Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2024: Hope, Help, and Health

On September 26, 2024, 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 mesothelioma treatments.

The day coincides with the annual Miles for Meso 5K Run and 3K Fun Run & Walk, an event organized by Simmons Hanly Conroy since 2009. This year's race was held both virtually and in-person on September 21 and supported the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).

Over the years, our asbestos law firm has pledged more than $21 million to mesothelioma and cancer research while fighting to secure compensation for patients and their families.

Let this Mesothelioma Awareness Day serve as a reminder that you are not alone. Together, we can continue to make progress in finding a cure and providing hope to those affected by mesothelioma.

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 find a cure for mesothelioma and ban the use of asbestos.

Since its start, Mesothelioma Awareness Day has helped provide patients and their loved ones with educational resources while connecting them with a supportive community of others facing similar challenges.

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 with a history of asbestos exposure to undergo routine screenings, increasing the chances of detecting the cancer earlier.

New treatment options are being developed to improve a patient's life expectancy and quality of life, thanks 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 then, Simmons Hanly Conroy is dedicated to raising awareness about this rare disease and helping families get the compensation they deserve after a diagnosis.

Living with Mesothelioma: Survivor Stories

With the help of mesothelioma compensation, more and more families can access treatments and share their mesothelioma survivor stories, spreading hope to others facing this cancer. Julie Gundlach and Ginger Horton are just two examples of these stories.

Julie's Story

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 just 35 years old.

After undergoing multiple treatments and procedures, Julie has survived for over 18 years. She has joined us for many past Miles for Meso races and other events to raise awareness and advocate for an asbestos ban.

"There are a few things I tell people when they've been newly diagnosed and they don't know where to turn," Julie shared. "One: You need to see a mesothelioma specialist. Two: Find a good attorney."

Ginger's Story

In 2010, Ginger was diagnosed with mesothelioma at the age of 40, shortly after learning that her husband had a brain tumor. Despite 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 over 14 years. With the help of compensation from an asbestos claim, she was able to undergo surgery and multiple rounds of chemotherapy to keep her illness at bay.

"Once the financial weight is off your brain, it's easier to worry about the things that matter - my treatments, getting better, and the quality of life," she explained. "Simmons has been a huge blessing to us."

In her time, she's even partnered with the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation to support other patients and their loved ones.

Hear from more of our clientsand read their mesothelioma patient stories now.

How to Get Involved in Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2024

There are several ways you can get involved in National Mesothelioma Awareness Day and provide meaningful support to families impacted by this cancer.

We encourage you to:

1. Participate in the annual Miles for Meso event: 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Contact local and state government officials: Either call or send letters to your local representatives asking them to support a total asbestos ban, so we can move toward an asbestos-free future.
5. 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 16th Annual Miles for Meso

This year, hundreds of survivors, family members, and advocates participated in the Miles for Meso 5K Run and 3K Fun Run & Walk 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 serve as the national presenting sponsor for this important event.

Today and every day, our mesothelioma lawyers remain dedicated to fighting for families affected by this cancer, filing mesothelioma claims on their behalf, and educating the public about the dangers of asbestos.

For the last 11 years, proceeds from the race have supported the ADAO. Since the first race in 2009, Miles for Meso has raised over $925,000 for charitable organizations associated with mesothelioma-related causes.

We hope you will join us 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.

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