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  • Home > Blog > For Your Family > Give Thanks to Your Mesothelioma Caregiver During National Family Caregivers Month
Posted on Tuesday, Nov 22, 2011

Give Thanks to Your Mesothelioma Caregiver During National Family Caregivers Month

Mesothelioma is a rare, incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure.  In order to fight the disease, patients often undergo surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.   For the patients, managing the aggressive treatment regimen is made easier with support from their family and friends.  This month, in honor of the 65 million family caregivers in the United States, the National Family Caregivers Association promotes National Family Caregivers Month.

President Obama has continued the tradition started in 1997 when President Clinton signed the first presidential proclamation recognizing the selflessness of caregivers.  This year, the proclamation states:

“As we observe National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the tireless compassion of Americans who heal, comfort, and support our injured, our elders, and people with disabilities.  This month and throughout the year, let the quiet perseverance of our family caregivers remind us of the decency and kindness to which we can all aspire.”

Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases have an extended latency period with diagnoses often being made decades after exposure.  At this time, the disease has typically progressed to an advanced stage leaving the patient with life-threatening complications.

Caregivers are not only called upon to provide the mesothelioma patients with their daily needs, but they also deal with the myriad medical appointments, medical bills, updates to other family members and friends and ensuring that the household runs efficiently.

The National Family Caregivers Association “educates, supports, empowers and speaks up” for those that provide care to their loved ones with a chronic disease or disability.  The organization “reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships and life stages to help transform family caregivers’ lives by removing barriers to health and well being.”

Now, during this Thanksgiving holiday week, please take the time to thank all the caregivers that help to keep their loved ones comfortable during their battle with mesothelioma.