Financial Assistance for Travel Expenses for Mesothelioma Patients
Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) June 30, 2014 -- The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) announced today the expansion of its ‘Travel Grant’ program for mesothelioma patients. The program, which was created initially to help mesothelioma patients who are in need travel to see a specialist for the initial consultation, will now also accept applications to cover traveling expenses of patients enrolled in clinical trials away from home, or those seeking a new consultation following relapse. Each grant of up to a $1,000 can cover lodging, transportation, and meals.
More information can obtained by contacting the Meso Foundation at (877) 636-6376 ext. 3821 or by emailing dpurcell(at)curemeso(dot)org.
Mesothelioma treatment requires the expertise of a specialist who has extensive mesothelioma experience. Such experts are available at a limited number of centers, access to which often requires the patient to travel. Mesothelioma patients can greatly benefit from consulting with an expert. In many cases, following the initial consultation, the mesothelioma expert will be able to work with the patient’s local physicians to guide them through a more specialized treatment.
“The Meso Foundation believes that every patient should have the chance to be seen by an appropriate mesothelioma expert, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Mary Hesdorffer, the executive director of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, and an expert nurse practitioner.
To qualify for the grant, a patient must show significant financial need and fit in one of the following categories:
• Patients who must travel to receive expert care, or an expert consult, on their mesothelioma, and cannot afford to do so without assistance. Repeat visits are not covered unless patients are enrolled in a clinical trial.
• Following treatment by a specialist, the patient has relapsed and needs to explore a new option of treatment or clinical trial.
• The patient has enrolled in a clinical trial and does not have the financial means to travel to appointments. We recognize that clinical trial participation requires multiple visits and will consider each visit as a new application.
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. An estimated one-third of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed while serving in the Navy or working in shipyards.
ABOUT THE MESOTHELIOMA APPLIED RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The Meso Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma and easing the suffering caused by this cancer. 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 effective treatments for mesothelioma and, ultimately, a cure for this extremely aggressive cancer. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $8.7 million to research. More information is available at http://www.curemeso.org.
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Maja Belamaric, Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, http://www.curemeso.org/site/c.duIWJfNQKiL8G/b.8598593/k.D685/Homepage.htm, +1 7038793822, [email protected]
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