About Us
Our mission is to give you and your family hope, strength, knowledge and support to fight mesothelioma.
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Asbestos.com’s Certifications
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What We Do
Since 2006, Asbestos.com has served as an advocacy center that provides hope and delivers quality resources and information for patients and loved ones coping with mesothelioma. Our vision is a world where everyone with mesothelioma has free access to information, services and support to overcome this disease and live longer, healthier lives alongside their loved ones.
Inform
Several of the nation’s top mesothelioma specialists medically review the information we offer you, and they share their professional stories about the latest treatments and their medical perspectives on the asbestos-related cancer.
We also understand everyone’s mesothelioma cancer journey is different. That’s why we developed our free personalized guide that’s tailored to you and your unique situation.
Assist
Our Patient Advocate team, which includes a registered nurse, medical doctor, VA-accredited claims agent, legal advisor and former U.S. Army captain, listens to your questions about diagnosis, treatment, veterans assistance, legal and financial help, and emotional support — and we quickly provide you answers at no cost to you or your family.
Asbestos.com also gives back to those who are at the forefront of raising awareness about asbestos dangers and mesothelioma, and researching innovative treatments that will one day cure the disease.
Connect
Our Medical Outreach Program tours our nation’s best hospitals to build relationships and discuss current and emerging treatment options with top mesothelioma doctors and researchers. These relationships helped us develop our Doctor Match program, which connects patients with the best care based on their location and diagnosis.
Meanwhile, the members of our Veterans Outreach Program visit Veterans Services Organizations across the country in an effort to educate them about mesothelioma and how it affects veterans, especially those who served in the U.S. Navy.
We also foster a thriving community of support for mesothelioma patients and family members through our monthly online support group and our Facebook page.
Advocate
At Asbestos.com, we acknowledge the reality that asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma cancer. Asbestos exposure could have been prevented by companies and institutions that were aware of the risks but continued to use this product at the expense of employees and consumers. These companies and institutions can — and should — be held accountable for their wrongdoing. We’re here to help you do just that.
Our Patient Advocates are experienced with helping mesothelioma patients explore their legal options and obtaining compensation for those who qualify.
We also offer free wristbands to help raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and show support for those it has impacted.
Better Business Bureau Accreditation
Asbestos.com LLC is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with a BBB rating of A+, the highest rating awarded by the organization. Since 2014, Asbestos.com LLC has served as an advocacy center that provides free information and services to patients and families coping with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
BBB Rating: A+
Meet Our Teams
Editorial Team
Our team of writers is constantly involved in continuing education programs to fine-tune their medical and scientific writing. They have spent years reviewing and reading the results of many clinical trials involving new drugs and treatments, interviewing doctors and researchers, speaking with caregivers and survivors, and sharing their personal stories of cancer and mesothelioma.
The content team follows editorial guidelines that ensure the information published on the site maintains journalistic integrity. Asbestos.com also partners with medical professionals, including oncologists, radiologists and mental health counselors, who review our information to guarantee it is medically accurate.
Walter Pacheco
Managing Editor
With nearly 20 years of journalism experience, Walter has a history of making sure people are getting the information they need. As the editor of Asbestos.com, he ensures his team of writers provides patients and their loved ones with the latest and most accurate information on mesothelioma diagnosis, treatments, clinical trials and other facets of the disease.
Tim Povtak
Senior Content Writer
Award-winning writer and journalist Tim Povtak brings more than three decades of experience to The Mesothelioma Center. He spends most of his time speaking with mesothelioma researchers, thoracic surgeons and mesothelioma patients in order to share their words and stories with everyone in the mesothelioma community.
Suzanne Dixon
Oncology Medical Writer
Suzanne Dixon is a registered dietitian, epidemiologist and experienced medical writer. She has delivered more than 200 lectures on cancer, nutrition and public health and has co-authored medical and nutrition journal articles and book chapters. Suzanne has also volunteered with professional oncology organizations, including the American Society for Clinical Oncology and the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Michelle Whitmer
Content Writer
Michelle has devoted much of her professional life to helping mesothelioma patients get the assistance they deserve. For nearly a decade, she has shared resources about nutrition, health and wellness. Michelle is a member of the American Holistic Medical Association and has been quoted in The New York Times and many more publications. Her dedication to accuracy and clarity has helped Asbestos.com become one of the most trusted internet resources for mesothelioma survivors and their families.
Matt Mauney
Content Writer/Editor
Dedicated to sharing cancer research and treatment options with mesothelioma patients, Matt spends much of his time diving into mesothelioma research articles to ensure people in the mesothelioma community know the latest medical advancements. While he hasn’t been directly affected by mesothelioma, cancer runs in his family. His commitment to cancer survivors drives his desire to help every patient get the resources they need.
Daniel King
Content Writer
As an investigative writer with a dual interest in mesothelioma research and environmental issues, Daniel aims to educate others about the dangers of asbestos exposure in order to protect them from the deadly carcinogen linked to mesothelioma before it is too late. Daniel also comes from a military family and went to high school on a military base. He feels a close connection to veterans, military families and the many hardships they face. On a daily basis, he advocates for a U.S. ban on asbestos.
Kasie Coleman
Contributing Writer
After struggling with symptoms and misdiagnoses for more than a year, Kasie was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2010. Two HIPEC procedures and several cycles of chemotherapy later, her cancer entered remission. Now, she spends her days running her cupcake business in Baton Rouge and bringing hope to others through her story of survival.
Lorraine Kember
Author & Former Mesothelioma Caregiver
Lorraine is an Australian author and inspirational speaker known worldwide for sharing her firsthand experience as a cancer caregiver. Her husband Brian fought pleural mesothelioma for two years before losing his battle in 2001. Lorraine later shared her mesothelioma caregiver experience with the world.
Melanie Ball
Contributing Writer
Melanie was only 14 years old when she lost her father to mesothelioma. Working in tandem with her mother, Melanie took on the role of caregiver at a very early age. As she grew up, she vowed to use the loss of her father as a means to educate others about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the trials that accompany a mesothelioma diagnosis. Melanie has a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of the Cumberlands and a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Outreach Team
Our Outreach Team communicates directly with patients and caregivers through our social media platforms and other organizations that share our commitment to raise awareness about mesothelioma and asbestos dangers.
Cara Tompot
Communications Manager
Cara is a childhood cancer survivor. She knows the fear of the unknown, and as the daughter of a long-term breast cancer survivor, she knows life as a caregiver. She speaks with mesothelioma survivors, caregivers and family members in the mesothelioma community. Her goal: Help people find the resources they need. Cara is a member of the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE leadership committee, and she has the Social for Healthcare Certificate from Mayo Clinic and Hootsuite. She also gives back as a repeat team captain for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life and often contributes to HuffPost.
Skyler Woods
Outreach Coordinator
While Skyler was growing up he always wanted to make a positive impact in the world and to help others. He gained experience by volunteering through his local church and YMCA. He learned how powerful talking to others could be and eventually went to UCF to get a degree in communication. He hopes to continue to make a difference by raising awareness about mesothelioma.
Andrew Robineau
Outreach Coordinator
At a young age, Andrew learned about the pain that occurs when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. When he was 13, his grandmother passed away from breast cancer. In 2017, a close family-friend also passed away from breast cancer. But Andrew turned his grief into positivity. He worked with his family, sports teams and community to raise funds for cancer awareness and to honor those who have experienced the terrible disease. “I want people to know that they are never alone in their fight,” Andrew said.
His goal is to continue to build relationships with anyone affected by mesothelioma. Through his efforts, he hopes to help them find the support that they deserve.
Patient Support Team
When you contact The Mesothelioma Center, you connect with a Patient Advocate dedicated to finding the resources and care you need for a longer and happier life. The advocate will be there with you throughout the whole mesothelioma battle — from diagnosis and surgery to remission or recurrence. You are not alone in this. The Mesothelioma Center is here to help you.
Karen Selby, RN
Registered Nurse and Patient Advocate
Karen is a registered nurse and a Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center. She joined Asbestos.com in 2009. She has a background in oncology and thoracic surgery and was the director of a tissue bank. Karen has assisted surgeons with thoracic surgeries, including lung resections, lung transplants, pneumonectomies, pleurectomies and wedge resections. She is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators.
Snehal Smart, M.D.
On–Staff Doctor
Snehal is the on-staff doctor and Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center. She assists patients and their caregivers by explaining asbestos-related diseases and mesothelioma. Snehal also helps patients explore the pros and cons of each treatment option and finds eligible clinical trials for mesothelioma patient.
Joe Lahav
Lawyer and Legal Advisor
Joe Lahav is a lawyer and legal advisor at The Mesothelioma Center. He graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Law in 2000, and he’s licensed to practice in Washington, D.C., and Florida. Joe lost his mother to cancer, and he understands the emotional toll mesothelioma can have on families.
Vanessa Blanco
Patient Advocate and Oncology Patient Navigator – Certified Generalist
With a Master of Science degree in Health Service Administration, Vanessa works hard to ensure patients can get the resources they need. She is dedicated to providing mesothelioma patients and their family members the tools and knowledge to battle this cancer. Vanessa is an Oncology Patient Navigator – Certified Generalist with the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+). She is also bilingual in English and Spanish, which makes it possible for us to help people in both languages.
Danielle DiPietro
VA-Accredited Claims Agent & Patient Advocate
Danielle lost two uncles to cancer at a young age. She believes a specialist could have made a difference. As our Veterans Outreach Liaison and a Patient Advocate, Danielle’s goal is to ensure patients get the best care possible — medically, financially and emotionally. She is a VA-accredited Claims Agent, which means she can offer professional guidance for veterans looking to file a claim with the VA.
Missy Miller
Medical Outreach Director
As the leader of the Medical Outreach team, Missy is constantly building new relationships with mesothelioma specialists around the U.S. Given the rarity of mesothelioma, many patients are misdiagnosed. This is why Missy runs our free Doctor Match program. A mesothelioma specialist gives patients the best chance at a brighter prognosis with better treatment options. She also helps patients find travel grants and discounted lodging to ensure they can afford the care they need.
Jose Ortiz
Medical Outreach Liaison
Jose works hand in hand with Missy to foster strong relationships with mesothelioma researchers and thoracic surgeons around the country. By getting to know these specialists, he can offer better recommendations for patients seeking a second opinion with someone specializing in this rare cancer. Jose is also a VA-Accredited Claims Agent.
Amy Pelegrin
Hospice Care Director
As director of Hospice Care at The Mesothelioma Center, my goal is to educate patients and caregivers about hospice and palliative care programs. It’s important that everyone involved in a patient’s cancer journey understands the nuances of hospice care and end-of-life choices, especially at such a critical time in their lives. I am a compassionate listener, which is a skill that helps me bring a strong level of comfort when I’m discussing these sensitive topics with patients and their loved ones. In addition to being well versed in holistic therapies, I am a licensed massage therapist and have associate degrees in pre-nursing, health and science.
Aaron Munz
Veterans Department Director and VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Former U.S. Army Capt. Aaron Munz leads our Veterans Department in hopes of supporting the brave men and women who have fearlessly defended our country. The New York native is a decorated veteran who served nine years in combat and strategic training in the Army before leaving active duty in 2006. He received the Bronze Star Medal for Valor in 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Aaron is a VA-Accredited Claims Agent, and he assists veterans through the VA Healthcare System with filing any necessary paperwork with the VA to get the help they need.
Expert Contributors
One of the factors that distinguish Asbestos.com and The Mesothelioma Center from similar organizations is the unique stories mesothelioma specialists from across the country share with us. Doctors at the best mesothelioma cancer centers submit their own stories about treatments, their philosophies and successes treating the cancer. Contributing experts and the treatment facilities they represent have no professional affiliation with Asbestos.com.
Dr. Jacques Fontaine
Thoracic Surgeon
Dr. Fontaine has practiced thoracic surgery for more than a decade. As a renowned pleural mesothelioma specialist, he leads the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. His dedication to multidisciplinary care and robotic surgery has changed the lives of numerous mesothelioma patients.
Dr. Rodney Landreneau
Thoracic Surgeon
Dr. Rodney Landreneau is a thoracic surgeon and professor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Altoona, where he is the point of contact for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. He specializes in minimally invasive surgery and video-assisted thoracic surgery, caring for patients with lung cancer, esophageal cancer and several other cancerous and benign conditions of the chest. While working at Ochsner Cancer Institute, he performed Louisiana’s first debulking procedure with hyperthermic chemotherapy for mesothelioma.
Dr. W. Charles Conway
Oncologist
Dr. Conway is director of surgical oncology at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center in Santa Barbara, California. He offers surgical therapies for a wide range of abdominal cancers, and has a special interest in treating patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. He completed Louisiana’s first robotic Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer, a complex, robot-assisted surgery that uses smaller incisions than traditional techniques.
Dr. Brian Pettiford
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Dr. Pettiford is a cardiothoracic surgeon at Ochsner Cancer Institute in New Orleans, where he specializes in minimally invasive management of lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. After spending much of his career in the Northeast, Pettiford now serves the Gulf South region, which is an area with high incidence rates of mesothelioma because of its large and longstanding shipping industry and blue-collar workforce.
Dr. Farid Gharagozloo
Thoracic Surgeon
Dr. Gharagozloo is pioneering the expanding role of robotics for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma patients. He is medical director of thoracic surgery at Florida Hospital Celebration Health. In 2013, he became the first doctor in the world to successfully use robotic surgery to perform an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), the most aggressive treatment possible for mesothelioma.
Our Sponsors
Asbestos.com is sponsored by law firms and provides free assistance to all visitors whether or not they have legal representation. Additionally, Asbestos.com receives absolutely no compensation from medical providers.
