A Stage IV melanoma diagnosis in 2013, where he was given months to live, sparked Ken Harriss’ passion for spreading melanoma awareness. Over a decade later (and after immunotherapy treatment and surgery), Ken is as driven as ever to devote his time for this meaningful cause, which is why he decided to join MIA’s Speakers’ Hub.

Like many Australians, Ken’s childhood was filled with surfing and beach holidays, spending long hours under the harsh Australian sun. When it came to sun safety in his youth, a hat and a strip of zinc on his nose was as safe as he’d get. Now, Ken is desperate to promote sun safety practices to prevent others from going through what he has endured.

‘Having to tell my parents and my children that I was told I was likely going to die – they were some of the hardest conversations of my life. I was incredibly lucky to be put on a clinical trial that has now evolved into being one of the main treatments for melanoma today. But people are still dying. They need to be aware.’

A registered nurse by profession, it's no surprise that Ken thrives on helping those in need. 'What makes people’s lives worthwhile is being able to do something for someone else. Educating others on sun safety, especially the younger generations, not only improves their lives and futures, but improves my quality of life as it's such meaningful work. I’d say I get as much out of volunteering as I put in.'

'It's funny to say, but there have been so many positives for me personally that have come out of my melanoma journey. I've met so many wonderful people from volunteering. I'm always happy to help in any way that I can and always have my enthusiasm to offer.'

Ken hopes to share his melanoma journey with others in order to encourage sun safety. These life-saving conversations can help us reach our goal of zero deaths from melanoma.