Young fan's death inspired ‘Big Bang' PSA about melanoma

“Big Bang Theory' cast member Kaley Cuoco is one of the actors appearing in the PSA inspired by Claire Marie Wagonhurst, a Notre Dame Prep senior who died of adolescent melanoma in 2014. ( screen grab )

The cast of CBS' “The Big Bang Theory” recorded a public service announcement about melanoma — because of a young Maryland fan.

Claire Marie Wagonhurst, 17, died of adolescent melanoma in October 2014. Her mother, Marianne Banister, a former WBAL-TV news anchor, said that as the Notre Dame Preparatory School senior's health declined, “Big Bang” was her go-to show.

“She couldn't wait to watch it with her dad, and they would just have their date,” Banister said.

Banister and husband Rocky Wagonhurst established the Claire Marie Foundation to raise awareness about skin cancer. A family friend who works on the TV show told staffers about Claire's condition and how much “Big Bang” meant to her, Banister said.

Little by little, they learned about the foundation, Claire's story and melanoma — then created the PSA.

It will appear on social media, the foundation's website and local PBS channels via Comcast Spotlight.

—?Brittany Britto