Shortly after being diagnosed with stage three melanoma, Melissa Breitbart founded The Live4Life Foundation. Live4Life raises funds for critical research and awareness of the dangers of melanoma –. Her focus shifted from what had happened to her to trying to prevent anyone else from having to go through what she did. “I wanted to get my story out there and give melanoma a voice,” she says. “I was hopeful that my experience could save other people’s lives — by teaching them to protect themselves from the sun, to protect their children, and to let them know that it is a necessity to get regular body checks.” To raise funds, Melissa, A law school graduate-turned- designer, started a collection of jewelry in her own company, emma&me, from which a percentage of the profits would benefit melanoma research. The foundation has also hosted dinners, auctions, tennis events, art tours and other fundraising events. Over the past 17 years Melissa has continued to advocate for the melanoma community. Working extensively with the Melanoma Research Foundation, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center And New York University. In addition she started a consulting company that sits at the intersection of philanthropy and business. Her focus is on building strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations and for profit companies. Her passion for integrating philanthropy into all sectors has helped create meaningful alliances for both the business and the charitable organizations.