How We Help: Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2023

Every year, on Sept. 26, The Mesothelioma Center takes time to raise awareness of mesothelioma and its impact. This year, we are doing extra work to ensure everyone knows about this rare condition.

Asbestos is still not banned in the United States, and we continue to lose thousands of lives to mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases. We honor those who have been affected by asbestos exposure by raising support on Mesothelioma Awareness Day. 

Throughout the past year, the Patient Advocates at The Mesothelioma Center have been working hard to create a robust and helpful network of medical experts and support resources that people can access. Our Medical Outreach and Veterans Outreach teams are helping many people find the resources they need daily. 

Since 2022’s Mesothelioma Awareness Day, we’ve done some fantastic things. Here are just a few examples:

Our mesothelioma support group continues to grow, and we’ve provided financial help to many patients and families. The webinars we’ve hosted have included well-known mesothelioma specialists and helped inform mesothelioma patients, families and caregivers.

We’ve received encouraging words from patients and families, too. “Three weeks ago, I didn’t know this organization existed. Today, I don’t know how we would have moved forward without this support,” said Sharon, the wife of a mesothelioma patient.

Guinevere, the spouse of a mesothelioma patient, said, “I did not expect the level of care that was provided to me and my family by The Mesothelioma Center. My Patient Advocate has really taken a devastating situation and turned it into something that is manageable. They have given us hope in ways I didn’t think possible.”

Community events such as Miles for Meso and ongoing contributions to medical research and veteran groups have been a continuous commitment for The Mesothelioma Center. We strive to do more each year, and 2023 has been no different. 

Community Achievements and Milestones

The Mesothelioma Center attended the Asbestos Disease and Awareness Organization’s 18th Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference. The conference took place in Washington, D.C., and it was an inspiring gathering of doctors, historians and life-long advocates.

We also announced a platinum sponsorship of the 15th annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Run and 3K Fun Run/Walk in Alton, Illinois. By pledging $5,000 to the race, our support goes directly to mesothelioma research and awareness groups. 

“Events like Miles for Meso will continue to support research for finding a cure and raise awareness about asbestos,” said Danielle DiPietro, a Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center.

In 2023, we connected with our network of mesothelioma survivors and family members to do something we had never done before. After conducting a 20-plus-question survey of 223 people who had connected with The Mesothelioma Center, we used those statistics to write the State of Mesothelioma: 2023.

Updated and relevant statistics are vital to the mesothelioma community because they provide information patients use to find treatment. Our statistics outlined the most common treatment types that have led to remission, the rate at which patients seek out a specialist and the most popular complementary therapies. 

With almost two decades of experience, we had the opportunity to give back through this first-hand research, an initiative we plan to continue. Mesothelioma information changes every year, and by sharing our insights, we can keep the community updated with the most current trends. 

Building a Hub of Family Resources

A significant achievement for The Mesothelioma Center in 2023 was building a hub of family and caregiver resources. Not only did we expand our support resources, but we also created guides for:

Mental health for patients and loved ones is essential after a cancer diagnosis, and it’s vital to highlight that fact during Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Our Family Resources Hub has information on managing mental health, including depression and coping with grief. 

It’s easy to feel lost and helpless after a mesothelioma diagnosis. The cancer is rare, and many people aren’t aware of the resources available. Sharing these guides and materials makes all the difference to those who would otherwise feel they are without options. 

Our mission has always been to help those affected by asbestos so they don’t feel alone. Spreading awareness about the available resources and support is a great way to connect with others with similar needs. This type of outreach can also help direct people to clinical trials, support groups and more.

A Year of Patient Advocate Outreach

The Patient Advocates at The Mesothelioma Center, the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource, have years of knowledge and experience that comes from assisting thousands of patients and families. Just in the last year, they’ve helped more than 1,300 patients and families navigate the ins and outs of mesothelioma.

Our team comprises a fantastic doctor, a very experienced nurse and a former U.S. Army captain with several years in service and leadership. Over the past year, they have been a beacon of hope to the mesothelioma community. 

Our Veterans Outreach team has worked hard to reach a network of veteran service officers now over 2,700 strong. They’ve been able to help more than 600 veterans and even assisted with hundreds of asbestos claims for vets with mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases. 

Mesothelioma Awareness Day is an initiative that offers hope and support to those stricken by the effects of asbestos exposure. Not only does raising awareness save lives by spreading information, it also honors those who have battled asbestos-related diseases. We will continue empowering survivors and loved ones fighting for justice this year and every year.