Team IMPACT: Meet Mike Vaughn
The 124th Boston Marathon commences on Monday, April 20th, and IMPACT Melanoma is once again proud to present Team IMPACT. Comprised of a dedicated group of runners that come from different backgrounds and levels of running experience, each of our runners share a passion for our cause – which is to spread awareness and prevention initiatives with regard to the incidences of melanoma around the United States, and, with our lead, the world.
Many of Team IMPACT’s members are survivors, family members of survivors, or a person who has lost a loved one to melanoma. Together, along with our partnership with the Boston Athletic Association, we’ve been able to make great IMPACT over the years raising in excess of $2 million, which has gone to directly benefit IMPACT Melanoma’s mission of prevention, education, support, and advocacy in the fight against melanoma.
As mentioned, each of our team members have unique reasons as to why they’re contributing efforts to Team IMPACT, and, as such, we’re highlighting a handful of them in support of their run, and their campaign to raise necessary funds.
With that in mind, please join us in welcoming and thanking, Mike Vaughn!
IMPACT Melanoma: How’d you learn about IMPACT Melanoma and Team IMPACT?
Mike Vaughn: I learned about it from my dermatologist. She knew I wanted to run Boston and I was in her office the day after the marathon in 2019. She told me about IMPACT Melanoma, so I applied after learning more about them as an organization.
IM: What made you decide to get involved and commit to a spot on the team? What does said spot mean to you?
Vaughn: I like everything the organization stands for. Too many guys my age will not go see a doctor and this was one way to show folks, hey it doesn’t hurt, and the impact of not going is far worse than having to have some new hole carved into you. Getting selected for the team and spreading the word through fundraising influenced several people in my company to go see dermatologists. When they did, three of them had things removed that were of significant concern. One guy was even told he had the same type of melanoma that I’ve had. He never would have gone to see the doctor had I not told him about my own experience.
IM: How many marathons have you run in the past? What do you take away from these experiences?
Vaughn: I have run more than 20 marathons and well over 50 half-marathons. I enjoy the finish every time, no matter how bad it hurts. I know I will never get to the podium, but just finishing says a lot in terms of determination, commitment, and personal resolve.
IM: I know it’s hard to predict, but how do you think this particular run will stack up (from a philosophical/humanitarian/or just straight physical point of view)?
Vaughn: The ultimate run and the best one to finish on. This is my last marathon because my right hip cannot take the long runs anymore. I will keep on doing half marathons, but this one will be special.
IM: What is your personal stance / battle cry with regard to skin cancer and taking care of one’s skin?
Vaughn: It doesn’t hurt unless you skip appointments. Set your regular dates on the same day you go to the dentist and get it done!
IM: What’s your pre-race ritual? Some sort of specific cuisine the night before? Specific stretching routine? Special socks? You tell us!
Vaughn: I love fish the night before a race. As for the morning of a race, I just get there early and try to relax. I don’t want to burn a calorie except to walk to the starting line.
To get involved and make a donation:
Visit Mike’s runner profile here to help her reach her personal goal: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/impact-melanoma/mikevaughn1
Visit our Team IMPACT profile page here: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/impact-melanoma
