The S.U.N. Collective?
It all began with an idea of connection & community. Maybe you or a friend are dealing with a skin cancer diagnosis. Perhaps you feel alone. The S.U.N. Collective: Survivor’s Union & Network is a collection of skin cancer survivors who share resources, experiences, and support. Each skin cancer diagnosis is scary. The S.U.N. Collective is here to support you in those moments.
Our Services
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Our collective will be more than happy to help you think through options for managing your life after a cancer diagnosis. We do not provide medical or legal advice, only a listening ear.
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The S.U.N. Collective is a group of skin cancer survivors who want to share their experiences and support to those dealing with similar experiences.
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Our collective members will share stories and snippets of life before, during, and after their diagnoses via blog entries.
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By applying to our support system, members will be able to reach out to you for one-on-one discussion. Apply today! Application review & acceptance typically occurs within 48 hours of submission.
Our Team
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Leah Alexis Adams
Melanoma Survivor, Runner, and Advocate
Leah Adams is the Program Director for the National Kidney Foundation's Northern Ohio office, where she has dedicated almost 7 years to serving her community. In her role, she manages the planning and implementation of all programs in the Northern Ohio territory to support kidney patients, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals while also raising awareness.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology from Ohio University. She then went on to receive a dual Master's degree in Social Science Administration and Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University.
Beyond her professional life, Leah is a passionate advocate for sun safety and skin cancer awareness, a cause close to her heart as both she and her father have battled melanoma. Through sharing her personal story on social media, she has had the opportunity to collaborate with various brands, been featured in news segments and magazines, and appeared as a guest on several podcasts.
An avid runner, Leah has completed three full marathons. She also enjoys hiking in Ohio's local and state parks and traveling whenever she gets the chance. We are ecstatic to welcome her to our team.
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Jen Harris Turner, BSW, QMHP
Melanoma Survivor
Jen Harris Turner is an empathetic mentor and melanoma survivor who brings her unique perspective and unwavering support to The S.U.N. Collective. She knows firsthand the overwhelming feelings that come with a cancer diagnosis, having been diagnosed with melanoma in 2025. This experience has fueled her passion for offering guidance and support to others on a similar path.
With a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Radford University, Jen has built a career dedicated to helping people. As a Community Support Professional at a New River Valley Community Services residential home, she focuses on clients with dual diagnoses of mental health conditions and intellectual disabilities, meeting them where they are with compassion and skill.
Jen's resilience is further defined by her personal journey as a two-time traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor. This, combined with her melanoma diagnosis—which occurred after she missed a single annual skin exam—has given her a powerful and fearless outlook on life. She is dedicated to advocating for equal rights and empowering others with the same spirit of determination.
Jen is 53 and enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She has 3 kids and 3 grandkids. In her free time, you will find her at the beach, fishing, or zip lining. We are so excited to welcome her to our team.
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This could be you!
Interested in becoming a volunteer mentor in our collective? Please send us an email with your full name, email, phone, diagnoses/year. All interested parties will have an interview with someone from our team. Email us here!
Mission & Philosophy
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The name itself provides a clear mission statement:
Union: We are a unified front. We stand together, our strength in numbers. This is about collective action, advocacy, and a shared identity.
Network: We are connected. We share resources, knowledge, and emotional support. This is about building a web of relationships to ensure no one feels alone.
Our collective isn't just a support group; it's a structured organization with a clear purpose to empower and connect its members.
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This part of the committee focuses on what the group can accomplish together, united by their shared experience.
Advocacy: Lobbying for increased funding for skin cancer research, advocating for stricter sun protection laws in public spaces, or promoting the importance of dermatology checkups.
Fundraising: Organizing events.
Public Awareness: Creating and distributing materials that share the collective's message, such as survivor testimonials or educational infographics on early detection.
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This part of the committee focuses on building the web of support and resources for individual members.
Peer-to-Peer Support: Creating a mentorship program where long-term survivors can connect with and guide those who are newly diagnosed.
Resource Library: Curating a collection of reliable information for our members.
Community Events: Organizing informal get-togethers, online forums, or workshops on topics like coping with anxiety or managing side effects, allowing members to connect and share knowledge.
“United by Experience, Connected by Hope”