Every year on September 26, the cancer community recognizes and honors Mesothelioma Awareness Day. It was founded by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation in 2004 with the express purpose of bringing more awareness and visibility to those dealing with mesothelioma. In 2010, Congress officially declared September 26 as National Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
How Can I Support Mesothelioma Awareness Day?
The official color of Mesothelioma Awareness Day is blue – you will see supporters, caregivers, and patients across the globe wearing blue, whether it be a shirt, ribbon, or bracelet.
Vogelzang Law proudly supports both the Meso Foundation and Mesothelioma Awareness Day with our annual Mesothelioma Race for Justice 5K. By 2022, we have raised over $65,000 for the Meso Foundation to support their mission.
Organizations and advocates are doing their part to get the word out. Here are some ways to make a difference:
- Paint the World Blue for Mesothelioma: Take photos of you, your friends, families, colleagues, and the community wearing blue and post them on social media with the hashtag #curemeso. Don’t have something blue? The Meso Foundation has you covered, visit their store.
- Light the World Blue: The campaign to Light the World Blue started in 2020 when Novocure led the charge and got commitments from 15 locations to change their lighting to blue. In 2023, 76 locations have committed themselves to the cause. See the complete list here.
- Attend an event or fundraiser: Organizations nationwide are participating in fundraisers or conferences to raise awareness. Some events include iWalk4Meso, Miles for Meso, Kayaking 4 Meso, MRFJ 5K, and many more.
- Donate: You can directly donate to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and other causes.
Other Organizations Bringing Awareness to Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer but completely avoidable. Asbestos exposure is the only known risk factor, so education and awareness are crucial to eradicating the disease. Because symptoms take 20-30 years to manifest, diagnosis can be more difficult, especially as only 2,000-3,000 people are diagnosed every year. Increasing awareness means more funding for research and clinical trials.
Several organizations are giving a louder voice to mesothelioma and asbestos victims. They are raising money to fund research and help advocate for a complete and universal ban on asbestos. Here are some of the organizations offering support, education, and research:
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
- International Mesothelioma Interest Group
- Gilda’s Club Chicago
- Global Asbestos Awareness Week
- Lung Cancer Research Foundation
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
- The University of Chicago
These groups continue to fight against a disease with no known cure. The impact on the individual, family, friends, and the community is devastating. Through their work and dedication, these organizations continue to strive to bring awareness, improve patient lives, and work together for a future free of mesothelioma.
A Compassionate Advocate Is Here for You
The team at Vogelzang Law is here to listen and provide the support you need. We are committed to holding negligent corporations accountable and being the fierce advocates you and your family deserve.
Contact us today at (312) 466-1669 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation. Let us be your safe harbor and help you take the first step toward finding answers.
