2011 has been a busy year for mesothlioma advocacy.  As the Foundation settled into its new home in the DC metro area meso volunteers stormed Capitol Hill on Advocacy Day, inundated their legislators with information about mesothelioma, and launched the Meso Ambassador Advocacy Program.

During the month of June, mesothelioma advocates have been aggressively educating Congress about mesothelioma and the dire need for increased federal medical research funding. The meso community has taken a multi-pronged approach to educating Congress, to assure that no stone is left unturned.

On June 22, 2011, Mary Hesdorffer, MS, APRN, nurse practitioner and medical liaison for the Meso Foundation, testified before the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations- Subcommittee on Defense at their Fiscal Year 2012 Appropriations Outside Witness Testimony Hearing.

Ms. Hesdorffer explained the need for sustained and increased funding for mesothelioma through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, and stressed the strong link between mesothelioma and military service. She asked that a dedicated funding stream of $5 million be appropriated for mesothelioma through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, because mesothelioma disproportionally affects American servicemen and women and their families.

“Almost 3,000 Americans die each year of mesothelioma, and one study found that one third of patients were exposed on U.S. Navy ships or shipyards. That is 1,000 U.S. veterans and shipyard workers per year, lost through service to country, just as if they had been on a battlefield,” said Ms. Hesdorffer.

To view the hearing, please click here. Mary’s testimony begins at the 77 minute mark.

The following day, June 23, the Meso Foundation in conjunction with Senator Patty Murray’s office sponsored a Capitol Hill briefing for congressional staffers. The briefing featured a moving recount of his mesothelioma experience by patient and Navy veteran Mike Clements and a presentation by Mary Hesdorffer on the disease, treatment options and the need for more comprehensive research funding.

Later that afternoon, advocates were given the opportunity to make individual visits to their Congressional representatives. More than fifty mesothelioma advocates including patients, physicians, caregivers and family members made visits on Capitol Hill to their members of Congress requesting support for increased funding for mesothelioma research. To view briefing, please click here.

The Meso Foundation officially launched the Meso Ambassador Program in October. The Ambassador Program was developed in response to meso community members who wanted to do more to raise awareness about mesothelioma. Ambassadors receive monthly advocacy assignments to educate their elected officials and community about mesothelioma while advancing the Foundation’s advocacy efforts by sharing their story. To learn more about becoming an ambassador, please click here.

To help us on our mission to ban asbestos and ensure federal funding for mesothelioma research we are asking members of the Meso Community to visit our Action Center. Through the Action Center you can contact your Senators and your House Representative to ask for their support in sustaining mesothelioma research funding.  We are currently asking advocates to contact the Super Committee and ask that they sustain federal funding for medical research as they develop their plan for reducing the deficit.

The only way to end this deadly disease is to ensure the necessary funding for research is made available.

Take Action Now!

The following links will provide access to tools and information to aid you in your advocacy efforts:

• Visit the Meso Community ACTION CENTER to contact your legislators
• Login to our Discussion Board to participate in the Advocacy Blogs