Jake MacDonald of Penticton, B.C., was diagnosed with melanoma at age 24. He was able to survive the disease and is now helping others stay safe from UV rays by spreading awareness and through his line of UV-protective clothing.

MacDonald didn’t think much of his strange little mole until his grandmother asked him to get it checked. The mole, with irregular borders, was diagnosed as melanoma, a form of skin cancer. According to Melanoma Canada, melanoma, which is most commonly caused by overexposure to UV radiation, has tripled in the past 30 years.

After leaving his banking job last year, MacDonald started a business called Enjoy the Vu, which makes outdoor clothing that helps protect people from the sun’s harmful rays. The clothes are made with special UPF-rated fabric, which experts say can lower the risk of skin cancer by blocking out dangerous sun exposure.

His company’s goal is to raise awareness about skin cancer, especially among young people, by creating stylish clothes that look like other popular brands but have extra built-in sun protection. His clothes are rated UPF 50+, which means they block at least 98% of harmful UV rays. MacDonald is using his social media to share his story and talk about the harms of UV exposure every chance he gets. He has also been working with Merck’s Practice Skintimacy campaign, educating others about melanoma.

Source: Radio Canada International