Shady Spaces and Bright Futures at Archway North Phoenix

Archway North Phoenix received a generous donation from Shade the Kids, a philanthropic initiative created by Dr. Rami Fathi from the Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group. The group provided a 20-foot by 20-foot commercial-grade shade structure made of materials that provides UV protection. And the best part is that the structure is on locking wheels, allowing the flexibility for the school to utilize the shade structure in multiple areas, catering to various needs as required.

“Sun safety is very important in the state that we live in and the potential for skin cancer risk,” explained Headmaster Thomas Taylor. “It’s important that we partner with people such as Dr. Fathi to bring this education and the structure to our campus to make our community safer.”

Fathi said they want to use the donation as a platform to educate the youth about sun protection and sun safety. “Skin cancer is at a major epidemic in our state, and we really want to prevent it,” he said. “Hopefully we can knock those numbers down and make Arizona one of the poster child states of sun safety.”

According to Shade the Kids, exposure to the sun’s UV rays during childhood can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Skin cancer is no longer just an ailment of the older generations. Younger individuals are facing rising skin cancer rates, with 23% of average accumulated sun exposure occurring before the age of 18, making early prevention crucial.

Providing the shade structure will:

• Reduce Direct Sun Exposure: Lessen the chances of harmful UV exposure during peak sun hours
• Encourage Outdoor Activities: Ensure children can play and learn outside without constant sun exposure
• Instill Sun Safety Habits: Shade structures serve as daily reminders of the importance of sun safety

“This generous donation, focused on skin cancer prevention, aims not only to enhance the learning environment but also to contribute to the overall well-being of students and faculty through the provision of a shaded space for outdoor activities,” said Damara Velasquez, Office Manager at Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group. “With the increasing concern about sun exposure and its potential impact on health, we believe that incorporating skin cancer prevention measures into the educational environment is crucial for the long-term health of young learners.”

School Nurse Nichola Piccola noted that the mobility of the structure will be a great benefit for the students. “Shades like this will definitely help us out tremendously on the playground where students don’t have to feel huddled in one corner in the shade,” shared Piccolo. “They’ll have room to play”

In addition, Shade the Kids provided the school with an assembly where they offered sessions on sun safety, dramatizing the importance of using safety precautions in the sun. During the session, students learned about the importance of sunscreen and reapplication, recognizing harmful UV exposure times, and early detection methods with regular skin checks.

During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dr. Fathi introduced his own young daughter as the inspiration for him to make an impact on sun safety at elementary schools. Archway North Phoenix is the second local school to receive the gift, and they are plans for more structures at more schools in the area.

This donation gives students and staff at Archway North Phoenix a break from the hot Arizona sun. But it also helps teach the importance of sun safety. Thanks to Dr. Fathi, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, and Shade the Kids, the academy is taking steps to protect everyone’s health, making sure outdoor activities are safe and fun. The shade structure will be a helpful addition for many years, creating a safer environment for learning and play.

Winners of the drawing contest: kindergartener Venkata Sai Sudeep Reyansh Malisetty, and fourth grader Lana Williamson

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