Recognized each year on September 26, Mesothelioma Awareness Day honors the tens of thousands of individuals and families who have felt the devastation that comes with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Approximately 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with this rare cancer every year.
Because symptoms often don’t develop until 20-50 years after exposure, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as lesser conditions or not detected until the cancer has already spread.
Mesothelioma Awareness Day brings a community of survivors and their families together to spread hope and advocate on a national level, while raising funds for research to improve treatment options and push for a cure.
For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has helped mesothelioma victims secure financial compensation, so they can support their families and access life-extending treatment.
If you or a loved one has been affected by mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, we are here to help.
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How Mesothelioma Awareness Day Started
First created by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation in 2004, Mesothelioma Awareness Day has succeeded in drawing attention to the mesothelioma community and the cause of this terrible disease: asbestos.
But it wasn’t until 2010 that the date earned federal recognition, with both houses of Congress passing a bill that proclaimed the 26th as National Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
The Meso Foundation’s mission is to:
- Build a community for those affected by mesothelioma, so they feel less alone in their fight
- Provide people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families with trusted information on treatment options
- Secure funding for mesothelioma research to improve treatment outcomes for patients
Mesothelioma Awareness Day captures each aspect of that mission, making the day a critical piece in preventing future instances of asbestos exposure and supporting those fighting asbestos cancers.
5 Ways to Get Involved and Support Mesothelioma Victims
Together, we can all take steps to increase awareness about the dangers of asbestos, support those fighting mesothelioma, and raise funding to research new treatment options.
Below are a handful of easy ways you can join the cause and get involved in Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2024.
1. Participate in the Miles for Meso 5K/3K Race
The annual Miles for Meso event is a fundraiser that brings together families impacted by mesothelioma while raising money for cancer research. This year, the race will take place both virtually and in person on September 21, 2024.
You can cheer on racers in Alton, Illinois, donate to the cause, or follow along with racers using the #MilesForMeso tag on social media.
2. Ask Your Government Representatives to Ban Asbestos
After advocacy efforts from the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act was reintroduced to Congress last year.
If passed, the bill would be a complete ban on asbestos use and imports in the U.S. to protect future generations from asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma or lung cancer.
3. Share Educational Posts Online
Many makers of asbestos-containing products hid the true dangers for decades, so much of the public may not be aware of the risks — or that it’s still not banned in the U.S.
If you aren't sure what to share, the ADAO has a collection of educational resources that you can share on social media.
4. Paint the World Blue in Honor of Mesothelioma
On Mesothelioma Awareness Day, more than 70 landmarks across the nation will Light the World Blue to bring awareness to mesothelioma. You can find a location near you, take photos, and share them using the #CureMeso tag.
5. Reach Out to Local Media Outlets for Coverage
Local newspapers or news stations can reach thousands of people about the dangers of asbestos and mesothelioma. Call your local station today to ask for a story on Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
Sokolove Law: Fighting for Mesothelioma Victims Nationwide
At Sokolove Law, we strive to make everyone affected by mesothelioma feel supported — on Mesothelioma Awareness Day and throughout the rest of the year. Remember, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are not alone.
As a trusted mesothelioma law firm, we have seen the harm asbestos-related companies caused in order to protect their profits. For this reason, we stand up to these large corporations on behalf of innocent victims.
Our mesothelioma lawyers have recovered over $5.1 Billion for clients with mesothelioma and their families across the country.
We make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible, so victims can focus on what matters most — their health and their families.
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, our team is here for you. See how we can help now by getting a free case review.
