About Us

How Our Patient Advocates Can Help

Our team of Patient Advocates at The Mesothelioma Center, the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource, provides free exclusive services, unique forms of support, medical resources and assistance navigating the health care system. Testimonials from people we’ve helped show our Patient Advocates are compassionate listeners who truly care about patients and their families.

Kim-Madril-ASB-43-Would you recommend Asbestos_com to other mesothelioma patients and family members

Kim Madril: Would you recommend Asbestos.com to other mesothelioma patients and family members?

Asbestos-Jeanette-Testimonial-FINAL

Jeanette Mednicoff: Testimonial by a mesothelioma caregiver

Asbestos.com: Extended Carla Fasolo Survivor Story

Carla Fasolo: Testimonial by a mesothelioma survivor

Benefits to Working With a Patient Advocate

Help getting compensation for lost wages, treatment costs and more

Assistance with palliative care and end-of-life resources

Assistance filing VA benefits claims

Help finding top mesothelioma specialists and cancer centers near you

Access to caregiver resources and patient and family support groups

Help navigating insurance and Medicare processes

Meet the Team

Our Patient Advocate team features registered nurses, a medical officer, a medical doctor, an oncology patient navigator, military veterans, a hospice expert and health service administrators.

They help people find the best mesothelioma doctors at top-notch cancer centers, assist veterans in applying for VA benefits and connect families to supportive services. Our Patient Advocates are available 7 days a week to offer assistance and support.

Patient Advocates at the Mesothelioma Center

Patient Advocates

Danielle DiPietro

VA-Accredited Claims Agent

Karen Selby, RN, patient advocate for the Mesothelioma Center
Karen Selby, RN

Registered Nurse and Patient Advocate

Snehal Smart, M.D.

Medical Doctor and Patient Advocate

Vanessa Blanco, Patient Advocate and Oncology Patient Navigator
Vanessa Blanco

Patient Advocate and Oncology Patient Navigator

Amy Pelegrin, Hospice Care Director for The Mesothelioma Center
Amy Pelegrin

Hospice Care Director

Aaron Munz, director of the Veterans Department at The Mesothelioma Center
Aaron Munz

Director of Veterans Department

Karen Selby, Asbestos.com
Board-Certified Patient Advocate & Registered Nurse
patient advocate Spotlight

Karen Selby supports mesothelioma families with compassion, clarity and decades of clinical experience

In the chaos of a diagnosis, Karen is often the first person to bring calm. Her years as a surgical nurse allow her to explain procedures and treatment options in a way that eases fear and restores confidence. Mesothelioma survivor Carla Fasolo shared, “Karen Selby helped so, so much, knowing that everybody was there for me.”

  • Clinical background in oncology, thoracic and vascular surgery.
  • Known for helping patients feel less afraid before scans, biopsies or surgery.
  • Trusted by survivors for her steady, compassionate guidance.

Veterans Support Advocates

The Veterans Outreach team has built a network of cancer specialists and VA treatment centers that can provide you with the best treatments for mesothelioma. Aaron Munz and Danielle DiPietro work directly with veterans across the country, helping patients and families navigate VA disability claims for military asbestos exposure.

Aaron Munz, director of the Veterans Department at The Mesothelioma Center
Aaron Munz

Patient Advocate | VA-Accredited Claims Agent

Danielle DiPietro

Patient Advocate | VA-Accredited Claims Agent

Danielle DiPietro, Asbestos.com
Board-Certified Patient Advocate & VA-Accredited Claims Agent
patient advocate Spotlight

Danielle DiPietro guides patients, veterans and their loved ones through the legal and financial challenges of mesothelioma

For veterans and their families, a mesothelioma diagnosis brings more than medical questions — it brings financial uncertainty and complex paperwork. Danielle helps ease that burden. As a VA-Accredited Claims Agent, she guides veterans through the process of securing VA benefits, compensation and legal support with clarity and care. Mesothelioma patient George C. shared, “Danielle was wonderful to talk to. She helped me understand what I needed to do, and I felt like someone was finally in my corner.”

  • Works directly with veterans to file VA claims, appeals and asbestos exposure documentation.
  • Provides clear guidance on legal options, working with the nation’s top mesothelioma attorneys.
  • Helps patients access financial support through VA benefits, asbestos trust funds and other compensation resources.

Medical Outreach

The Mesothelioma Center has built long-lasting relationships with cancer specialists and nationally recognized cancer centers across the U.S. thanks to our Medical Outreach team. In addition to the Doctor Match program, which can connect you to local specialists and clinical trials, Medical Outreach provides resources for travel, financial assistance and more.

How The Mesothelioma Center's Medical Outreach Team Helps Patients

Exclusive Content

The Mesothelioma Center’s Medical Outreach Team

Missy Miller, Medical Outreach Director at The Mesothelioma Center
Missy Miller

Medical Outreach Director

Jose Ortiz, Medical Outreach Liaison at the Mesothelioma Center
José Ortiz

Medical Outreach Liaison

Catherine Perrault
Dr. Catherine Perrault

Medical Officer and Board-Certified Family Physician

Resources Our Advocates Can Help With

Mesothelioma Packet close up.
Free Mesothelioma Guide
Learn everything you need to know about mesothelioma, from diagnosis to treatment options.
Get Yours Now
Access Treatment
Get matched with a top specialist near you, including help with scheduling appointments quickly and easily.
Find a Doctor
Financial Options
Discover what financial assistance you may qualify for, including trust funds, VA benefits and legal compensation.
Get Yours Now

Lives Our Team Has Improved

Every year, our Patient Advocate team helps thousands of patients and families find the support they need. Their stories are a testament to the compassion and expertise our team provides.

Read What Others Say About Us

5.0 rating | 150+ reviews

Dr. Smart has been understanding, very informative and an excellent resource
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 battles with this disease. Dr. Smart has been understanding, very informative and an excellent resource, especially in understanding treatment options and how to work with our local doctors to develop a good relationship and be informed. There is comfort knowing we have an independent ally that can help provide perspective along the way.
I have found Karen Selby at mesothelioma organization to be extremely helpful
I have found Karen Selby at [The Mesothelioma Center] to be extremely helpful and supportive in helping me navigate treatment for my husband who has mesothelioma. She is a wealth of information and confirmed we were on the path to getting the right doctors. I highly recommend anyone with a friend or loved one with mesothelioma that they reach out to them. The information was on my doorstep in a day. Getting information from research is much better than googling for information. Highly recommend!
I am forever grateful to have had this help when I needed it most.
Amy Pelegrin and Karen Selby responded immediately, sent information that I received the next day and helped me navigate the healthcare system to find the best available care in my city. They facilitated making appointments and followed up with all the information necessary. Dealing with a serious illness is a frightening and daunting experience. I am forever grateful to have had this help when I needed it most.
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Get in Touch With Our Team

Do you have a question for one of our Patient Advocates? Fill out our short questionnaire, and we will connect you with an advocate who can provide personalized support.