The Melanoma Research Foundation has invited the Miss America Organization’s Board Member and Miss America 1974, Rebecca King Dreman, along with her daughter, Miss Colorado 2011 Diana Dreman to testify at a Congressional Briefing in Washington, D.C. Rebecca and Diana will highlight the fact that melanoma is the fastest growing cancer affecting young women between the ages of 18 and 29, which is the same age group of Miss America contestants competing in the program today.

Rebecca and Diana will join a distinguished group of speakers that include several members of Congress, along with MD Anderson Cancer Center researcher, Dr. Jeffrey Gershenwald.  The Dremans will focus on the importance of Melanoma Research as they discuss the personal impact of melanoma and the urgency of discovering new treatments. The Melanoma Research Foundation will discuss the factors behind the alarming increases in melanoma rates in the U.S. population, particularly among young people; the role of legislation and regulation in reducing the risk of diagnosis; and important scientific updates.

The MRF invites you to attend. If you are not in the area or are unable to attend, we encourage you to call your Members of Congress and urge them to support federal funding for melanoma research.

Source: MAO

Rebecca King Dreman, Miss America 1974, tells fourpoints about seeing her daughter compete on the Miss America stage!

fourpoints: What was it like to be the first Miss America to see her daughter compete on the Miss America stage?
Rebecca King Dreman: When Diana won at the state level, I was excited for her. I knew this was history in the making. Then at Miss America, when she was on stage, I had so many emotions because I had been there competing. I knew what she was going through. Diana is a wonderful young woman and…she is a great Miss Colorado. I am so proud of her many and varied accomplishments.

fpts: How did you help Diana make the right decisions about competing? How much did you influence her choice?
RKD: As parents, we always mentored our children, helping them find their moral compass, helping them make good life choices. However, I didn't encourage her to be in pageants at a young age. The first time she competed was the first year of Miss America's Outstanding Teen. I told her at that point I would support her–with her guidance.

fpts: On stage, Diana mentioned that being there was so special for her. What do you think made it so special?
RKD: She knows and understands what being on that stage has meant for thousands of young women, so she couldn't help but be proud of her accomplishment–to be one of fifty-three special young women. Friday night, she wore one of my dresses, the gown I gave up my crown in. It was very touching for me. The entire experience had a lot of meaning for her, one that I lived to share with her.

fpts: How did you help her with her platform?
RKD: I'm a living example of the value of the American Cancer Society. Diana has lived with cancer, with me, as one of my care givers. She remembers the day we were told I would likely live for only a few more months. But she has done all of the work for her platform. She has done all of this is her own way, made her own contacts, promoted research and legislation, participated in fundraising events, and when she speaks to people, she can say, "The research of the American Cancer Society, the scientific progress, has helped my mother survive."

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