Mesothelioma Awareness

Mesothelioma Awareness and Advocacy

Anyone whose life has been impacted by mesothelioma knows the importance of having effective options for treatment. Unfortunately, current medical research is limited, and a cure is still elusive. To stimulate studies that will support the development of advanced treatments and therapies for mesothelioma, more funding is desperately needed.

The good news is that you can help out in the fight for a mesothelioma cure. Below are ideas you can use to spread the word about this terrible disease and obtain much-needed financial support for research efforts.

Support Meso Awareness Day on September 26th of each year!

National Meso Awareness Day is an entire day dedicated to supporting mesothelioma victims, their families, and the work that's being done to understand and fight this devastating illness.

Here are examples of what mesothelioma advocates have done to recognize Meso Awareness Day in past years:

• Sponsoring fundraisers such as Bowl-A-Thons, Quarter Nights or 5K races
• Working with their local government representatives to have September 26th officially declared as Meso Awareness Day in their city and state
• Participating in the “Let’s Rock” radio campaign sponsored by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF)—this involves contacting radio stations all over the country and asking them to play Warren Zevon’s music followed by a 20-second spot about mesothelioma. Warren Zevon, the famous singer and songwriter, died of mesothelioma in 2003.

Your help is needed to get the word out!

Be a Mesothelioma Advocate in Everyday Life

You don’t have to wait until September 26th to promote knowledge of asbestos-related diseases. Here are other ways you can be a mesothelioma advocate every day of the year:

Raise awareness:

• in your community by educating others and raising funds for the cause;
• at school or work by educating your peers and encouraging them to become involved;
• in the media by news releases, letters to the editor, offering an interview, and public service announcements; and
• in the government by making your voice heard to elected officials.

Take action:

• Send emails to key government leaders and decision-makers for a fast, easy way to get your voice heard.
• Write letters to key government leaders to show your commitment to the cause.
• Make phone calls to your Members of Congress and their Health Legislative Assistants.
• Schedule a visit with local government leaders to educate them about mesothelioma and the importance of asbestos-related legislation.

Other ways to get involved:

• Be knowledgeable – learn as much as you can about mesothelioma and asbestos.
• Tell your story – increase awareness by telling your personal story (in your community, in the media, on the Internet, etc.)
• Volunteer – dedicate some of your time to fundraising efforts locally or nationally.
• Form a local support network with other victims, families, and providers touched by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related issues.
• Develop connections with anyone who can assist in fighting for this cause, such as mesothelioma attorneys, legislators, union representatives, veteran groups, celebrities, and other community leaders.

Be knowledgeable – learn as much as you can about mesothelioma and asbestos.

You can also contact agencies such as the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization to learn about other opportunities for taking action in the fight to ban asbestos and the battle against mesothelioma.