Dear supporter,

We are immensely grateful for your unwavering support within the meso community. This year’s symposium in Washington, DC, reinforced the importance of this community and our shared mission to end mesothelioma. As a stakeholder in the Foundation, we would like to share with you the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s goals for 2024. Our mission has always been steadfast: to eradicate mesothelioma as a life-ending cancer through research, support, education and advocacy. We are driven by a passion to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by this devastating disease, and we invite you to join us in shaping the future.

Research Funding: We are committed to accelerating breakthroughs in mesothelioma research by funding projects that set the stage for future clinical trials. We have funded 117 projects for a total of $11.5 million thus far and opened applications for the 2024 grant year. By investing in these pioneering studies, we are at the forefront of research that will reshape the landscape of mesothelioma treatment and improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Patient and Caregiver Support: We understand that navigating mesothelioma can be overwhelming. Offering top-tier patient and caregiver resources and ensuring that no one faces this disease alone will always be a priority for the Foundation. From emotional support through our support groups, to practical guidance from our oncology nurse to financial aid for patient travel, we will be here every step of the way.

Community Engagement and Education: To enhance awareness and education around mesothelioma, we are intensifying efforts to engage more members of the mesothelioma community. Through our 3-day symposium, MesoTV, Meet the Mesothelioma Experts program, and volunteer events, we aim to empower not only patients and caregivers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about treatment and care but also enhance public awareness of the disease.

Advocacy: In preparation for 2025, we are ramping up our advocacy efforts to secure funding from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDRMP). By forging new relationships with our elected officials, we can ensure that mesothelioma is on the list to receive funding for research that has the potential to revolutionize mesothelioma treatment. The meso community’s presence in DC on Advocacy Day this year was the first step in achieving this goal.

As a valued member of the mesothelioma community, we invite you to join us as we enter a new era of the Foundation. Your philanthropic support, regardless of size, fuels change. It funds vital research, bolsters advocacy, amplifies education and awareness, and provides the lifeline of support to those who need it most. By engaging with the Foundation, you become an integral part of the effort to transform the lives of mesothelioma patients and their loved ones.

Thank you for your commitment to our shared mission. Together, we can bring hope and progress to the mesothelioma community that reverberates far beyond 2024.

With much gratitude,

Marjorie G. Zauderer, MD, Chair, Board of Directors
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation