After many years of helping other melanoma groups get off the ground, Catherine Poole founded  the Melanoma International Foundation, which became a 501 (c) (3) charity in 2003. Poole, herself a melanoma survivor, a health book author and patient advocate for 19 years, has the desire to provide the knowledge and reassurance she couldn't find when she was diagnosed. Her life is devoted to finding the most effective ways and means to stop the melanoma epidemic and save lives from this disease.

The mission of the Melanoma International Foundation is to ease the burden and bring hope to the journey of melanoma through patient support, early detection education and advocacy. We provide hope and guidance to melanoma patients and families by empowering them with correct up-to-date information. We are on the cutting edge of creating and supporting the most effective melanoma programs for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of melanoma. Guided by our world renowned melanoma experts who comprise our Scientific Advisory Board and our equally prestigious Advisory Board, our funds are used judiciously for melanoma programs that make a difference now.