Ashley Daly, a mother of two from Wheaton, shared her experience with metastatic melanoma in a statement released on May 18. Daly first consulted dermatologist Lauren Taglia about a mole on her right calf that she felt looked suspicious. After removal and testing, the mole was found to be malignant.
Daly's case highlights the importance of early detection and continued monitoring for those with a history of melanoma. While her initial cancerous mole was removed in 2020 and she was considered cancer-free, Daly later discovered a lump in her thigh in 2023. She said that although one doctor dismissed the lump as nothing, further examination during an annual exam led to an MRI and biopsy confirming the return of melanoma, now classified as metastatic.
Dr. Taglia said patients with significant histories of melanoma require long-term follow-up due to increased risk: "A new lump or bump in the skin of a patient with known melanoma is particularly concerning and needs evaluation." Following this advice, Daly turned to Northwestern Medicine for advanced care.
At Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, surgical oncologist Ashley Hardy recommended pre-surgical treatment to shrink the tumor. Medical oncologist John Ayers prescribed three rounds of immunotherapy—medications designed to help the immune system attack cancer cells—which proved effective enough that Dr. Hardy had to mark Daly’s thigh before surgery so she could locate the shrinking tumor. The tumor and surrounding tissue were removed surgically in October 2024; subsequent tests showed no remaining cancer.
Daly continued immunotherapy treatments every four weeks for another year based on research suggesting improved long-term outcomes for patients who complete full courses of therapy. “In the past 10 years, immunotherapy and targeted therapy have dramatically improved life expectancy for patients with advanced melanoma,” Dr. Taglia said.
Now finished with treatment since July 2025, Daly undergoes regular scans for monitoring and encourages others—especially those previously diagnosed—to act quickly if they notice changes or warning signs related to their skin health.
Northwestern Medicine functions under its parent organization Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and is recognized nationally for programs supporting physician well-being as well as humanitarian awards honoring community service efforts through compassion-driven values according to the official website. Howard B. Chrisman serves as president and chief executive officer at Northwestern Medicine according to the official website.
