On September 26, 2023, communities across the country will join together to recognize Mesothelioma Awareness Day, which is dedicated to bringing attention to this rare asbestos-caused cancer and raising funds for medical treatments.
The event coincides with the annual Miles for Meso 5K Run and 3K Fun Run & Walk, which has been organized and hosted by Simmons Hanly Conroy since 2009. This year’s race takes place both in-person and virtually on September 23 to raise funds for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).
Over the years, our asbestos law firm has pledged more than $21 million dollars for mesothelioma and cancer research while fighting for financial assistance for victims and their families.
Mesothelioma Awareness Day: Origins and Purpose
Mesothelioma Awareness Day was started by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation in 2004. This nonprofit organization — made up of patients, doctors, researchers and advocates — strives to develop a cure for mesothelioma and ban the use of asbestos.
Since its start, Mesothelioma Awareness Day has helped provide patients and families across the country with educational resources and connections to others in the mesothelioma community, so they feel less alone in their fight.
Why Raising Awareness Matters
Approximately 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Symptoms of this rare disease often develop 10-50 years after a victim’s initial exposure to asbestos, and many are not diagnosed with mesothelioma until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
Raising awareness about the warning signs and risk factors of mesothelioma allows those who have a history of asbestos exposure to begin routine screening to hopefully catch the cancer earlier.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma at this time, new mesothelioma treatments are being tested and developed to improve a patient’s life expectancy and quality of life, thanks at least in part to efforts like Mesothelioma Awareness Day. It’s our hope that one day, there will be a cure for this deadly cancer.
Until that day comes, Simmons Hanly Conroy is dedicated to raising awareness about this rare cancer as well as helping families get the financial support they need after a diagnosis.
Living with Mesothelioma: Survivor Stories
With the help of mesothelioma compensation, more and more families can access treatment and share their mesothelioma survivor stories that spread hope to others facing this cancer. Julie Gundlach and Ginger Horton are just two examples of these stories.
Julie was exposed to asbestos secondhand after her father unknowingly brought asbestos fibers home from work on his clothing. Decades later, she was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma at the age of 35.
After undergoing multiple treatments and procedures, Julie has survived for over 17 years. Over the years, Julie has joined us for many past Miles for Meso races and other events to help advocate for an asbestos ban and raise awareness about mesothelioma.
“There [are] a few things I tell people when they’ve been newly diagnosed and they don’t know where to turn,” Julie shares. “One: You need to see a mesothelioma specialist. Two: Find a good attorney.”
In 2010, Ginger received her mesothelioma diagnosis at the age of 40, shortly after she had learned of her husband’s brain tumor diagnosis. Even in the midst of these heavy challenges, the former preschool director, teacher and nanny did not allow the disease to take over her life.
Ginger has survived mesothelioma for 13 years, and she continues to partner with the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation to support other mesothelioma patients and their loved ones.
Hear from more of our clients and read their mesothelioma patient stories now.
How to Get Involved in Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2023
There are several ways you can get involved in National Mesothelioma Awareness Day this year.
We encourage you to:
- Participate in the 15th Annual Miles for Meso 5K Run and 3K Fun Run & Walk: You can join the race and fundraising efforts either in person or virtually. Visit the Miles for Meso website to learn more about the race and donate to the cause.
- Share awareness posts on social media: If you aren’t sure where to find trusted educational information about asbestos and mesothelioma, the ADAO and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation are great sources. You can also consider sharing this blog post.
- Wear blue in honor of mesothelioma patients: You can take photos of yourself, your friends, family and colleagues wearing blue and share them on social media using the tag #CureMeso.
- Contact local and state government officials: Either call or send letters to your local representatives to spread awareness of this devastating cancer and move toward an asbestos-free future by supporting an asbestos ban.
- Reach out to local news organizations: Local news organizations can reach a lot of people by running a quick piece about mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos.
Visit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s website for more great ideas on meaningful ways to get involved.
Simmons Hanly Conroy: Raising Awareness at the 15th Annual Miles for Meso
This year, hundreds of survivors, family members and advocates will participate in the Miles for Meso 5K Run and 3K Fun Run & Walk in person and virtually to recognize Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
As a national mesothelioma law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy is honored to have started the Miles for Meso race and to be the national presenting sponsor to this day. Our mesothelioma lawyers are dedicated to fighting for compensation on behalf of families affected by this cancer as well as advocating for awareness at these events.
For the last 10 years, proceeds from the race have supported the ADAO. Since the first race in 2009, Miles for Meso has raised over $890,000 for charitable organizations associated with mesothelioma-related causes.
We hope you will join us this year in fighting for those impacted by mesothelioma. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, Simmons Hanly Conroy is here for you. Get a free legal consultation now to see how we can help.
