Mesothelioma Awareness Day, September 26, was founded in 2004 to bring recognition to mesothelioma, the rare cancer linked with asbestos exposure. Accordingly, organizations that are dedicated to researching, treating, and curing mesothelioma are providing a host of events to honor this important day. In addition, there are some more intensive conferences and varied events that will be offered throughout the next year that also hope to increase mesothelioma awareness and fund mesothelioma treatment research.
1. 9/6/14 Kayaking 4 Meso, Stillwater, N.Y.
This eight mile kayak trip down the Hudson River begins in Stillwater and ends in Halfmoon, N.Y. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and there is a celebration at Halfmoon Lighthouse Park from 1:00-4:00 afterwards. This event is dedicated to increasing awareness and donating to find better a mesothelioma treatment and cure.
2. 9/14/14 The John Pavlick Miles for Meso 8k & Family Fun Run, Fairfax Station, Va.
The John Pavlick 8k was founded by the Pavlick family, who lost their father to mesothelioma. This annual event aims to raise research funds for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. So far, they have raised 60,000 dollars for their cause. The race is located at Burke Lake Park and offers personalized race bibs for $10 that feature the mesothelioma hero each runner is donating for.
3. 9/20/14 5th Annual RODs Benefit for Meso, Eleanor, W. Va.
This benefit was inspired by founder Missy Bowles’ father, who died from mesothelioma in 2008. Affected by the lack of resources and support available when her father was diagnosed, Bowles is working to bring mesothelioma patients and loved ones together for a better future. This 5k walk begins at 10:30 a.m. and includes kids’ activities, lunch, raffles, and a Gospel choir.
4. 9/21/14 Bruce A. Waite 5k Miles for Meso, Ontario, Ohio
Founded in honor of beloved local teacher Bruce Waite, this run begins at 2 p.m. at Ontario High School. Registration is just $20 before the race start date and free t-shirts are given to the first 200 participants to register. The race also offers awards to the top runners in different age categories and a variety of raffle baskets can be won.
5. 9/26/2014 ADAO Jammin’ for Asbestos Awareness, Omaha, Neb.
This family friendly concert will be held at The Slow Down venue in Omaha. Jordan Zevon, son of mesothelioma victim and singer Warren Zevon, will be performing along with several other bands, all of whom have generously donated their time. The tickets are only $20 at the door.
6. 9/26/14 Mesothelioma Regional Conference, Philadelphia
The Philadelphia seminar will be hosted together with the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center. Some of the topics to be covered include palliative care, mesothelioma awareness, coping with mesothelioma, and clinical trial participation.
7. 9/27/14 Miles for Mesothelioma, Alton, Ill.
The Miles for Meso 5k run also includes a 2k walk/fun run for participants of varying athletic ability. This race is one of Miles for Meso’s many events to raise support for mesothelioma victims. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. Runners will receive a Miles for Meso T-shirt and the top 5 male and female runners can win cash prizes up to $500. The race has raised $125,000 for mesothelioma research and support organizations since it began in 2009.
8. 10/10/14 Mesothelioma Regional Conference, Chicago
The Chicago seminar will be held in collaboration with the University of Chicago at the Palmer House Hilton. The seminar gathers together local experts on mesothelioma treatment and research to speak. Some of the speakers from The University of Chicago Medicine include Samuel Armato, PhD, Ravi Salgia, MD, Funmi Olopade, MD, and Hedy Kindler, MD.
9. 11/01/14 Bishopville Record Hop/Music for Meso, Bishopville, Md.
The Bishopville Record Hop features an ‘oldies music’ themed event to raise money for mesothelioma treatment. Aside from the musical main event, there will be a silent auction for which they are accepting donations of prizes and food. The auction and record hop will be held in the Bishopville Fire Hall from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
10. 3/2/15-3/4/15 International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, Bethesda, Md.
The International Symposium invites those touched by mesothelioma to come together to learn current research and seek community support. This is the 12th annual conference and will include an Advocacy Day to increase mesothelioma awareness. The topics of the discussion include patient empowerment, pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, early detection, and getting involved with the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
11. 3/2/15-3/3/15 Mesothelioma Scientific Seminar (Part of the International Symposium), Bethesda, Md.
The Scientific Seminar brings together top mesothelioma researchers from around the nation in a multidisciplinary panel. Two days of the International Symposium are dedicated to discussions with professionals and scientists who answer questions and present their research. Watch videos from last year’s scientific symposium to learn more.
