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Posted on Thursday, Aug 26, 2010

Options for Funding Mesothelioma Research

Athletic events are becoming popular methods for raising much-needed funds for mesothelioma research.  As more and more advocates join the fight for a mesothelioma cure, however, fundraising and donation options have become more diverse.  While mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer, the research dollars designated for lung cancer don’t always end up funding projects specific to mesothelioma.

Although ongoing research is being conducted to find new treatments and therapies for mesothelioma, a rare, aggressive cancer primarily caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, it is still considered to be an incurable disease in the medical community. Early detection improves survival chances, but most often diagnoses are not made until symptoms appear and the disease has progressed to an advanced stage leaving the patient with life-threatening complications.

With clinical trials offering the best available treatment, as well as the opportunity for patients to receive new, potentially more effective therapies, keeping mesothelioma researchers funded is critical to the 3,000 Americans diagnosed with the disease each year.

Donation Options

Give to your hospital of choice.  There are several hospitals with mesothelioma programs that support on-line giving and most have a “donate online” option on their websites.  The International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women’s of Boston, for example, states that “donations sustain important research, provide clinical services to the needy, and support a broad spectrum of projects in the community.”

Fund Foundation and Charity Programs.  Mesothelioma charities designate their donations to fund clinical trials and research for mesothelioma treatments and therapies, they offer support and education for patients, and many offer counseling and financial resources to help patients and their families.

Make a gift to Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.  The Meso Foundation is one of the leading foundations “dedicated to eradicating the life-ending and vicious effects of mesothelioma.”  A donation to the Meso Foundation will help fund grants and critical research, advocate in Washington, D.C. for greater federal funding, and educate patients, families and doctors on current treatment options.

Support the National Cancer Institute.  Although the NCI is an entity of the Federal government they can accept donations and bequests to support its mission.  Donations can be designated for a certain type of cancer research, so be sure to designate Mesothelioma as the research to be funded.

Donate your time.  Giving money is not always an option, and giving your time in support of a mesothelioma foundation is just as critical.  Organizations are always in need of volunteers willing to help with newsletters, organize events, provide support to patients and conduct research.