Mesothelioma Awareness Day (MAD) is observed every September 26th.
It was established in 2004 by Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) community members, and has been the driving force behind the movement to bring more attention and funding to this cancer.
How Cities Observe MAD
Throughout the country, members of the mesothelioma community commemorate the day in their own unique way. In many cities and towns across the country, the Meso Foundation and its volunteers arrange for landmarks to be lit blue for the occasion. For example, I live in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, and I arranged for the I-35W Bridge to be lit blue.
Other notable landmarks that have been lit blue are Niagara Falls and the Peace Bridge, and the Empire State Building in NYC. In Atlanta, the One Atlantic Center Fountain was lit up, and in Boston, four different bridges were lit blue. The list goes on and on. If you would like to see a landmark lit up where you live, often you can submit a request online.
How I Observe MAD
As for myself, I will take pictures of the bridge all lit blue. And I will be attending The John Slagle Memorial Golf Tournament and fundraiser for the Meso Foundation on the 21st of September, which coincides with Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
I have done many things over the years to commemorate the day, from standing in the TODAY Plaza with dozens of other community members trying to get on national TV (all dressed in identical t-shirts), to kayaking down the Hudson River for a Kayaking for Meso event. I’ve participated in 5K runs (I walked though!) and simply drove around the Twin Cities, getting photos of the four places that were lit blue for the occasion.
How You Can Observe MAD
There is no specific way to observe the day, other than acknowledging that mesothelioma is a devastating cancer that currently has no cure. Being a long-term survivor, I’ve seen firsthand how this cancer can tear apart families, leaving wives, husbands, children and loved ones wondering what they can do to make a difference.
Mesothelioma Awareness Day was started partly in response to give those loved ones an outlet to tell their stories and tell people about this cancer. Supporting the cause and raising money for the Meso Foundation is always a good way to give back to the organization that helps so very many people across the country.
Submit a Request for Local MAD Proclamation
You can apply to receive a formal proclamation from your state about MAD. To learn more about deadlines and to submit a request, use the following links:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Observe MAD Your Way
No matter how you look at it, Mesothelioma Awareness Day is simply about bringing more awareness to this cancer. And by doing any of the things suggested in this post, you can help further the mission.
From a survivor and mesothelioma warrior, I thank you for all of the support.
