appeared on his upper back in 1998.He fought melanoma for 7 years.He had 7 surgeries,bio-chemo,etc.Metastatic mel ended his life 6 mo ago.He was 52.Giada is such a wonderful brave sister to share her brother's story.I'm sure many lives will be spared because of her.Early detection is the key!

Linda Forbis (Sent Thursday, March 29, 2007 8:58 PM)

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Live from Studio 1A: Giada Shares

Posted: Thursday, March 29, 2007 9:13 AM by Elizabeth Neumann
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Posted: Thursday, March 29, 2007 9:13 AM by Elizabeth Neumann
Filed Under: Live from Studio 1A