Educating about melanoma

(Photo: Todd Auwarter)

Nearly three years ago, Bellaire resident Rachel Cruz Auwarter was diagnosed with melanoma. She was also 15 weeks pregnant. Dr. Jeffrey Gershenwald, the medical director of the Melanoma and Skin Center at MD Anderson, performed surgery, and Rachel was able to give birth to a healthy baby boy, Ryan, who’s now an energetic 2 year old. Ever since, Rachel has volunteered for MD Anderson and works with her husband, Todd Auwarter, to promote education about melanoma. Recently, Rachel and Todd hosted a fundraiser to raise awareness and funds to benefit MD Anderson’s Melanoma Moon Shot initiative at their friends’ Jessica and Ethan Phillips’ home in Old Braeswood. “Melanoma is such a misunderstood and underappreciated public health problem, so it’s good to get as much exposure for the cause as possible,” Rachel said. Pictured (from left) are Rachel and Dr. Gershenwald at the fundraiser, which raised more than $10,000. 

Editor’s note: The Buzz is happy to report that Annie and Tyler McQueen’s twin babies are doing well. Annie Blaylock McQueen, associate editor and Buzz About Town columnist, is currently out on maternity leave, spending time with her babies, Cash and Lila. In the meantime, Jordan Magaziner is handling this section. As usual, please send your high-res photos and community news to The Buzz at [email protected] or 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401. Items are published on a space-available basis.