Julie Gundlach, a client of Simmons Hanly Conroy and an inspiration for mesothelioma patients everywhere, has been included as one of the honorees for the 7th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference, which takes place this year April 1-3 in Atlanta.
Every year, the conference recognizes outstanding individuals from around the world who serve as a voice for asbestos victims, raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and advocate for a worldwide ban of asbestos.
Julie will be presented with the Alan Reinstein Award for her commitment to education, advocacy, and support to countless patients and families, according to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, which sponsors the conference.
Julie regularly volunteers, organizes fundraisers and advocates to politicians about the need for a full ban of asbestos in the U.S. She has also repeatedly told her survival story to news organizations in an effort to help people realize that if the deadly consequences of asbestos exposure can happen to her – a mother and photographer in her 30s– it can happen to anyone.
Most notably this past summer, Julie’s story was included in an in-depth investigative piece on the dangers of asbestos by McClatchy News Service and was available for publication in newspapers across the world. She also helped promote Miles for Meso and Mesothelioma Awareness Day in the St.
Louis area by speaking with reporters here.
I would like to congratulate Julie and her family for this recognition. Julie has worked tirelessly to advocate for an asbestos ban and to promote awareness about mesothelioma. ADAO could not have selected a better person for this honor.
The other 2011 ADAO honorees are as follows:
U.S. Senator Max Baucus will be presented with the Tribute of Hope Award for his steadfast commitment and determination to ban asbestos.
Environmental Information Association will receive the Tribute of Unity Award for its committed work to increase asbestos awareness in efforts to prevent exposure and disease.
Guadalupe Aguilar Madrid, M.D., MSc, Ph.D., will be recognized with the Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of her dedicated research into the social and medical impact asbestos has had on humankind in Mexico and around the world.
Sugio Furuya will be presented with the Tribute of Inspiration Award for being a bridge of hope and strength to victims of asbestos exposure in Asia and across the globe.
Visit www.adao.us for more information about the conference or to register online.
