SURVIVING THE SUN SERIES
A Journey of Healing and Awareness
ABOUT THE PROJECT
"Surviving the Sun is a heartfelt and impactful project inspired by personal experience with melanoma and the emotional toll it can take.
After being diagnosed, I found myself in a debilitating mindset, associating the sun with a threat to my life."
My confidence was shattered, and I became determined to help others who might be going through the same struggle. This project aims to restore confidence in those who have faced skin cancer by addressing the physical scars so they can better cope with the emotional ones.
MADDIE GENEST - FOUNDER
The Collaboration and Mission
The Surviving the Sun campaign is driven by a shared commitment to educating the public about the dangers of the sun, and the critical importance of sun protection. By partnering with renowned WA photographer Ryan Murphy, we are bringing to life a series of powerful stories and images that highlight the real-life impact of sun exposure and skin cancer. Our goal is to raise awareness, promote sun safety, and encourage proactive measures to protect oneself from harmful UV rays. This campaign is more than just a project—it’s a call to action to safeguard our health and protect the ones we love.
Join the Journey
We are currently seeking 10-20 men and women residing in WA of all ages and skin types who have undergone surgery for melanoma, SCC (Squamous Cell Carcinomas), or BCC (Basal Cell Carcinomas) and are living with scars that affect their confidence. Whether you’re from Perth or anywhere in Western Australia, we would love to hear from you. Our focus is on individuals with prominent scars who want to share their journey and help others understand the impact of skin cancer.
What to Expect
Participants in the Surviving the Sun series will receive free scar revision treatments at Freyja Skincare using our advanced Opus machine. We will document each individual’s journey through before and after photos, interviews, and video recordings. These powerful stories and images will be showcased in an exhibition at an art gallery in Perth during Skin Cancer Awareness Month in March 2025. By putting faces to these stories, we aim to create a moving and educational experience that emphasizes the importance of sun protection.
Why it Matters
The damage caused by the sun is often underestimated, but it can be life-changing and even deadly. Too many people still go out without proper protection, unaware of the risks. My goal is to be a source of education, helping people understand the long-term effects of sun exposure and the steps they can take to protect themselves. If this project saves even one family from the devastation that skin cancer can cause, it will have been worth every effort.
A Diverse Representation
The sun knows no bias—it affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and skin colors. That’s why it’s crucial for us to represent a diverse group of participants in this project. By showcasing a wide range of stories, we hope to emphasize that skin cancer can happen to anyone and that everyone needs to take steps to protect their skin.
How to Get Involved
If you or someone you know has been affected by skin cancer and would like to participate in Surviving the Sun, we encourage you to reach out to us. This is an opportunity to share your story, receive advanced scar revision treatments, and contribute to a campaign that aims to protect others from the dangers of the sun.
Contact Us:
Email: hello@freyjaskincare.com.au
Phone: +61 408 692 412
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of others by sharing these powerful stories and raising awareness about the importance of sun protection. Join us in this meaningful journey of healing and education.
”I don't think there's enough education around the damage the sun can actually do to you and your skin. It can kill you. It can age you rapidly, It can turn your world upside-down. But you, and you alone, have the capacity and opportunity to change that with the right avenue of education. I feel a calling to be that avenue to people, and if I save just one family's lives from being upturned like mine was. Well then It will all be worth it.
Maddie GenestMelanoma Survivor
