In 1999, Jamie had a mole removed from her back. Although the diagnosis indicated melanoma, her dermatologist informed her that the margins were clean and Jamie was in good shape. She continued her exams every 4 months to keep herself cancer-free.
In October of 2002, Jamie had a persistent headache. After days of relentless pain, Jamie endured an MRI. She was hospitalized with the results of a brain tumor the size of a plum. After a long and tedious brain surgery the family was told that the tumor was malignant melanoma. Jamie went through rigorous treatments of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as many more surgeries. Despite all of these measures, the cancer continued to spread swiftly. Nothing seemed to work.
The March prior to Jamie's death a fundraiser was held on her behalf. With an outrageous turnout of 450 people, the family was able to raise $30,000.00 to help Jamie and her family until her untimely death. There was even enough to continue to help daughter after her death.
With this fundraiser, the Jamie Rabinowitch-Davis Foundation for Melanoma Research was born. Jamie lost her 8½ month battle with melanoma on July 14th, 2003.
Founder and President
Renee Rabinowitch-Hatheway
JRD was founded by Jamie's sister Renee Hatheway