The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) has established a grant program to help newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients travel outside of their local area to consult with an expert on their asbestos-related cancer. The Mary and Bob Cosentino Travel Grant Program was named for Mary Cosentino, who served on the Board of Directors of The Meso Foundation and lost her own battle to peritoneal mesothelioma on January 26, 2008. Mary and her husband, Bob, have both been longtime supporters of The Meso Foundation.

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that aggressively and painfully invades the lining of the lungs, heart or stomach until it destroys the vital organs. Due to the rarity and complex nature of the disease, research to understand mesothelioma and develop effective treatments has lagged far behind that of other cancers. As a result, most available treatments are experimental and only available at one of the handful of medical centers that specialize in mesothelioma.

In addition to struggling with their deteriorating health, mesothelioma patients and their families typically face huge financial hurdles. The loss of employment income due to disability and the need for a caregiver to stay at home with the patient present enormous financial losses. In addition, accessing treatment is expensive because most patients do not live in close proximity to centers with mesothelioma expertise. To make matters worse, treatments are often not covered by medical insurance, nor are the costly travel and lodging expenses to reach them.

Mary and Bob Cosentino recognized that many patients suffering from mesothelioma are without the financial means to travel to specialized treatment centers. “There are some patients unable to consult with experts at major mesothelioma centers because they cannot afford travel expenses,” explained Bob Cosentino. “Those concerns are what prompted us to contribute to the Travel Grant Program established by The Meso Foundation.”

In addition to giving patients new opportunities for access to better mesothelioma treatment, Mary provides hope to those who look to new methods of healing and treatment. Mary sought out and benefited from several clinical trials and experimental protocols offered by specialists across the country. Statistically, the life expectancy of those diagnosed with mesothelioma is only about a year, but when Mary Cosentino passed away earlier this year, it had been more than five years since her diagnosis.

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