Sunday, March 28, 2010

Mesothelioma Awareness

For the past several years, a non-profit organization known as the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF), a collaboration of patients and families, physicians, advocates, and researchers, has been hard at work spreading the word to the general public about the dangers of asbestos and the fight for a cure for mesothelioma. One of the ways they convey their message is through special events such as Mesothelioma Awareness Day.

One of the goals at MARF is to convince as many cities and/or states as possible to recognize Mesothelioma Awareness Day and to someday make it a national event. Scheduled to take place each year on September 26, the annual event includes a massive radio campaign that features the music of Warren Zevon, a legendary singer and songwriter who died of malignant mesothelioma in 2003. Radio stations around the country are being asked to play Warren’s music, followed by a brief message about the cancer aimed to raise awareness among the general public and perhaps help raise funds for further research.

MARF also offers promotional materials to local governments throughout the nation who wish to officially declare Mesothelioma Awareness Day in their town. Instructions include an official resolution and other materials about spreading the word to the public. Several states including New York, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Illinois and Kentucky have made the event official and several others are awaiting legislative action in the matter.

Recently in Congress, Senator Patty Murray (WA) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-4) introduced resolutions that would designate September 26 as National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. With this action, MARF is one step closer to making Mesothelioma Awareness Day a national event. If you would like to learn more about mesothelioma and how you can help support awareness, please fill out this form to receive a comprehensive packet in the mail.

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