Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2026: Supporting U.S. Veterans Posted on September 16, 2026September 17, 2026 by Christopher Dryfoos 3 Min Read Did you know that U.S. veterans make up one-third of all patients diagnosed with an aggressive cancer called mesothelioma each year? Mesothelioma Awareness Day takes place on September 26 and was created to raise awareness and support veterans and civilians affected by this disease. Mesothelioma is only caused by asbestos, and millions of brave service members were exposed while serving. On Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2026, discover actionable steps you can take to spread the word about this cancer and help U.S. veterans who sacrificed their well-being for our freedom. What Can You Do to Raise Mesothelioma Awareness? If there’s one goal on Mesothelioma Awareness Day, it’s to help as many people as possible learn about the disease and its causes. Learn about some creative ways you can support mesothelioma awareness in 2026 and beyond. 1. Participate in Miles for Meso 2026 Miles for Meso is a 5K race and fun run launched by mesothelioma law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy. Participants will gather in person and online to raise funds for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which advocates for a full asbestos ban and supports mesothelioma patients. Did you know?This year, the Miles for Meso race is on Saturday, September 19, in Alton, Illinois. The Mesothelioma Veterans Center is a diamond sponsor of this race, reaffirming our commitment to mesothelioma patients and families. If you’re too far away or busy to make it to the event in person, there is also a virtual option that allows runners to choose their own local course and post about it on social media. To date, Miles for Meso participants have raised nearly $1 million for mesothelioma research. Learn how you can get involved at the Miles for Meso website. 2. Share Facts About Mesothelioma and Asbestos A great way to honor veterans on National 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 the dangers of asbestos exposure, consider sharing this blog post or other educational resources on social media. Telling a loved one’s story: If you or a veteran you love has mesothelioma, telling their story is a way to honor them and others in your community. A great place to start is on social media or through an organization like the ADAO. Contacting news stations or government officials: Connect with those who can reach more people than you and ask them to talk about Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Wearing blue: You can show your support for mesothelioma awareness by wearing a blue or pearl ribbon. When people ask what it means, you can educate them on the dangers of asbestos and the fight against mesothelioma. However you decide to promote mesothelioma awareness, it’s important to know that your efforts are valuable. If even one new person understands the damage caused by asbestos, you’ve made a significant difference. 3. Donate or Organize a Mesothelioma Fundraiser The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, the ADAO, and other groups raise funds to support cancer research, provide financial resources to patients, 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 With the Effort to Ban Asbestos Although nearly 70 countries have banned asbestos, the United States still doesn't have a complete ban. In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the ongoing use of chrysotile asbestos, with phase-out periods for some industries. Many older homes and structures still contain asbestos, too. A bipartisan bill called the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act was recently reintroduced in Congress in August 2026. The 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 feelings of loneliness that too many veterans face while battling mesothelioma. If you live too far away to visit in person, even a phone call, text, or email could brighten someone's day. Help Us Support 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 members of our team will be joining Miles for Meso virtually or in person, while others will donate their time or money to help raise awareness of asbestos and the harm it causes. If you’re a veteran with mesothelioma, we are here for you. We can help you in all of the following ways: Accessing the best treatments Filing for VA benefits Pursuing legal compensation Contact us right now to learn more.