On Sunday, September 26, 2010, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) is hosting Mesothelioma Awareness Day events around the country, including one in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza. They are asking all foundation volunteers and supporters in the area to meet them at 7:00 a.m. in the plaza to participate as the outside audience for the Today Show Weekend Edition. Participants will be given t-shirts and signs on-site to show their support.
As a strong advocate for mesothelioma research and education, Motley Rice supports MARF's efforts to educate Americans on the impact mesothelioma has had on families all over the U.S. MARF is currently petitioning the federal government to declare September 26, 2010, as National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. The U.S. House of Representatives is close to signing the declaration.
The foundation consists of patients, families, physicians, researchers, lawyers and other advocates dedicated to ending the suffering caused by the disease. Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related disease for which there is currently no cure. It is a very aggressive form of cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs, heart, abdomen and other organ cavities. The life expectancy of those diagnosed depends on age, overall health of the patient and the type of mesothelioma. The foundation hopes to raise awareness of the disease and encourage partnerships to help find a cure.
Motley Rice asbestos lawyers have been advocates for mesothelioma victims since the 1970s and have represented thousands of clients and their families as they have struggled with this disease. We extend our sympathy to everyone whose life has been affected by this aggressive form of cancer. May Mesothelioma Awareness Day serve as an opportunity for all who have been affected by mesothelioma to come together for strength, community and power to work towards a cure. We consider ourselves partners in this fight and are proud to have representatives on hand in New York participating in the Rockefeller center event.
While the emotional affects of mesothelioma do not discriminate, men are three times more likely to develop mesothelioma than women, with the average patient age being 65. There are approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year. The average length of survival following diagnosis is less than a year. Many mesothelioma patients are veterans who were exposed to asbestos during service. Other people at high risk because of their occupations include miners, shipyard workers, insulators, railroad employees, electricians, steamfitters, pipefitters, boilermakers, auto mechanics, chemical and power plant workers and auto mechanics.
Contact an asbestos lawyer to discuss Mesothelioma Awareness Day or learn more about asbestos-related diseases or asbestos lawsuits.