The Comcast 2000 Mural dedicated to Noreen

Noreen O'Neill
May 17, 1952 - July 30, 2000

It is because of Noreen O'Neill that the Foundation for Melanoma Research exists.

A woman of great energy and legendary humor, and a lifelong Philadelphian, Noreen grew up in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood where she attended Ravenhill Academy. She went on to study at Chestnut Hill College, after which she began the arc of her professional life as fashion buyer at the venerable Nan Duskin specialty store. It was during the Duskin years that many of her legion of friends and supporters first encountered her warmth, wit and creativity. In the 1980?s, she moved from retail to special events and public relations where she had her own business. A true entrepreneur, she served an array of corporate and service clients with style and innovation.

In 1990, Noreen's career was sidetracked when she contracted viral encephalitis. Although full recovery required a number of years and left residual neurological limitations, she became part of the staff at Robertson Florist in Chestnut Hill where she developed a successful corporate program for them. In 1994, Noreen was approached to design and develop a series of interactive exhibits and video walls for what would be the new CoreStates Center (now the First Union Center). Embracing sports with as much gusto as fashion or events, she became Director of Research and Development and continued to create additional displays for what became the First Union Center. Her work remains an integral part of any visitor?s experience of the Center.

In 1995, Noreen was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. A few years later, she underwent surgery that, along with follow-up treatments, halted the advance of the disease for a time. Noreen was at work on programs for the Republican National Convention at the First Union Center when her response to treatment reversed and she finally lost her battle with cancer.

Through her entrepreneurial skills and her determination, Noreen transformed the tragedy of her illness into an opportunity to help others. Her experience of the disease and its treatment motivated her to volunteer - but finding no organizations dedicated to advancing melanoma treatments, she decided to build one herself. Noreen founded the Foundation for Melanoma Research to raise awareness of the disease and help fund research for its prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. The Foundation is Noreen's legacy, and its work a fitting tribute to the vision and spirit of a remarkable woman.

The six-story Comcast 2000 Mural at 70 North 17th Street in Philadelphia is a testament to Noreen's boundless energy and the effect she had on those around her. In the run-up to the 2000 Republican Convention, she was instrumental in turning her ideas for the mural--with its theme of "building a better future"--into reality. Today the inscription at the mural's base reads, "Dedicated in loving memory to Noreen O'Neill."

	EVENTS
	2nd Annual Running For Cover Join us for a fun and fulfilling morning at the Wachovia Complex on June 24, 2007 for the 2nd Annual Foundation for Melanoma Research Running for Cover Run/Walk.
	Clark Lecture March 2002-2006 The foundation supports the annual Clark Lecture and melanoma symposium.

	NEWS

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