Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2024 | Helping Affected U.S. Veterans

by HealthMatters September 14, 2024, 1:34 am 1.5k Views

Did you know that U.S. veterans make up one-third of all mesothelioma victims diagnosed each year?

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos, and millions of brave service members were exposed while serving. Only by raising awareness of the harm caused by asbestos can we prevent this disease from affecting more lives in the future.

Mesothelioma Awareness Day takes place on September 26, and was created to let the world know about the disease, and to encourage people to provide support to those who suffer from it.

Discover actionable steps you can take to boost awareness of mesothelioma and to provide support to 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 2024 and beyond.

1. Participate in Miles for Meso 2024

A highlight of Mesothelioma Awareness Day is Miles for Meso, a 5K race and fun run launched by mesothelioma law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy.

Did you know?

This year, the race is on Saturday, September 21, and marks the 16th consecutive year of the event.

Participants will gather in person to raise awareness and funds for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which focuses on preventing asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma by eliminating sources of asbestos exposure.

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.

Since its first year, Miles for Meso participants have raised over $925,000 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 posts on your favorite social media platform.

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 inform others in your community. A great place to start is on social media or an organization like the ADAO.

Contacting a local news station or government official: Connect with those who can reach more people than you and ask them to talk about Mesothelioma Awareness Day.

Wear blue: You can show your support for mesothelioma awareness by wearing a blue or pearl ribbon. When people ask what it means, you’ll have an opportunity to 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

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, the ADAO, and other groups raise funds to support mesothelioma research, provide financial resources 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 With the Effort to Ban Asbestos

Despite the fact that asbestos has been banned in 70 countries, you may be surprised to hear that asbestos is still not banned in the United States.

Last year, the ADAO worked hard to reintroduce the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act to Congress. 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 the 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 e-mail 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 staff will be joining the virtual and in-person Miles for Meso race, 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: