National Research Foundation Gears Up for Mesothelioma Awareness Day
Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) June 30, 2015 -- For this year’s Mesothelioma Awareness Day, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation will focus its efforts on raising awareness of this aggressive cancer by leading a campaign titled “Painting the World in Mesothelioma Awareness.”
“We ask that everyone affected by this awful cancer, including mesothelioma patients and their families, those who have lost a loved one to this cancer, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances, wear blue t-shirts, and in general to make sure they keep blue as the central color of their themes as they raise awareness in person and virtually,” said Maja Belamaric, Meso Foundation’s director of communications.
“The idea is to portray visually with the color blue the concept of awareness as it widens its reach,” she added.
Mesothelioma Awareness Day, established by Meso Foundation volunteers in 2004, has been the driving force behind the movement to bring more attention and funding to this cancer.
In the last ten years, through various activities, the Meso Foundation and its volunteers have been able to obtain "National Mesothelioma Awareness Day" proclamations by both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives; have raised over a million dollars for research, education support and advocacy; have received local government proclamations in their states and localities, and have received dozens of instances of media coverage for their stories, events, and activities.
Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the lining of the lung, abdomen, or heart known to be caused by exposure to asbestos. With the life expectancy of less than one year after diagnosis, 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. Currently, few treatment options exist. There is no cure.
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 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 develop life-saving treatments 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, +1 (703) 879-3822, [email protected]
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