Uveal Melanoma Research In Memory of Wayne Varjas

Wayne Varjas, the most wonderful father, brother, partner, friend, and person, had been fighting cancer for over a year and a half. He passed away early Friday morning, 5/21/21. 


He woke up one morning with a headache and blurred vision in his right eye. In January 2020, was diagnosed with uveal melanoma, a very rare cancer of the eye, that once detected, has almost certainly spread to other parts of the body. As of now, there is no protocol regarding the type or frequency of scans following diagnosis and treatment of the eye tumor. Of those diagnosed, 50% will develop metastatic disease, with 90% developing liver metastases. Despite knowing all this, he never gave up hope, and continued to live and enjoy life to its fullest. 


There is currently no cure for metastatic uveal melanoma. We hope to change that, with donated funds going directly to Memorial Sloan Kettering cancer center, in his memory, for future research and treatment of uveal melanoma.


Wayne’s infinite selflessness, caring personality, and unquestioning willingness to help others in times of need, could not be more aligned with a donation to MSK, to carry on his legacy and teaching, to do whatever it takes to make this world a better place.