Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved and show your support for those facing a mesothelioma diagnosis. From raising awareness to supporting fundraisers and helping push for a ban on asbestos, you can make a difference.
Many think that asbestos is banned. However, while many countries have banned the carcinogenic material, the United States is amongst others not yet committing to a full ban. There is a lot of work to be done, and a lot that has been done as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assesses harmful chemicals like asbestos and determines how they can harm the public and our environment.
Despite the progress that has been made, it can’t continue without support. Cancer research relies on important funding and better awareness, as does the fight to ban asbestos. Even the smallest show of support can greatly help mesothelioma patients and their families, today and in the future.
Ways to Donate
If you’re interested in getting involved in supporting an asbestos ban or funding mesothelioma research, there are many ongoing initiatives from various organizations and mesothelioma charities already making a huge difference in the community.
Asbestos Awareness
Banning asbestos is the most effective way to ensure a future without mesothelioma. The United States remains one of many countries that still allows its use. It’s estimated that at least 20 million Americans will develop mesothelioma in their lifetime, and banning asbestos is the only way to help better these statistics.
Mesothelioma Research
These organizations help advance mesothelioma and cancer research. Their efforts provide hope to patients as they continue to study and develop better diagnostic techniques and more effective treatment methods.
Immunotherapy Research
Showing support for immunotherapy, one of the most promising emerging treatments for a wide variety of cancers, can have a huge impact for patients. Many researchers believe immunotherapy can eventually replace the standard treatments used today. Currently, immunotherapy is only available to mesothelioma patients through clinical trials, which may not be covered by their insurance and makes funding even more important.
The organizations listed above, as well as individual cancer clinics, also conduct their own research on immunotherapy and other treatments for mesothelioma. Donating or participating in a fundraiser can support their efforts to learn how to make this promising treatment even more effective.
Research for Rare Diseases
Mesothelioma and other rare diseases often don’t get the funding or dedicated research they really need. By helping to raise awareness and support research for these diseases, it can give these patients who often face a poor prognosis a better chance at survival.
Other Ways to Give
There are plenty of other ways to show your support, and no effort is too small or goes unappreciated.
Raise Awareness
Whether you educate your loved ones via word of mouth or use your social platforms to reach a wider audience, every bit of awareness is key. So many people don’t realize asbestos is still legal in the United States or fully understand its dangers. By using your voice to educate others about asbestos and mesothelioma, you can truly help save lives.
Attend an Event
You can help show your support by volunteering at a fundraising effort or helping to raise funds for a cancer organization on your own. Even attending an event for your own educational purposes can go a long way in better raising awareness and educating your loved ones to better prevent mesothelioma and other cancers.
Donate Your Time
If you have the ability, donating miles to help transport patients to and from treatment can make a huge difference in their stress and financial burden. Even finding ways to assist patients and their caregivers in small tasks, like running errands or cleaning the house, can lighten their load and give them much needed support.
Be an Advocate
In addition to raising awareness, you can take further action and help advocate for asbestos victims. By signing petitions or reaching out to your local representatives to show your support for a ban, we can all help keep pushing the United States closer to officially taking action against the toxin.