To support the brave warriors fighting mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) created Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
Each year on September 26, people from around the world shed light on the realities of this cancer and raise funds for treatment research.
U.S. veterans make up about one-third of the 3,000 mesothelioma victims diagnosed each year because of the large amounts of asbestos they were exposed to during military service. This makes them a central part of Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
Whether by joining a fundraiser or sharing asbestos awareness facts on social media, learn how you can honor veterans and get involved this year.
Ways to Get Involved and Support Veterans
There are a number of ways to show your support on Mesothelioma Awareness Day this year. Learn about some options below.
1. Participate in Miles for Meso 2023
A highlight of Mesothelioma Awareness Day is Miles for Meso, a 5K race and fun run launched by mesothelioma law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy.
This year, the race is on Saturday, September 23, 2023, and marks the 15th consecutive year of the event.
Participants will gather both in person and virtually to raise awareness and funds for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which focuses on preventing mesothelioma by eliminating asbestos exposure.
Since its first year, Miles for Meso participants have raised over $890,000. Learn how you can get involved at the Miles for Meso website.
2. Share Mesothelioma and Asbestos Facts
A great way to honor veterans with mesothelioma on Mesothelioma Awareness Day is simply to get the word out about this life-threatening cancer.
You can spread awareness by:
- Sharing information: To help more people know about the realities of mesothelioma and dangers of asbestos exposure, consider sharing this blog post or other educational posts on social media.
- Sharing a loved one’s story: If you or a veteran you love has mesothelioma, discussing your story can help reach others in your community. A great place to share your story is through social media or an organization like the ADAO.
- Contacting a local news station or government officials: Contact those who can reach more people than you can and ask them to talk about Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
3. Donate or Organize a Mesothelioma Fundraiser
The Meso Foundation, the ADAO, and other groups raise funds to support mesothelioma research, provide financial aid to those fighting this cancer, and advocate for federal bans on asbestos.
Today, you can donate to these groups via their websites. For example, you can create a Meso Foundation tribute page and donate in honor of a loved one or make a donation in your own name.
You can also create an online fundraising event, such as a virtual auction, with the proceeds going to these groups.
4. Help Ban Asbestos
Contrary to what many people may think, asbestos is still not banned in the United States, even though 70 other countries have banned the toxic material.
This year, the ADAO has worked hard to reintroduce the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act to Congress. This bill calls for a complete ban on all uses and imports of asbestos in America.
You can help policymakers move forward with the bill by contacting your state representatives and urging them to support the ARBAN Act today.
5. Spend Time With Loved Ones With Mesothelioma
One of the most impactful things you can do to support veterans fighting mesothelioma is to spend quality time with them.
Simply talking with them about their favorite memories or sharing a meal together can reduce the feelings of loneliness that too many veterans face while battling mesothelioma.
Fight for Veterans This Mesothelioma Awareness Day
At the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, every day is Mesothelioma Awareness Day as we work to provide the best resources for veterans fighting this devastating cancer.
Many of our teammates will be joining the virtual and in-person Miles for Meso race, while others continue to urge Congress to pass the ARBAN Act to protect Americans from this avoidable cancer.
If you are a veteran with mesothelioma, we are here for you. We can connect you with the best treatments and help you file VA benefits claims and legal claims to get the financial assistance you need. See how we can help you and your family by contacting us now.
