The Skin Cancer Foundation held their annual Skin Sense Award Gala at The Plaza in New York City on October 11. Over 400 guests came together to honor Melisse Shaban, CEO of StriVectin, and Dr. Elliot Sigal, executive vice president, chief scientific officer and president of research and development for Bristol-Myers Squibb, for their outstanding efforts in promoting skin health.

Television personalities Katie Couric, Sam Champion and Jerry Penacoli hosted the evening’s festivities, as each of them shared their own personal experiences with cancer, and their efforts to raise awareness about the disease.

Dr. Perry Robins, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation, welcomed guests with remarks about new SPF regulations and advancements in the field over the past year, giving special recognition to The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Photobiology Committee.

“The Photobiology Committee determined SPF 15 as the minimum for sunscreens to be awarded our Seal of Recommendation,” said Robins. “Nearly 800 products now carry the Seal worldwide, and I am very proud to say it has set the standard for sun protection products that are safe and effective.”

Bristol-Myers Squibb recently received FDA approval of YERVOY, a new treatment which will serve as a crucial tool in the fight against metastatic melanoma, and the first melanoma drug to receive FDA approval in 13 years. StriVectin is now at the forefront of skin care technology, using formulations that blend anti-aging properties with a key ingredient that was discovered through 30 years of skin cancer prevention research.

Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Dr. Elliot Sigal and StriVectin’s Melisse Shaban with Dr. Perry Robins of The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Dr. Ellen Marmur with Katie Couric
and DDF’s Dr. Howard Sobel.

Gurwitch’s Claudia Poccia and Ellen Greenwald with Jill Scalamandre of Chrysallis (c.).

NARS’ Louis Desazars with Macy’s Nancy Schmidt and Heidi Manheimer of Shiseido.

Oribe’s Daniel Kaner with Sonia Kashuk.

Rodale’s Mary Murcko and Laura Petasnick
with Claudia Lucas of QVC (c.).

Univision’s Julie Pinkwater with Jeannine Shao Collins and Jennifer Kalat of Meredith.

Shiseido’s Carston Fischer with Tony Sirico.

Shiseido’s Nicole Cardillo, Rita Mangan,
Linda Ten Eyck and Maree Lavo.