The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, Inc. (MARF) How You Can Help!

It all started in 1998 when I asked some of the most prominent physicians in the country the question:

Does Early Stage Diagnosis of Malignant Mesothelioma Improve Prognosis?

Many of them could not accurately say that an early diagnosis would benefit survival. But the common feeling among them was the need to share data with other physicians, track patient treatments and more importantly, FIND A CURE.

In 1999, with the help of Dr. Harvey Pass and Dr. Robert Cameron, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) was born. MARF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that advocates for the mesothelioma patient by advancing research, education and awareness.

After millions of dollars have been spent on expert fees and litigation, MARF was born in attempt to unite the victims and members of industry in a fight against the common enemy, the tumor itself. MARF was created to elevate the needs of the patient as our top priority, to foster collaboration between doctors, to develop novel treatment strategies, to raise money for applied research, and to reverse the apathy and nihilism in the medical and patient communities.

In 1999, Owens-Corning pledged $1,000,000 dollars over the next five years welcoming the "opportunity to work together on our common goal of curing mesothelioma."

Since then, several research grants have been awarded, we have held medical symposiums, we have advocated for a medical and research program and urged the nations capitol to recognize mesothelioma. The battle is in full force. (see below). Mesothelioma awareness is more than a catch phrase. We still have a long way to go the but the distance between the doctors and finding a cure is lessening.


The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
www.marf.org

Contents of this page:
MARF NEWS! Top of page

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Recognizes Fourth Annual “Mesothelioma Awareness Day” as U.S. Senator Patty Murray and U.S. Representative Betty McCollum Push for a “National Mesothelioma Awareness Day” (10/13/2009)

On September 26, families affected by mesothelioma and volunteers worldwide once again helped call attention to the rare asbestos-related cancer on “Mesothelioma Awareness Day.” The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF), the nation’s first non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for mesothelioma, inaugurated Mesothelioma Awareness Day in 2005 as a way of educating the public at large about the ravages of the disease and the need for research funding. More...

Rancho Dance Studio Holds Benefit To Fight Cancer ((3/24/2009)

With tap, hip-hop and jazz styles, a dance studio showcased their skills March 7 to help fight a rare form of cancer.

Students from Dance Dynamics raised $3,195 for mesothelioma research at the Ken Bendix Benefit show, at St. John's Episcopal School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. The show was named after Portola Hills resident and RGW,PC client Ken Bendix, the father of Isabella Bendix – a student at the school. Ken Bendix was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2006. More...

FUNDING MESO RESEARCH Top of page
MEDICAL SYMPOSIUM Top of page

Washington, D.C. October 4-6, 2007

Chicago, Illinois, October 20-21, 2006

Las Vegas, Nevada, October 8, 2005

Las Vegas, Nevada, October 14-16, 2004

  • Curing Mesothelioma: Who Will Take the Initiative? As presented by Roger G. Worthington at the First International Mesothelioma Symposium, Las Vegas, NV RGW (10/14/04)
  • Photographs taken at the First International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, Las Vegas, NV. October 14-16. (10/22/04)
  • MARF Sponsors First Ever Mesothelioma Advocacy and Medical Symposium, Las Vegas, October 14-16 (6/13/04)

Maui, Hawaii, January 24, 1999

  • Fix the Problem! as presented by Roger Worthington, Maui, Hawaii RGW (1/24/99)
NATIONAL MESOTHELIOMA RESEARCH AND TREATEMENT PROGRAM Top of page


View the Text from S.3274, FAIR Acit of 2006 from the 109th Congress Click here

MARF Advocates Creation of Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Program (CDMRP) through DOD and DVA. RGW (12/13/04) PLEASE READ THESE LETTERS! Click here

MARF's Recommendation for a National Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Program

MARF Proposes Legislation to Create $135 Million Meso Program (4/28/03)

  • Click here for the MARF cover letter to Sen. Hatch's staff regarding the Meso Research and Treatment Program, (4/8/03)
  • Click here to review the language of the proposed Meso Research and Treatment Program, (4/8/03)
  • Click here to review Dr. Harvey Pass' memorandum and explanation of the purpose and operation of the Program, (4/8/03)
  • Click here to review MARF document entitled:
    "Mesothelioma Takes Our Heroes. The Service-Connected Cancer Warrents Proportionate Federal Research Funding", (3/17/03) (NOTE: you will need to view the document [.pdf] using Adobe Acrobat)
  • U.S. Stands Aside on Asbestos: Government Won't Pay Into Proposed Fund, Despite Navy Cases (11/12/03)

MARF Advocates for Creation of Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Program within the DOD and DVA (4/9/03)

PRESS RELEASES Top of page
RGW ADVOCACY Top of page
  • Write Your Senators and Congressional Representative RE: Federal Funding for Mesothelioma Research (1/23/07)
     Advance Medical Research - Improve Diagnosis and Treatment of This Deadly Cancer. Click here
  • Advocacy For Federal Mesothelioma Research Program
     Click here to learn more (letters to Senators, NIH, DOD, DVA, etc).
  • MARF letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein: Expand List of Asbestos Hot Spots to include counties with highest asbestos related mortality and increase funding to treat the already sick. (5/11/05)
  • Uniting Against the Common Enemy. Patients, Doctors, Trial Lawyers and Defendants Invest in Curing Mesothelioma (8/22/02)
  • Contact Congress about supporting Ban Asbestos Act that funds Meso Research (6/20/02)
  • Contact Your Elected Officials! Get Active! Help Motivate the NCI to Invest in Finding a Cure for Mesothelioma (8/9/00)
  • ATTENTION! Lawyers, Claimants, Industry, Government Agencies, Doctors and Patients: MARF's Mission is to Eradicate Mesothelioma As A Life-Ending Disease. Please read. (2/23/00)
  • How Can You Help Cure Mesothelioma? MARF! (2/16/00)
MARF GRANTS Top of page
CONGRESSMAN BRUCE VENTO AND MARF Top of page
  • Congressman Bruce Vento Diagnosed with Mesothelioma, Joins MARF's Board of Directors (6/30/00)
  • A Salute to Bruce Vento and Call to Arms: Mesothelioma Will Not Be Overcome by Will, Passion and Spirit Alone RGW (6/30/00)
  • Congressman Bruce Vento Endorses MARF. Click here to read Rep. Vento's Inspiring Speech! (5/10/00)