Here’s Why Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave Is Naked on a Billboard in Times Square
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum went nude in the middle of Manhattan for a very specific reason.
Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave bared it all in the Big Apple — for a good cause, of course.
“I’m on a billboard in Times Square, y’all. And it couldn’t be for a better cause,” The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum captioned an Instagram photo taken by Teddi’s BFF and RHOBH castmate Kyle Richards. In the photo, Teddi proudly poses and smiles in front of a billboard featuring her exposed back in a campaign for the Melanoma Research Foundation.
Teddi went on to explain the importance of the campaign: “When I was first diagnosed with melanoma, I thought, ‘Why me?’ But now I’m glad it was me, because I get to use my voice and platform to partner with [the Melanoma Research Foundation] and encourage all of you to [Get Naked] and get your skin checked. Hearing from so many already about making their appointments makes my heart full; and I would love to hear from many more in the future. Who’s gonna make time for their checkup this month?”
Following a skin-cancer scare in March 2022, Teddi confirmed later in October she had stage 2 melanoma. The podcaster went on to update fans about her diagnosis and subsequent treatments, sharing in January 2023 how she successfully had 11 melanomas and three lymph nodes surgically removed, making her cancer-free.
Teddi revealed, however, that more spots needed to be biopsied and tested for melanoma, and that she had a bump on her neck that an ultrasound deemed irregular.
“As someone who is a controlled person, I’m dealing as best I can with something out of my control,” Teddi wrote on Instagram at the time. “Things I can control: staying on top of my appointments, self-checks, and asking my doctors questions. I’m trying my best to stay positive and will fill you in when I get the results. If this saves even one person from going through what I’m going through, it’s worth it.”
Despite all this, Teddi remains hopeful while undergoing treatments and is continuing to inspire others as a [Get Naked] spokesperson for the Melanoma Research Foundation.
“The positive in all of this: hearing the stories from people who wouldn’t have gone to get their skin checked if I hadn’t shared my journey,” Teddi shared via the foundation. “Together, I hope to continue to use this platform to educate the public on melanoma awareness, dispel myths, and encourage everyone to be more proactive in sun safety and early detection.”
Tamra Judge on Skin Cancer
Teddi's podcast co-host, Tamra, has also been diagnosed with skin cancer in the past. She opens up about it in a throwback video, below.
Any health-related information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, or before embarking on any diet, exercise, or wellness program.
