Foundation Mobilizes Volunteers to Raise Awareness of Mesothelioma
Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) August 30, 2013 -- On September 26th, mesothelioma patients, family members, caregivers, bereaved, volunteers, and other advocates will join the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) in recognizing Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
The Meso Foundation expects that at least 14 events will take place in the two weeks surrounding September 26th. A list of 2013 events is available on the Meso Foundation’s website. Those unable to organize or attend events are encouraged to participate in a variety of other ways including raising awareness by requesting official proclamations of Mesothelioma Awareness Day on behalf of their cities and states; requesting that a flag be flown over Capitol Hill in honor or memory of their loved ones with mesothelioma; speaking to local media about covering mesothelioma; and sharing Meso Foundation’s content on various social media networks like Facebook.
This year, the Foundation will also host a briefing on Capitol Hill to educate legislators about the devastating effects of mesothelioma and how they can help save lives by funding medical research.
This day, started in 2004, has been steadily gaining prominence. According to the Meso Foundation, last year more than 2,000 people attended 15 fundraising and awareness events and raised over $120,000 for mesothelioma research, education, patient services, and advocacy.
In 2010, the Unites States Senate and the House of Representatives passed bills declaring September 26th “National Mesothelioma Awareness Day.”
Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the lining of the lung, abdomen, or heart known to be caused by exposure to asbestos. Medical experts consider it one of the most aggressive and deadly of all cancers. Approximately 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year and an estimated one-third were exposed while serving in the Navy or working in Navy shipyards.
About the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
The Meso Foundation is the only 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma and easing the suffering caused by it. The Meso Foundation actively seeks philanthropic support to fund peer-reviewed mesothelioma research; provide patient support services and education; and advocate Congress for increased federal funding for mesothelioma research. The Meso Foundation is the only non-government funder of peer reviewed scientific research to establish more effective treatments for mesothelioma and, ultimately, a cure for this rare, but extremely aggressive, cancer. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $8.2 million to research.
More information is available at http://www.curemeso.org.
Maja Belamaric, Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, http://www.curemeso.org, +1 (703) 879-3822, [email protected]
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