(ROSE HILL, Kan.) — One of 25-year old Gabe Hancock's favorite things to do is to blow bubbles outside with his two-year old son, Isaiah. But before playtime, the Hancock family has a specific routine they stick to no matter what.
It includes putting on shoes, a hat, sunglasses, even if they don't stay on and sunscreen, for everyone.
“If we're in the sun we are always thinking about how to protect our skin,”
So thorough because Gabe is a skin cancer survivor.
“I was 22 when I was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma, level 4 on my lower back,” said Gabe.
Level four which meant the cancer could have killed Gabe within a matter of a few years. His wife, Sarah was five months pregnant with Isaiah when Gabe was diagnosed.
“It was scary and shocking. I immediately thought about the ‘what if’s,’” said Sarah.
Doctors removed the spot on Gabe's back. He's now cancer free but has a five inch scar reminding him and his wife of how serious Melanoma is.
