Mesothelioma research and advocating for a ban on asbestos are crucial in the fight to end this rare disease. Mesothelioma.com is proud to contribute to various organizations and efforts to help find a cure for mesothelioma, raise awareness for the rare cancer and the dangers of asbestos and fight for an asbestos ban. We are dedicated to giving back to the mesothelioma community in as many ways as possible.
01. Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, formerly known as MARF, is a national non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for the fatal asbestos disease known as mesothelioma. The primary work of this organization is to provide funding for mesothelioma research and to help mesothelioma patients gain access to the nation’s top mesothelioma doctors and educate them on the most recent mesothelioma treatment options available. They also provide a strong advocacy presence in Washington D.C. to lobby for continued federal funding for mesothelioma research.
The foundation also provides a wealth of information to mesothelioma victims and their families including information about the disease, asbestos and the latest clinical trials being conducted through the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Health. Mesothelioma treatment information, which is of primary importance to those diagnosed with the disease, is also made available through the foundation as are “stories of hope” from survivors. And perhaps the most important thing of all provided by the foundation is the unyielding commitment to continuing to believe in a cure for mesothelioma and the hope that it brings to the entire mesothelioma community.
02. International Mesothelioma Program
International Mesothelioma Program
The International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) is a joint initiative of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Harvard University School of Medicine. The IMP is at the forefront of all leading mesothelioma treatment research and practice. Combining a holistic treatment and support program, the IMP has made tremendous strides in surgical treatment for early-stage mesothelioma diagnosis, as well as in aggressive chemotherapy treatments for later-stage disease.
03. National Cancer Institute
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute is part of the National Institute of Health, one of 11 agencies currently operating under the umbrella of the Department of Health and Human Services. In addition to research conducted in its own clinics and laboratories, the NCI supports and coordinates research projects through cancer centers, hospitals, and universities, while also being the primary federal entity responsible for disseminating information about cancer. Mesothelioma research is among the many projects and initiatives being conducted by the institute.
04. Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
ADAO (Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization) is an independent organization dedicated to raising awareness
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization was established in 2004. It was founded as an independent organization by asbestos victims and their families with the primary mission of helping to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos and preventing asbestos disease through education and legislative action. The organization seeks to be a “Voice of the Victims”, to educate the public about the hazards of asbestos exposure, to promote unity among asbestos disease victims and to support ongoing research.
The organization has been very active since its inception and boasts an impressive list of accomplishments in the areas of education, advocacy, and community including:
- Organizing Asbestos Awareness Conferences in several states
- Publishing monthly newsletters
- Creating an asbestos video library
- Developing an Asbestos Fact Sheet
- Attending White House Meetings
- Testifying before OSHA and the California State Assembly’s Natural Resources Committee
- Building a Social Media Network through Facebook, Twitter and Blogs
- Launching a Global Ban Asbestos Network website
05. American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide network of community-based, voluntary health organizations committed to the research and defeat of cancer. While the ACS is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and offers services through 9 regional chapters, the organization works in concert with international health organizations to carry out strategic initiatives across the globe. The ACS cooperates with and encourages coordination among cancer specialists and doctors throughout the country in the fight against malignant mesothelioma. They also support research to learn more about the causes of the disease.
06. LUNGevity Foundation
LUNGevity Foundation
LUNGevity is primarily a lung cancer advocacy and awareness initiative with a singular stated goal to “Stop Lung Cancer Now.” LUNGevity understands that advancements in lung cancer research and investment into lung cancer initiatives is a national priority and may have ramifications for the advancement of similar mesothelioma projects. Many drugs researched for use among lung cancer patients have been successfully applied to the treatment of malignant mesothelioma and other carcinomas. LUNGevity also provides mesothelioma and non-squamous small cell lung cancer community support forums.
07. Cancer Hope Network
Cancer Hope Network
The Cancer Hope Network is a community of support resources for cancer patients and their families. Among the support resources offered are one-on-one interactions with former cancer patients who can empathize with patient struggles and answer difficult questions both for patients and their families. The Cancer Hope Network has flourished through Internet interaction and now features a full-scale social network, “HopeNet.”
08. Miles for Meso
Miles for Meso
Miles for Meso supports mesothelioma awareness and research through 5K races and fun runs/walks . These events take place throughout the country and proceeds are donated to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. The generosity of both participants and sponsors has helped raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos and unite communities in the fight against mesothelioma.
09. Possible Dream Foundation
Possible Dream Foundation
The Possible Dream Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of special needs individuals. Dr. Michael Geraldi and his wife, Camille, dedicated their lives to caring for children with medical challenges and doing everything in their power to help these children reach their full potential in life despite their disabilities. In the face of Michael’s passing in March of 2016 from Stage 4 mesothelioma, Camille, although devastated by her husband’s loss, is determined to continue on with the incredible work the Possible Dream Foundation has been carrying out since its inception in 1986.
In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities.
Janos Arany
How You Can Help
The Possible Dream Foundation depends on the kindness and generosity of people like you to continue providing special needs individuals with a loving home. All levels of donations are welcome and greatly appreciated and all donations are tax-deductible with receipts provided upon request. Please consider making a donation today and helping Camille continue to make dreams come true in honor of her late husband.
Volunteering is another great opportunity to assist Camille in helping special needs individuals reach their full potential. If you are interested in supporting the Possible Dream Foundation as a volunteer, please fill out a volunteer application on the Foundation’s website.
If you have questions or ideas on how you can best support the Possible Dream Foundation, a representative from the Foundation would love to hear from you. Please contact the Possible Dream Foundation via its online form or call 1.888.POSSDRM.
