James Beckett, M.D., a board certified Dermatologist at the Santa Cruz Medical Clinic, was recently presented with the Stripes Award for HealthCaring. The award is presented annually by the William S. Graham Foundation for Melanoma Research and is given to an individual for his or her "service and dedication" in the health field as it pertains to melanoma, an individual who goes "above and beyond" the regular parameters of their daily job. Dr. Beckett was recognized for his efforts providing skin cancer screenings and his work educating the youth of Santa Cruz County about sun safety.

The William S. Graham Foundation for Melanoma Research, or "The Billy Foundation", is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to support research to find a cure for the later stages of malignant melanoma. The foundation was started by husband and wife William and Karen Graham, who lost their son Billy to malignant melanoma when he was in his early 20's.

Four to five years ago, the Grahams met Dr. Beckett when they started bringing their skin cancer screening events to Santa Cruz in the spring and summer. Since meeting the Grahams, Dr. Beckett has worked with the "Billy Foundation" on several skin cancer awareness community events, educating lifeguards and surfers about sun safety, the importance of sunscreen and the consequences of sun damage.

A surfer himself, Dr. Beckett had worked for years with local surf shop O'Neil's, promoting sun safety awareness among surfers and providing an annual skin cancer screening clinic at the shop. Dr. Beckett has also worked with shop owner Jack O'Neil on developing sunscreens and sun protective shirts for surfers.

Last year at a Women's Surfing competition in Capitola, a young man walked up to Dr. Beckett during one of the skin cancer screening events and said, "You saved my life!" The previous year the young man had attended a similar event and Dr. Beckett pointed out a questionable lesion on his arm. He advised the young man to see a dermatologist. The lesion turned out to be early stage melanoma.

Dr. Beckett credits a lot of his success at the skin cancer screening events to his more casual approach. "I go to the beach in regular beach garb, not a white coat," says Beckett.

Dr. Beckett is a strong supporter of community benefit events. Despite a busy schedule, Dr. Beckett continues to find the time for the skin cancer screenings and talks at lifeguard and jr. lifeguard trainings.

"Community service is critical," emphasized Dr. Beckett. "Community is a major thread in the fabric of our lives. Communities that come together to help each other are stronger for it."

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