Kitty Brown was first diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma in November 2020. Through her journey with metastatic melanoma. She became an active participant in the monthly and bi-monthly Melanoma Canada melanoma and skin cancer support group meetings, which she found to be very beneficial to her well-being. Her personal experience and the connections she made through the support group inspired Kitty to give back by becoming a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) volunteer with Melanoma Canada

When asked about why she got started with the P2P volunteer journey, Kitty said “My goal is to foster connections with those in need by helping to reduce their fear and sense of being “alone” after diagnosis and through their treatment. I also hope that I can provide a safe non-judgemental space for them to talk / emote / discuss and provide strategies and tools to navigate through their medical visits and challenges of their everyday life.”

As a P2P Volunteer, Kitty was connected with Liz – who was recently diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma. Liz received her melanoma diagnosis in May 2024 and began immunotherapy in August 2025. In those first few months, Liz remembers “feeling totally overwhelmed”. When speaking about her connection with Kitty she said “I had my first phone call with Kitty on July 21, 2025. She was, and continues to be, a lifeline for me because I immediately knew that she “got it”. We really clicked and I felt supported”. Listen to Liz’s experience with Melanoma:

Kitty describes being a Peer-to-Peer volunteer and connecting with others as “healing for her soul.” Through volunteering, she has been able to turn her lived experience into meaningful connections and support for others.

Reflecting on her experience, she shares:

“Looking back now on that emotional day of diagnosis, I could never have imagined that my experiences could possibly provide someone with some hope, comfort and support. This has given my pain a purpose.”

Listen to Kitty share her experience with melanoma:

For Liz, peer-to-peer support continues to be an important source of support as she navigates treatment. She shares:

“Kitty and I continue to touch base with one another. Every time we talk, I feel that a burden is lifted from me as we share our journeys. Peer-to-peer support is truly an exceptional service offered by Melanoma Canada. I’m very glad I took the risk in connecting with a peer and sharing my journey. Peer-to-peer support is talking with someone who ‘gets it!’”

Learn more about Peer-to-Peer Support: https://melanomacanada.ca/support-and-resources/peer-to-peer-support-program/ If you have been diagnosed with melanoma or skin cancer, or have been a caregiver to someone with melanoma or skin cancer, you can offer hope and support to others.

Volunteer as Peer-to-Peer Support with Melanoma Canada: https://melanomacanada.ca/get-involved/volunteer/volunteerpatient/ We provide extensive training and ongoing support for all of our Peer to Peer volunteers.