This year, Vogelzang Law was honored to attend the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma hosted by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. At the symposium this week, Vogelzang Law’s own Mirela Stefanescu received the Above and Beyond Award alongside other movers and shakers in the mesothelioma community. This award honors those who go “above and beyond” in serving the mesothelioma community, from volunteers and fundraisers to survivors and family members turned activists.
“I was humbled and honored to receive the Above and Beyond Award at the symposium’s Award Dinner. To stand next to Meso Warriors and those who fight beside them was one of the most memorable moments of the conference,” Stefanescu said. As the Public Relations Manager and Union Liaison, Stefanescu volunteers with the Foundation and organizes fundraising efforts on behalf of the law firm.
In 2018, Vogelzang Law proudly partnered with the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation throughout the year. The firm continues to support the Meso Foundation’s crucial efforts to fund research initiatives, clinical trials, and educational resources for families and individuals. Last year’s first annual Mesothelioma Race for Justice sponsored by Vogelzang Law raised and donated over $6,300 to the Meso Foundation. These funds helped support exciting initiatives and clinical trials impacting families across the United States who are facing a mesothelioma diagnosis. As a law firm dedicated to helping those harmed by asbestos exposure, the firm is exceedingly proud to lend assistance to a powerful national organization. Vogelzang Law’s partnership with the Meso Foundation creates ample opportunities for the firm to support initiatives that make a meaningful impact in the lives of VL clients and mesothelioma patients throughout the entire country.
This year’s symposium united patients, families, doctors, researchers, and attorneys from around the United States. All participants came together to attend panel discussions and share updates on new research and clinical trials, legal developments, and self-care practices for family members. In a highlight of the week, Stefanescu interviewed Mary Hesdorffer, executive director of the Meso Foundation. This interview will go live on the Vogelzang Law Youtube channel and details Mary’s journey, the importance of mesothelioma advocacy, and the work of the Foundation.
The week culminated in a trip to Capitol Hill, where representatives of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation attended several meetings on the dangers of asbestos and mesothelioma.
“These conferences are truly hopeful, it brings together so many strong people, warriors, survivors and caretakers who are all there for one another through what has to be the most difficult time in their lives. I have hope for our clients battling this disease when I go to these conferences and see survivors of 8, 13 and 21 years,” Stefanescu said.
