“It all started with a routine eye exam.” 

Only six in one-million people are diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma, known as an “orphan cancer” due to the rarity of the disease and the lack of pharmaceuticals behind it. On this On the Record, Sarina speaks with Linda O’brien, a first-hand victim of this cancer and Bernadette Boyle, who tragically lost her husband shortly after a diagnosis. Both of these women have courageously come together to form The “Your Next Step is the Cure” 5k run that raises funds to expand the research behind this rare disease that silently affects its victims. 

This year, the run is being held on November 19th in Lithia, Florida. After hosting their first 5k in 2017, the run has now grown to a much bigger event that features raffle items and a variety of vendors. After raising over 21 thousand dollars in 2021, Bernadette and Linda hope to surpass that number with their event this year.