Issue 30: Candice – Royal International Miss Ms. Arizona Role Model 2022

A Wife, Mother of three, University of Arizona Alumni, Cancer Research Scientist, and a two-time melanoma survivor. This REAL Resilient has a mission to educate the world on the importance of sun safety. Her goal is to debunk the misconceptions regarding ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

In 2017, Candice was diagnosed with stage three skin cancer called Melanoma. As a proud survivor and advocate, Candice utilizes her voice to bring awareness to skin cancer and prevention. Her goal is to ensure others realize the process of experiencing skin cancer: treatments, side effects, and surgeries; as skin cancer is preventable, Candice shares her story to ensure the prevalence is decreased and how others can monitor their symptoms. A common misconception Candice is working to debunk is the notion that skin cancer can be easily extracted and result in no further difficulties. Candice’s experience showcases the dangers of skin cancer. In addition to Melanoma spreading to her brain after undergoing double brain surgery, cancer also spread to her lung, spleen, and pelvic wall.

Shortly after her diagnosis in 2017, Candice founded her business, ‘Desert Camo Apparel.’ A disguised fashion brand includes UPF50+ clothing, sunscreen, and safe tanning products with desert elements to educate others about UV protection. Despite the various obstacles, including her diagnosis upgraded to stage four in 2019, Candice’s resilience progressed, aiding in her passion for enhancing her business even further. Living in Arizona, United States of America, the state is ranked the 2nd highest in diagnosing Skin Cancer Rates.

Skin is the largest organ in the human body and needs to be taken care of. Candice suggests frequently covering up from heightened UV rays, seeking shade when possible, wearing sunscreen, and receiving annual skin checkups. Regardless of age, Skin Cancer can impact everyone, thus the importance of education and prevention.

When Candice isn’t running her business, advocating with Melanoma Research Foundation as a Certified Melanoma Educator, Students are Sun Safe Ambassador or volunteering with Greater Vail Resources Non-Profit. You can find her loving dogs, coffee, and everything sparkles.

Want to learn more about Candice and her platform? Check out her Instagram

@melanoma_blows

@desertcamoapparel

@swppping_stories

Are you someone who is a positive change-maker? Have a story to tell? Passionate about a particular issue? Contact The REAL Resilient Michayla Del Guidice for more information:

Michayla Del Guidice | RSSW., B.A., M.Ed. Candidate

Email: michayladelguidice@gmail.com

Instagram: @msmichaylad_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsMichaylaD

Join the REAL Resilient’s Facebook Group to join a supportive community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therealresilients