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”

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.

For months leading up to this year’s Awareness Day, MARF volunteers petitioned local governments for Awareness Day proclamations and contacted radio stations across the country asking them promote awareness of the disease by playing a song by Warren Zevon followed by a 20-second segment about the disease. Zevon, a singer/songwriter who died of mesothelioma in September 2003, wrote and recorded hundreds of songs such as "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me," "Keep Me Your Heart," and "Hasten Down the Wind." He scored his biggest hit with the 1978 album "Excitable Boy," which contained the top-20 single "Werewolves of London." MARF says that coverage of this year’s was expected to be greater than ever, with 100 radio stations and newspapers in over 20 states recognizing the event.

This year, MARF’s efforts to utilize “Mesothelioma Awareness Day” as a way of bringing national attention to the disease were provided unprecedented support as resolutions were presented in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on Friday, September 25, to recognize September 26, 2009 as “National Mesothelioma Awareness Day.” The Senate resolution was sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray and the House resolution was sponsored by Rep. Betty McCollum. Both legislators have been longstanding supporters of efforts to increase awareness of the disease, provide funding for mesothelioma research and effectuate a meaningful ban of asbestos in the United States.

A news release from Sen. Murray’s office quotes her as saying, “The dangers of asbestos went unrecognized for far too long, with tragic results for so many workers and families across the country who developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. National Mesothelioma Awareness Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of efforts to treat this deadly disease and support the victims and their families. I am committed to continuing my work fighting to ban asbestos in the United States and educating the American public about the deadly consequences of asbestos exposure.”

The release also quotes Rep. McCollum. She says, “Too many Americans don’t know that asbestos exposure remains a problem. Enacting National Mesothelioma Awareness Day (H.R. 771) is an important step towards educating the nation about the causes of this deadly disease. I will continue to work with Senator Murray and my colleagues in the U.S. House to finally ban asbestos and provide real help for those suffering from mesothelioma and their families.”

Here is the full text of the resolution:

Whereas there is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos;

Whereas millions of workers in the United States have been, and continue to be, exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos;

Whereas the National Institutes of Health reported to Congress in 2006 that mesothelioma is a difficult disease to detect, diagnose, and treat;

Whereas the National Cancer Institute recognizes a clear need for new treatments to improve the outlook for patients with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases;

Whereas the need to develop treatments for mesothelioma was overlooked for decades;

Whereas even the best available treatments for mesothelioma typically have only a very limited effect, and a person diagnosed with mesothelioma is expected to survive between 8 and 14 months;

Whereas mesothelioma has claimed the lives of such heroes and public servants as Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Jr., and Congressman Bruce F. Vento;

Whereas many mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos while serving in the Navy;

Whereas it is believed that many of the firefighters, police officers, and rescue workers who served at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, may be at increased risk of contracting mesothelioma in the future; and–

Whereas cities and localities throughout the United States will recognize September 26, 2009, as ‘‘Mesothelioma Awareness Day’’: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate designates September 26, 2009, as ‘‘National Mesothelioma Awareness Day’’; and calls on the people of the United States, Federal departments and agencies, States, localities, organizations, and media to observe National Mesothelioma Awareness day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

The Law Office of Roger G. Worthington joins with MARF in supporting Sen. Murray and Rep. McCollum’s efforts to pass a “National Mesothelioma Awareness Day” and urges the public to use the convenient link which MARF has set up on its website to contact your congressional representatives to request that they vote in favor of House Resolution 771. More...

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, while raising public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is an independent volunteer organization. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

*** POSTED OCTOBER 13, 2009 ***