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Rachel D’Ambrosio at home.
By MICHAEL SOUZA
NARRAGANSETT – She may be only 11 years old, but Rachel D’Ambrosio is a very special young lady. She speaks with an intelligence and maturity beyond her years, which is fortunate, because she’s had to face the realities of life and illness. Thankfully, this story has a happy ending.
A student at the Pier Middle School, Rachel has grown up like your typical Narragansett youngster. Playing outside, enjoying the beach and the family boat, with countless hours spent waterskiing and tubing. Fair of skin and red hair, her parents always requested she use sunscreen. The 30+ Sun Protection Factor was, like for so many of us, just a part of the daily routine. Despite the precautions, last month, her mother noticed a spot on her back, and although the dermatologist felt it wasn’t a problem, her mother insisted on its removal. Ten days later, an analysis of the extracted tissue proved to be melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and is caused by malignant pigment cells. If not found early, melanoma can grow deeper into the skin and spread to other other parts of the body. Once it spreads, it is difficult to treat. A much more serious procedure to remove any cancerous cells was conducted last month, on Good Friday. She has since been declared cancer-free. To undergo an operation three days before Easter is a courageous action for an 11 year old. It’s a frightening prospect for anybody, with needles, scalpels and a handful of doctors providing plenty of intimidation. Even more impressive, she has taken up the cause and has become active in warning people of the dangers of skin cancer. At the Pier School’s health fair last month, Rachel prepared and presented an informational piece on skin cancer. The presentation included a homemade video, posters and a five page typewritten report. As if that isn’t enough, she also participated in Curt and Shonda Schilling’s (of Red Sox fame), SHADE Foundation sun safety contest. The foundation was founded in August 2002, by Mrs. Schilling, after her successful battle against melanoma. Since then, Schilling and the foundation have been honored with multiple local and national awards, recognizing their efforts to increase skin cancer awareness. She met Shonda and Curt Schilling and acted as one of the judges in a poster contest. “My new saying is ‘Make a posi
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