Meso-what? This response is still all too common when mesothelioma is mentioned. That’s why September 26’s Mesothelioma Awareness Day remains an important opportunity for community outreach nearly a decade after its founding. And it’s almost here.
Started by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) in 2004, Meso Awareness Day has progressively increased efforts to familiarize the general public about this deadly type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. About 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The time between exposure and onset can be up to 50 years.
In 2010, Congress officially designated September 26 as National Mesothelioma Awareness Day to raise awareness to a national level and promote funding for increased levels of research to cure and manage this malignant disease. The resolution unanimously passed both the House and the Senate. Now there are observances and activities on this day all over the US.
Want to get involved? Just click to MARF’s Mesothelioma Awareness Day page for ideas and resources for how to:
- Attend an event with lists of scheduled events to choose from. Because September 26 is a Thursday, there are many events such as 5k walk/runs and dog walks set for the weekends before and after that date.
- Contact local media using MARF’s straightforward talking points. They provide interesting facts worth knowing. For example, did you know that Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina and 9/11 may result in higher mesothelioma incidence due to the amount of asbestos dispersed into the air from the collapse of structures?
You can also educate yourself about your legal options if you or a family member suffers from mesothelioma such as awards and settlements for suffering, pain, medical treatment and loss of wages. Our sponsor law firm Kazan, McClain, Satterley & Greenwood specializes in asbestos litigation and is widely considered among the very best in the nation in this area.
Kazan Law is proud to be listed on the Annual Donors page on MARF’s website. We are pleased to know that through donations from Kazan, McClain, Abrams, Fernandez, Lyons, Greenwood, Oberman, Satterley & Bosl Foundation, Inc. we are part of who MARF is talking about when they state:
“Because of your support, the Foundation funds the highest-quality, peer-reviewed research, provides education and support to patients and their loved ones and leads advocacy efforts to increase federal funding for research and increase awareness of mesothelioma.”