After surviving melanoma, Jake MacDonald of Penticton, B.C. now designs stylish UPF 50+ clothing to help others stay safe from harmful UV rays.
Survivor-Turned-Founder Aims to Protect Others from UV Exposure
Jake MacDonald of Penticton, B.C., was only 24 when a suspicious mole led to a melanoma diagnosis. Now cancer-free, he’s transforming his personal health scare into a public mission: protecting others from ultraviolet (UV) radiation through functional, stylish clothing.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
MacDonald’s journey began in 2018, when his grandmother urged him to have a mole on his leg examined. The mole’s irregular shape and size raised concern—and a doctor confirmed it was melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. According to Melanoma Canada, rates of this disease have tripled over the past 30 years, largely due to excessive UV exposure from sunlight and tanning beds.
Turning Prevention into a Passion Project
After recovering and reassessing his life, MacDonald left a stable banking job and launched a sun-safe clothing brand called Enjoy the Vu. The brand offers long-sleeve golf polos rated UPF 50+—the highest level of UV protection in apparel. His goal: blend safety with style in a market that often neglects aesthetics.
UPF Fabric Offers Maximum Protection
Unlike a basic white T-shirt, which has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of about 5, MacDonald’s polos block 98% of UV rays. Dr. Jason Rivers, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of British Columbia, confirms that UPF fabrics are effective, durable, and an essential part of sun safety, especially when combined with sunscreen, hats, and protective eyewear.
Designs for the Outdoors and Beyond
Currently available in three bold designs, the polos are made in China and lab-tested for UPF efficacy. MacDonald plans to expand the product line to include hats, women’s apparel, and kids’ styles once he better understands consumer demand. Beyond product development, he uses social media and community outreach to spread awareness about UV risks.
Education Through Advocacy
Beyond fashion, MacDonald has embraced the role of public advocate. He partners with campaigns like Merck’s Practice Skintimacy, using his platform to share his melanoma experience and encourage early detection. “It started out just me making clothes for myself,” he said. “But it’s really evolved into just being a voice for skin cancer.”
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