Mesothelioma Fundraising and Volunteering
Nationally, opportunities to raise money for mesothelioma and to volunteer to fight the disease are limited because the cancer is such a rare condition. The number of people who get mesothelioma is small – 2,000 to 3,000 a year – and the different forms of the illness represent only 0.2 percent of the cancers diagnosed each year.
In addition, the number of doctors and cancer centers who treat mesothelioma is limited. That also impacts the research, which affects fundraising and volunteer efforts around the disease.
Researchers are still looking for a cure for mesothelioma. Until one is found, they continually search for more effective treatment methods. For research efforts to increase, programs and non-profit groups interested in mesothelioma funding need attention. Many of these organizations depend on the help of volunteers. In some cases, patients and their loved ones start their own fundraising efforts to raise money for mesothelioma research.
Mesothelioma patients can make a big contribution towards mesothelioma research by electing to participate in a clinical trial. Clinical trials test experimental treatment options with the hope of finding better ways to treat the cancer. Patients can also choose to donate tissue samples to the Health Sciences Tissue Bank as a way to support research efforts at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, a facility home to several mesothelioma specialists.
Are you in need of a mesothelioma treatment facility? Let our Doctor Match Program help you find the best treatment closest to you.
Awareness Events and Campaigns
September 26 each year is designated Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Those who support mesothelioma and asbestos awareness often travel to New York and join a "Today Show" audience with signs and shirts to raise the profile of this disease.
In 2011, supporters received more than two minutes of visual recognition and one volunteer had 15 seconds of airtime with Al Roker to explain their cause. In the small world of mesothelioma, it was a banner moment.
Miles for Meso is a 5K race that raises awareness and money for mesothelioma. People who enter the race can run or walk, and the money earned is reserved for mesothelioma research. Miles for Meso began in Alton, Illinois, in 2009 and has spread to other cities around the country. Starting a Miles for Meso event near you is an easy way to promote research for and knowledge of mesothelioma.
In South Florida, Larry Davis helped organize an annual Miles for Meso event and has since been recognized with the Mesothelioma Volunteer of the Year Award. He spends much of his time raising funds for mesothelioma research and encourages elected officials to ban the use of asbestos. Mr. Davis is a 5-year survivor who credits a lot of his success to running, walking and swimming.
How Can Mesothelioma Patients Help?
While some patients have enough energy to participate in fundraising efforts like marathons, others are not as fortunate and may be limited in how much physical activity they can do. Mesothelioma is typically very aggressive and fatigue is often one of the first symptoms to arrive. However, there are ways for mesothelioma patients to contribute to mesothelioma research. One option is donating mesothelioma tissue samples to facilities that store them for future research studies. Another option is choosing to enter a clinical trial, which tests up-and-coming treatment options.
University of Pittsburgh Tissue Bank
The Health Sciences Tissue Bank supports the research efforts at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Tissue banks collect samples of cancerous tissues and other diseases so that researchers can study them and improve treatments. If a mesothelioma patient doesn't have the energy to start their own fundraising campaign, one way for them to volunteer and support mesothelioma research is by electing to donate their tissue. Within the Lung Cancer Program at UPMC, the Mesothelioma Specialty Care Center has several well-known mesothelioma experts, including Dr. David L. Bartlett, Dr. James F. Pingpank and Dr. Matthew Schuchert.
Signing Up for a Clinical Trial
Another way mesothelioma patients can make a contribution to research is by electing to enter a clinical trial. Clinical trials test up and coming treatments with the hope of improving future life expectancies for patients. These treatments are strictly experimental and do not offer any guarantees. Although a doctor may suggest a clinical trial as an option, such treatment is only administered under a volunteer basis.
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is one of the leading organizations for funding mesothelioma research. Their peer-review process ensures that all funds raised are put towards the most promising research projects and clinical trials around the world. The foundation helps organize and promote National Mesothelioma Awareness Day (Sept. 26) and sponsors the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma each year.
ADAO and Linda Reinstein
The ADAO was founded by Linda Reinstein and Doug Larkin on April 1, 2004. After her husband passed from mesothelioma, Linda Reinstein decided that more needed to be done for those affected by asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cancer. The organization now has a global voice with goals to unite asbestos victims, educate the public and medical community about asbestos-related diseases, support research, and ban the use of asbestos.
HerReinstein's initiative to start campaigning for mesothelioma and asbestos awareness is very commendable. Her efforts have reached the global community and the ADAO now holds its own international asbestos awareness conference, conducts studies on asbestos products, and advises government agencies on asbestos matters. Anyone who wishes to make a contribution to the ADAO can do so by donating, fundraising, or volunteering their time when events come up.
Are you interested in raising funds for mesothelioma but don't know where to start? Contact our Patient Advocates at 800-615-2270 and they can help you get started.
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Last Modified Friday, April 27th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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