The American Academy of Dermatology provides resources to find a Dermatologist in your area!
6Million
Each year in the U.S. about 6 million people are treated for skin cancer of any kind.
9Billion
Nearly $9 billion is spent on skin cancer treatment in the U.S. each year.
8,000
About 8,000 people in the U.S. die from melanoma each year.
Our Mission
Our mission is to inform everyone who plays and loves the game to cover up against the sun. Since Covid, golf has grown some 40%. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and the largest group of people who get skin cancer are golfers by a large margin. The golf industry has a responsibility to make sure their customers have a safe and healthy experience for years to come. Skin Cancer Awareness for Golfers seeks to partner with the golf industry in our quest to mitigate the costly and deadly effects of skin cancer.
As a 501c3, our first priority is an outreach and awareness campaign. Placing posters in golf proshops at golf courses and golf equipment retailers. Any additional funds will be dedicated to research with our medical partners MD Anderson and the Melanoma Research Alliance.
According to the CDC, 6 million people are treated for skin cancer which is the 6th leading cause of death. More than $9 billion is spent each year on treatment. And nearly 10,000 people die each year from melanoma. And sadly, these numbers are only growing. Skin Cancer Awareness for Golfers seeks to reverse this trend as Golfers are the number one group who get skin cancer.
Your support will allow us to get the word out as you would not play golf naked! So Cover Up!
GetNakedToday.org is committed to reducing melanoma risk and promoting skin cancer prevention among golfers and outdoor enthusiasts. Through free skin screenings, educational campaigns, and community events, we empower individuals to prioritize sun safety and detect melanoma early. Together, we’re creating a culture of proactive skin health on and off the course.
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Skin Check Clinics: Free dermatologist-led screenings at golf courses and tournaments.
Sun Smart Education: Workshops and materials on sun safety, proper sunscreen use, and UV-protective clothing.
“Par for Prevention” Campaigns: Fundraising golf tournaments to support melanoma research and outreach.
Gear Up for Health: Partnerships with brands to distribute sun-protective gear like hats, sleeves, and SPF-rated golf apparel.
Tee Off Talks: Inspirational stories and survivor testimonials shared at golf events and online.
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Learn more at www.getnakedtoday.org or call us at 512-653-5120
My Story
I have played golf all my life for nearly 60 years. And after playing a round at Palmilla in Port Aransas, Texas in 2022, I had a sunburn on top of my head from wearing a visor. After 2 weeks, the sunburn finally dissipated, and I noticed a bump on the back top of my head that began to itch. I asked my wife to check on it and she thought it was nothing more than the moles that I have all over. I suspected something else.
After several attempts to get a referral from my primary care physician to my dermatologist, I finally received a referral after 6 months. Another aspect to this story is, you must take charge of your health because no one else will. I had to force my primary care physician to hand over my referral that I took straight to my dermatologist. My dermatologist cut the bump off my head, cut another one from my leg and froze a spot off my cheek.
A week later, I was at the PGA Superstore getting some grips when my phone rang. It was Dr. Conroy, my dermatologist. “Jim, you have melanoma” she said. That is the moment your world changes. You see, I had 3 friends die from melanoma, one of whom I played the last round of golf with. I immediately contacted the surgeon she recommended to me, Dr. Alex Haynes. My surgery was set, and I had to first go to Dell Children’s Hospital for imaging to determine if the Melanoma had traveled into my lymphatic system. Immediately after the imaging, we went straight to UT Medical Center for surgery that lasted 4 hours
“Golf is a game I love,” he often says, “but loving it doesn’t mean ignoring the risks. If I can save just one life by sharing my story, it’s all worth it.”
Our Founder
Jim Darwin
From the day his dad put a club in his hands at the age of 5, Jim Darwin shares a lifelong passion for the game of golf where he competed as a junior golfer. His servant leadership began when he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. After college, Jim was commissioned a second lieutenant and served in Marine Reconnaissance units on active duty and in the reserves. He is a veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm war. He continued to serve others as the Associate Deputy Commissioner of the Texas Veterans Land Board managing veteran programs for our veterans. He also served the Texas General Land Office serving both Land Commissioners Jerry Patterson and George P. Bush as the federal liaison for government relations. Additionally, he served as the Senior Advisor for Veteran Affairs at the Texas Health & Human Services Commission and on the veteran advisory committee to the Center of Excellence at the Department of Veteran Affairs. He presently serves as a senior executive at the Office of the Attorney General.He is a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, VFW and American Legion. He serves on the Executive Council of the ESPN-Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, Member of the Fort Worth Air Power Council, Board Member of the Air Power Foundation and past Chairman of the Austin Veterans Day Parade Foundation.
