A Seed Is Planted

In 1998, I asked some of the most prominent physicians in the country whether early stage diagnosis of mesothelioma improves the 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.

MARF is Born

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.

A Committment From Owens-Corning

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

MARF's Mission Statement, February 2000

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. Click here for MARF's mission statement.

Congressman Bruce Vento Joins the Fight

Diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in January of 2000, Congressman Bruce Vento addressed the mesothelioma community on May 10, 2000, including his colleagues in government to "fund research for mesothelioma at a proportionate level." Congressman Vento informed them that "of the more than 30,000 cancer research grants awarded by the Federal government since 1987, only 48 grants even mention mesothelioma." Please click here to see Congressman Vento's speech.

On June 20, 2000, Congressman Vento was feted in Washington, D.C. by President Clinton and many of his colleagues. I attended this celebration and was taken by his compassion, strength and optimism.

On September 11, 2000, Congressman Vento joined the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation as a member of the Board of Directors. Unfortunately, he died soon after on October 10, 2000.

MARF Awards First $200,000 in Research Grants

In keeping with its mission, on November 15, 2000, MARF announced that it had awarded two $100,000 research grants, both of which represented cutting-edge, translational efforts toward eradicating mesothelioma as a life-ending disease.

MARF Urges Trial Lawyers to Get On Board

In July of 2001, MARF sent a letter, signed by this country's leading experts in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma, to over 700 asbestos trial lawyers. The letter urged the attorneys to expand their role as advocates by helping MARF meet its mission to eradicate mesothelioma as a life-ending disease.

"Ban Asbestos in America Act"

On July 31, 2001, at Senator Patty Murray's request, the Senate's HELP Committee (Health, Education, Labor & Pensions) held a hearing on workplace exposure to asbestos. Senator Murray is working to raise awareness about asbestos and to explore how we can better protect workers and consumers.

Senator Murray continued her efforts to raise awareness with the "Ban Asbestos in America Act" (formally known as the "Asbestos-Containing Products Risk Reduction Act of 2002".) The Bill amends the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA), which lost significant influence over asbestos control in 1991. This Bill clearly defines and calls for restrictions on asbestos-containing products to be in place no later than 2005. It calls for further studies of and education regarding the prevalence of asbestos in the nation and proposes a National Mesothelioma Registry to aid in defeating the nihilism and ignorance surrounding the deadly disease.

To view a copy of the Bill, please click here (NOTE: you will need to view the article [.pdf] using Adobe Acrobat)

Click here to view a legislative summary of the bill that also highlights how asbestos continues to endanger our nation.

MARF Awards Second $200,000 in Research Grants

On October 5, 2001, MARF announced its second round of grant funding, awarding grants of $100,000 each to Raphael Bueno, M.D., of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, and to Samuel Armato, Ph.D., of the University of Chicago, to develop practical tools to improve mesothelioma treatment.

MARF Announces Third Round of Research Grants

On April 17, 2002, MARF announced the availability of its third round of mesothelioma research grant funding. Click here to learn more about the grant.

Mesothelioma National Data/Tissue Bank

MARF's latest clinical research project seeks to establish a reservoir of clinical data, serum, blood cells and tissue samples from mesothelioma patients to provide relevant, necessary research materials. With established eligibility requirements, clear objectives and methodology, and compassionate, effective guidance, the project aims to eliminate the prevailing ignorance and nihilism that mesothelioma patients too often find. Click here to learn more.

MARF Doctors Educate Bankruptcy Courts About Mesothelioma

On January 16, 2002 in a compelling letter signed by all 15 doctors on MARF to a Federal bankruptcy judge, MARF explains its mission and the medical and economic problems in diagnosing, treating and supporting mesothelioma patients. The doctors volunteer their expertise in educating the court about the unique suffering that mesothelioma patients endure.

Dr. Robert Cameron Endorses Senator Murray's Bill

Dr. Robert Cameron of UCLA Medical Center is one of the foremost treating physicians of mesothelioma in the world and is the founder of the only existing registry of mesothelioma patients in the world. He helped found and serves on the Board of Directors of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF). In a letter to Senator Diane Feinstein, he urges her to support Senator Patty Murray's "Asbestos-Containing Products Risk Reduction Act of 2002," as well as advocate a more central role for UCLA in the proposed National Mesothelioma Registry. An identical letter was also sent to Senator Barbara Boxer

Dr. Harvey Pass Endorses Senator Murray's Bill

Dr. Harvey Pass is a Professor of Surgery and Oncology at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit. Dr. Pass has been involved in both the care of patients with mesothelioma as well as research on this deadly disease for over 14 years. Dr. Pass helped found and serves as the Chairman of the Science Advisory Board of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. In a letter to Senator Carl Levin, Dr. Pass also urges Sen. Levin's support for the Bill. An identical letter was also sent to Senator Debbie Stabenow.

MARF Members Participate in "Ban Asbestos In America" Press Conference

On June 18, 2002 in Washington, D.C. Sen. Patty Murray presented the "Ban Asbestos in America Act." In attendance were several members of MARF, including Roger Worthington (Founding Director), Christopher Hahn (Executive Director), Susan Vento (member of the Board of Directors), and Mr. Brian Harvey (mesothelioma survivor and member of the Family Advocacy Board). Click here for a complete report of this important day for MARF and for mesothelioma patients everywhere.

MARF Teams With UCLA to Form the National Mesothelioma Data/Tissue Bank

On August 12, 2002 MARF teams up with UCLA to create the National Mesothelioma Data/Tissue Bank. The Data/Tissue bank will house the clinical data necessary to compare the outcomes of the various treatment approaches - both current and future. Click here to learn more.

MARF's Third Round of Research Funding Attracts Superb International Field

On October 17, 2002, MARF announces ten research proposals had been submitted for this year's round of MARF research grants, from investigators in the U.S. and around the world (Scotland, Italy and Australia). Click here for a compete report.

MARF Awards Third $200,000 in Research Grants

On December 13, 2002 MARF announced its third round of grant funding. Two excellent new mesothelioma research projects will go forward thanks to MARF grants of $100,000 each. Each project applies cutting-edge general cancer research concepts specifically to mesothelioma, and should translate directly to improved mesothelioma treatment. Click here, for a complete report.

MARF Grants and Other Good News - End of the Year, 2002

Click here, for a summary of the past year.

MARF Advocates for Treatment Program

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

MARF Advocates for a Slice of Meso Treatment Trust Fund

MARF Advocates $135 Million Slice of Proposed $100 Billion Trust Fund Pie For Meso Treatment Program (4/28/03)

MARF Takes a Stand for Mesothelioma Research Funding

MARF's Advocacy and Awareness Program Calling on America to Do Its Part for Our Servicemen, Workers and All Our Heroes Battling Mesothelioma (6/9/03)

MARF Awards $500,000 for New Research

MARF announces 2003 research grant awards. Five grants are awarded at $100,000 each. (1/30/04)

Worthington Receives the Congressman Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award Dedicates the Award to his Dad - Punch Worthington The Congressman Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award is presented to those individuals who have worked diligently to bring the plight of asbestos victims and the dangers of asbestos to the forefront of both the political and public arena. These individuals are recognized during the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Second International Symposium's Gala Dinner on October 7, 2005. The first award was presented to Senator Patty Murray for her legislative efforts in banning asbestos use in America. To date The Law Office of Roger G. Worthington has contributed more than $2,009,000 to cancer research and science since 2000 Cure Meso Bracelets Available Now! Contact the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation to Get Yours.! www.marf.org "Mesothelioma patients and families walk a lonely road. This book is a welcome friend. Sharing from their own profound personal and professional experience, Dr. Pass, Sue Vento and Laura Roy have provided an invaluable resource for all patients and families struggling with this disease." --Christopher E. Hahn Executive Director The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (www.marf.org)