Cherisse Nicholson I was born in 1950 in Arizona, of European ancestry. My family was well off financially, and I was always encouraged to set my sights high and live to the fullest. My father died of prostate cancer at age 74, and my mother’s sister died of breast cancer.
0- 19 years I had a carefree childhood, growing up in sunny Arizona. Despite my fair skin and freckles, I loved the sun and spent lots of time outdoors. My father loved golf, and I usually caddied for him. I also spent my summers in California on the beach. After I graduated from high school, I headed off to college to major in political science. ·	20- 39 years My good health continued through college and after. Although I started smoking in college, I watched what I ate, got lots of exercise, and kept my smoking to four or five cigarettes per day. I took birth control pills from age 17 to after I was married; then, after my marriage and career as a congressional aide were established, I had three children (at ages 26, 29, and 34). My one serious sorrow was my three miscarriages (at ages 31, 32, and 36). My Husband and I love children and would have been happy to have 10!
40-59 years Despite my family, I continued an active professional life. My golfing background came in handy as I was the one golfing with the business people and politicians I needed to network with. I continued to take care of myself and got regular check-ups. In my late 40s, I noticed dark “liver spots” on my hands, shoulders, and nose. I also began to worry about what I perceived to be excessive wrinkling, probably from years of being in the sun. My doctor noticed the spots too, but I was worried about scarring and didn’t want them removed. By age 54, some of the spots were getting larger, and when I was 56, I had them removed. Though the diagnosis was definitely skin cancer, the doctor told me the margins were clear and the outlook was good.	60+ years I am retired now, but continued an active life. Since my initial bout with skin cancer, I have had 11 more discolored spots on my skin removed, but have had no other health problems. I faithfully visit the doctor for check-ups twice a year and now wear sunscreen when I am outside, even when the day is cloudy!