Resources for the Community
Empower your entire community to advocate for and practice sun protection. Promote the Sunbeatables® program to local preschools, elementary schools and community-based organizations and make sun safety a priority.
Empower your entire community to advocate for and practice sun protection. Promote the Sunbeatables® program to local preschools, elementary schools and community-based organizations and make sun safety a priority.
Ray and the Sunbeatables®
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center created and developed Ray and the Sunbeatables®: A Sun Safety Curriculum for preschoolers, kindergarteners and first-grade students.
The program introduces superhero characters Ray and the Sunbeatables, who travel around the world using their superpowers of sun protection. Children participate in fun and engaging activities and learn the importance of protecting their skin year-round.
Why sun safety?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. An estimated 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Anyone, regardless of skin color, can develop skin cancer, including the most deadly type, melanoma.
Be a Sunbeatables champion
PRACTICE sun safety every day and everywhere you go. Use sunscreen, seek shade and wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.
ADVOCATE for sun safety and the Sunbeatables program. Use the provided tips and resources to get the conversation started with local schools. Spread our messages via social media: #Sunbeatables.
EDUCATE by talking to your children, their teachers and the community about the importance of sun safety. The Sunbeatables superheroes can help you start the conversation with children.
EMPOWER families, educators and your community to practice sun protection.
Melanoma took my husband’s life. A day does not go by that I don’t think about him and how important it is to protect our children from the sun. MD Anderson’s Sunbeatables program is an opportunity for the YMCAs across Houston to impact and teach our young children how to protect themselves from the sun and potentially save a life.
Patricia Osborn
Director of Youth Development, YMCA of Greater Houston
Meet the Sunbeatables
Ray is the leader. He has the superpower of shade. Ray also wears a magic watch that reminds him to be SUPER-protected during the peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when shadows are shorter.
Serena has the superpower of sunscreen.
Chloe has the superpower of protective clothing.
Stefan has the superpower of protective sunglasses.
Hanna has the superpower of protective hats.
Together with community support, the Sunbeatables can educate children about sun protection.
Sunbeatables is digital
Visit the Sunbeatables digital platform to access the complete program for free. Program materials include:
- Teacher's guide
- Curriculum
- Parent materials
- Sun safety songs
- Character puppet cut-outs
- School posters
- Ray's world map
Community resources
Access the community resources to advocate for the Sunbeatables program in your local community.
Contact Us
request an appointment online.
Help #EndCancer
Give Now
Donate Blood
Our patients depend on blood and platelet donations.
Shop MD Anderson
Show your support for our mission through branded merchandise.