Connect With Our Patient Advocates

When you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, the path forward can feel overwhelming. Our compassionate Patient Advocates are here to guide you through every step—from choosing the right doctor to understanding your legal and financial options. You are not alone.

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Patient Advocates Team

19yrs

of serving victims of asbestos exposure

50%

diagnosed in the US each year turn to us for help

A+

Better Business Bureau Rating

103yrs

combined experience in our Patient Advocate team

Karen Selby, RN
Karen Selby is a registered nurse with a background in oncology and general, vascular and thoracic surgery.
  • Experienced RN: Karen draws on decades of surgical and cancer care experience to support patients
  • Treatment resource guide: She helps families evaluate doctors, hospitals and therapies
  • Medical translator: Karen explains complex procedures and test results in easy-to-understand terms
Danielle DiPietro
Danielle DiPietro is a certified Patient Advocate and VA-accredited claims agent. She uses her expertise to help patients access treatment, manage financial burdens and apply for veterans benefits.
  • Expert financial guidance: Danielle helps families plan for treatment costs, including travel, copays and insurance
  • Certified financial advocate: She completed the ACCC Financial Advocacy Boot Camp course, which focuses on eliminating cost barriers for cancer patients
  • Veterans support specialist: Danielle has helped hundreds of veterans and their families access VA health care and compensation
Snehal Smart, MD
Snehal Smart is a medical doctor with a background in teaching and mentoring. She uses that experience to educate patients about mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment.
  • Medical expertise: Snehal refers patients to top mesothelioma specialists and helps them search for clinical trials recruiting patients
  • Patient education: She guides patients through the types of testing they may undergo and how to interpret the results
  • Symptom management: Snehal assists patients looking for complementary therapies and other ways to manage cancer symptoms and treatment side effects
Vanessa Blanco
Vanessa Blanco is a certified Oncology Patient Navigator. She expertly guides patients through treatment, insurance coverage, financial support, transportation and scheduling.
  • Expert financial guidance: Vanessa helps families find various ways to lower the cost of treatment and other expenses
  • Certified advocate: Her Oncology Patient Navigator certification is through the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators
  • Resource navigation: Vanessa connects patients with supportive services, including complementary therapies, emotional support and caregiver services
Amy Pelegrin
Amy Pelegrin serves as the hospice care director at The Mesothelioma Center, where she connects patients and their families with hospice and palliative care services nationwide.
  • Hospice coordination: Amy guides families to the best local hospice and palliative care providers in their area
  • End-of-life support: Amy is a compassionate listener with experience helping families understand how hospice can serve them
  • Resource navigation: She provides information on available support services and care options
Aaron Munz
Aaron Munz is a Bronze Star recipient and former U.S. Army Captain who leads the Veterans Department at The Mesothelioma Center. As a VA-accredited claims agent, he helps veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma file claims for military service benefits.
  • Veterans advocacy: Aaron guides veterans through the VA claims process for mesothelioma-related benefits and services
  • Military exposure expertise: Aaron understands the impact of mesothelioma on veterans and has the expertise to answer questions about their diagnosis
  • Benefits navigation: Aaron helps veterans access health care services and compensation through the VA
Karen Selby, RN
Patient Advocate | Registered Nurse
Danielle DiPietro
Patient Advocate, Asbestos.com | Financial Advocate and Oncology Patient Navigator
Snehal Smart, MD
Patient Advocate | Medical Doctor
Vanessa Blanco
Patient Advocate | Oncology Patient Navigator
Amy Pelegrin
Patient Advocate | Hospice Care Director
Aaron Munz
Patient Advocate | VA-accredited Claims Agent

How a Patient Advocate Can Help You

Secure compensation for lost wages, medical bills and more.

Get appointments at top mesothelioma specialists and cancer centers near you.

Assist with palliative care planning and end-of-life support.

Help with filing VA benefits claims.

Access to caregiver resources and patient and family support groups.

Help to navigate insurance and Medicare processes

National Spotlight

Featured Recently on Lifetime Network

The Mesothelioma Center's Patient Advocate team was featured on The Balancing Act on LifeTime TV. Learn how our advocates help patients access top specialists and critical resources during their time of need.

Behind The Mystery: Mesothelioma
14:16

Exclusive Content |

Hear From Real People Our Patient Advocates Have Helped

We’ve helped thousands of mesothelioma patients and their families find hope, support and clarity during the most difficult time of their lives. Whether it’s connecting them with a world-class specialist or helping them secure life-changing benefits, our Patient Advocates are by their side every step of the way.

Kim Madril
I would definitely recommend Asbestos.com because they’re a wonderful resource. They have the most up-to-date information, and it’s geared toward the patient. It’s not salesy—it’s readable. It’s compa…. Read More
Verified Asbestos.com Survivor
Myles B.
My thanks to Dr. Smart and the team at The Mesothelioma Center. They have been phenomenal in providing resources and support to help our family understand the challenges we will be facing as my dad ba…. Read More
Verified Asbestos.com Survivor
Dawn M.
The Mesothelioma Center was extremely helpful to my family, as our dad was recently diagnosed with this disease. I was most impressed with their promptness in returning phone calls and emails, providi…. Read More
Verified Asbestos.com Survivor
Joe D.
Danielle at The Mesothelioma Center has been a tremendous help to our family since my dad’s diagnosis. She is very knowledgeable and responsive and is always ready to talk to me. She has helped with l…. Read More
Verified Asbestos.com Survivor
Linda G.
Amy Pelegrin and Karen Selby responded immediately, sent information that I received the next day and helped me navigate the health care system to find the best available care in my city. They facilit…. Read More
Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Patient Advocates help mesothelioma patients and their families navigate every step of the journey, from finding a specialist and scheduling appointments to understanding treatment options, financial support and VA benefits. They offer one-on-one, personalized guidance at no cost.

No. All services provided by our Patient Advocates are free. We’re here to support you, not sell anything. Whether you need help understanding your diagnosis or finding a doctor, our team is available at no charge.

Yes. Our Patient Advocates maintain a national database of top mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers. They can match you with specialists based on your diagnosis, location and preferences—often helping patients access care sooner.

You can fill out the form on this page or call us directly. A team member will contact you quickly to learn more about your needs and connect you with the best advocate for your needs.

Get Connected With a Patient Advocate Today

Take the first step toward expert guidance, compassionate care and a support system that puts your needs first. Our Patient Advocates are ready to help you right now.

Find My Advocate