We are delighted to announce that Aliyah King has been named a recipient of the 2025 David Cornfield Melanoma Fund Recognition Award. Established in 2019, this annual award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence and leadership in melanoma prevention, awareness, and support.

 

As a medical student at the University of Ottawa, Aliyah has distinguished herself as a passionate advocate for skin cancer prevention. After working on skin cancer prevention and early detection initiatives during a placement in her first year of medical school, Aliyah was inspired to expand awareness of the importance of sun safety.

 

In June 2023, Aliyah partnered with Dr. Reetesh Bose, a dermatologist at The Ottawa Hospital and founder of The Skin of Colour Dermatology Clinic, to launch the first Canadian chapter of UV&Me. This initiative delivers bilingual, dermatologist-approved presentations in elementary and secondary schools, educating youth about sun safety and skin cancer prevention.

What began as a local Ottawa initiative has since grown into a national movement, now active in 12 of Canada’s 17 medical schools. Nearly 100 medical students and a dozen physicians are involved, reaching more than 1,500 youth in the Ottawa area and more than 3,000 nationally.

 

“Initiating and leading UV&Me Canada, alongside Dr. Reetesh Bose, began with the understanding that prevention starts with education. Teaching children that ultraviolet exposure is a modifiable risk factor empowers them to form informed, lifelong habits. I am grateful that our Ottawa-rooted initiative has grown into a Canada-wide collaboration, bringing sun safety into everyday conversations.”

 

We commend Aliyah for her impressive leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing melanoma prevention and education. Congratulations Aliyah!