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Posted on Monday, Oct 31, 2011

“Shine a Light” Vigil Offers Opportunity to Raise Awareness of Mesothelioma

Cities across the country are joining together for the Shine a Light on Lung Cancer vigil being held on November 1.  There are 74 cities throughout the United States, and many others globally, sponsoring an event to raise awareness about the different forms of lung cancer, including mesothelioma, and to honor loved ones who have been affected by the disease.

Started in Boston in 2004 by one lung cancer survivor with a vision to offer “hope, inspiration, compassion and support for all of those touched by lung cancer,” the Lung Cancer Alliance’s “Shine a Light” event has grown to a national campaign hoping to reach 100 communities nationwide representing all 50 states.  Vigils are held to raise awareness of lung cancer, and they offer yet another opportunity to educate the public about mesothelioma, a deadly cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer most commonly found in the outer lining of the lungs called the mesothelium.  Often called “asbestos cancer,” mesothelioma is highly aggressive and is resistant to many cancer treatments. Currently there is no known cure for mesothelioma, and the average survival time varies from 4 – 18 months after diagnosis.

Lung Cancer Alliance, the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to patient support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer and those at risk for the disease, is using “Shine a Light” to “bring lung cancer out of the shadows and ignite a national dialogue about the disease.”  The events held across the country, where illuminate glow sticks will be lit, also serve to kick off November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

As listed on the Lung Cancer Alliance website, some of the goals of “Shine a Light” include:

  • Educating and mobilizing Americans to gain a better understanding, and bring attention and support for the lung cancer movement,
  • Engaging key decision makers, policy leaders, media, and the medical community, securing multiple millions in public health dollars for lung cancer research, and
  • Honoring and memorializing loved ones.

The public is invited to create a “Shine a Light” vigil to raise awareness of mesothelioma and lung cancer.

See the Lung Cancer Alliance website for more information.