Mesothelioma Hope Patient Advocates

A mesothelioma diagnosis throws everything into chaos — treatment decisions, legal questions, insurance headaches, and fear. It’s overwhelming, and most people don’t know where to start. That’s where a Patient Advocate steps in.

When you reach out to our Patient Advocates, you get a team of real people who specialize in mesothelioma and have walked hundreds of families through this cancer. They’ll help you understand your diagnosis, connect you with top specialists, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

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Lauren and our other Patient Advocates like an help you find top resources following a mesothelioma diagnosis. Call (866) 608-8933 to speak with her today. View Transcript.

Duration: 1 min 09 sec

My name is Lauren Ryder, and I’m one of the patient advocates here at Mesothelioma Hope. We understand that this is a very difficult diagnosis to take in. It’s very overwhelming and sometimes people need support. As part of the patient care team, my job is to share resources for those facing mesothelioma, make sure they have all the support and everything they need to make it through this difficult journey. To be there through this process, to have someone to go to when something comes up and they need help or have a question, I’m there for them. My dad had cancer, so I know how hard it is to get that news and a lot of times I speak with their children and they don’t know where to start and their parents are kind of confused and they just want to help them and I wish that was around, you know, back when my dad was sick and I had that help. It makes me feel good for them to know that they have someone on their side doing whatever they can to help, and that’s what we’re here for. If you have mesothelioma, please reach out to us at Mesothelioma Hope. We’re here to support you, guide you, and provide you with anything you need to help you get through this journey.

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Your Mesothelioma Lifeline

25+

years
helping patients & caregivers

8K+

families served
since 1999

24/7

Personalized Support
available

20+

NURSING Support
staff

An Entire Team Dedicated to Mesothelioma Patient Advocacy

Mesothelioma Hope’s Patient Advocate team brings together professionals with backgrounds in oncology nursing, veterans benefits, legal advocacy, and patient support. Each advocate has specialized knowledge that helps them address the many challenges families face after a diagnosis.

Together, they ensure every family that contacts Mesothelioma Hope receives the guidance and support they need.

Group photo of Mesothelioma Hope's lead Patient Advocates: Jenna Tozzi RN, Liz Logan RN, VA-accredited attorney Jonathan N. Nelson, and senior mesothelioma paralegal Shara Fisher
Registered nurse and Chief Patient Care Advisor Jenna Tozzi

Jenna Tozzi, RN

Chief Patient Care Advisor

Jenna Tozzi, RN leads the clinical strategy behind how our team communicates with patients and families so they receive clear, accurate, and up-to-date medical guidance.

Jenna works closely with our advocates to keep everyone updated on new therapies, clinical research, and the latest changes in mesothelioma treatment based on official guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).

“We want patients to get the most out of their appointments and be able to make informed decisions about how to proceed with treatment.”
Oncology Nurse Navigator Liz Logan, RN

Liz Logan, RN

Oncology Nurse Navigator

Liz Logan, RN works closely with mesothelioma patients and their families as they explore possible treatments.

A Board-Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA), Liz helps people make sense of what different mesothelioma treatments may involve and what questions they might want to raise with their medical team. She also looks for clinical trials where patients may be able to access emerging therapies that aren’t available to the wider public.

“A big part of my job is helping people understand their treatment options. You don’t have to figure this all out alone.”
Veterans Advocate Jonathan Nelson

Jonathan N. Nelson

Veterans Advocate

Jonathan N. Nelson (Major, USMC Ret.) is our Veterans Advocate and a VA-accredited attorney.

Jonathan works with military veterans and their families to obtain VA benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis. He helps former service members apply for monthly disability compensation, check if they qualify for higher payments, and understand survivors benefits for their family members.

With more than 20 years of experience, Jonathan brings firsthand knowledge of the military and the VA system to best support fellow veterans and their families.

“It’s my responsibility to know what a patient’s options are within the Department of Veterans Affairs and to make sure they can access the benefits they’re entitled to.”
Senior mesothelioma paralegal Shara Fisher

Shara Fisher

Senior Mesothelioma Paralegal

Shara Fisher is our mesothelioma paralegal and works closely with patients and families pursuing compensation for asbestos exposure.

With more than 19 years of experience handling asbestos cases, Shara has helped families nationwide understand their legal rights after a mesothelioma diagnosis. She takes time to listen to each family’s story and help them seek justice.

Shara helps patients and caregivers learn about mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. Her experience allows her to guide families through the early stages of the legal process while they focus on their health and time together.

“We do all of the work for you — the only thing we ask is that you share your story.”
Registered nurse Amy Fair

Amy Fair, RN

Registered Nurse & Patient Advocate

25+ Years Experience

Former home health nurse
Mesothelioma paralegal Brittany Newman

Brittany Newman

Patient Advocate

10+ Years Experience

Lost grandfather to asbestos lung cancer

Mesothelioma paralegal Alyssa Rubin

Alyssa Rubin

Patient Advocate

16+ Years Experience

Certified asbestos paralegal

Patient Advocate Lauren Ryder

Lauren Ryder

Patient Advocate

10+ Years Experience

Father passed from lung cancer
Patient Advocate Fran Morales

Frances Morales

Patient Advocate

10+ Years Experience

Sister-in-law was diagnosed with cancer
Patient Advocate Ana Munoz

Ana Munoz

Patient Advocate

10+ Years Experience

Trained in elderly caregiving
Patient Advocate Marisa Moller

Marisa Moller

Patient Advocate

3+ Years Experience

Lost a close uncle to cancer
Patient Advocate Claudia Pineda

Claudia Pineda

Patient Advocate

2+ Years Experience

Lost grandmother to cancer

How Our Mesothelioma Patient Advocates Help Families

Mesothelioma affects more than your health. It impacts your emotional well-being, finances, relationships, and future plans.

That’s why our Patient Advocates provide comprehensive assistance in three key areas: medical guidance, financial assistance, and supportive care. We look at the full picture of your situation, so you have support everywhere you need it.

John Stahl and his wife, Dee
Read John's Story of Surviving Mesothelioma

Medical Guidance

There’s a lot to take in when it comes to mesothelioma treatment, and doctors often move through it quickly without giving you a chance to process. Most people leave their first appointment with more questions than they went in with.

Our Patient Advocates help translate the medical jargon. We’ll walk you through what your diagnosis actually means, what your treatment options are, and what to expect week by week.

After speaking with a mesothelioma advocate, many families say it’s easier to follow what their doctors are explaining and keep track of the information they’re being given.

Our goal isn’t to replace your medical team. Instead, we help you understand the information they provide so you can make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones.

Our team helps patients and families by:

  • Walking you through each line of your test results and pathology reports
  • Helping you find experienced mesothelioma specialists and cancer centers
  • Connecting you with mesothelioma doctors for a second opinion
  • Preparing questions you may want to ask during doctor’s appointments
  • Explaining treatment options and what you can expect from each one
  • Helping you understand possible side effects and ways to manage them
  • Providing information about clinical trials and emerging therapies
Connie Bonnin

“They’re people who have gone through this with their family members, so they’re not helping you while being blind themselves. They know what they’re talking about.”

– Connie Bonnin, wife of a mesothelioma patient

Financial Assistance

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. For decades, asbestos was used in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and many other industries. Because of that, many patients qualify for financial compensation from the companies responsible for their exposure.

Many families miss out on compensation simply because they don’t know it’s available. Our Patient Advocates can explain every option and put families in touch with trusted professionals who understand the legal process inside and out.

Pursuing compensation can ease some of the financial pressure families feel after a mesothelioma diagnosis. With our guidance, patients and caregivers can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time focusing on treatment and being with one another.

We help in this area by:

  • Connecting families with experienced mesothelioma attorneys for a free case review
  • Seeing if you can file a mesothelioma lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for your illness
  • Explaining how asbestos trust funds work and who may be eligible for compensation
  • Finding travel grants, meal stipends, and fuel cards to help with expenses during treatment
Mesothelioma survivor Jessica Blackford-Cleeton

“They made everything simple. They worked around me and everything I was going through with treatment. It was an easy process, but they were also quick.”

– Jessica Blackford-Cleeton, mesothelioma patient

Veterans Benefits Support

Many mesothelioma patients are veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service. If this applies to you or your loved one, you may qualify for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Our in-house Veterans Advocate is also a VA-accredited attorney, so you can get reliable information from someone who understands how VA benefits apply to mesothelioma. You’ll get clarity on how your service history factors in and what you need to file for benefits.

VA benefits can make a real difference for families facing mesothelioma, but small details can impact how much you receive and how long it takes. We help you get the right information, put together a stronger claim, and avoid delays so you can access the support available to you and your family.

We help veterans and their families by:

  • Answering questions about VA benefits for asbestos exposure
  • Seeing if you qualify for tax-free disability compensation and other benefits
  • Checking if you’re eligible for increased compensation after a mesothelioma diagnosis
  • Breaking down the VA claims process so you know exactly what to expect
  • Gathering nexus letters and other documentation to file your benefits claim
  • Guiding family members through VA benefits, including survivor pensions
Mike Crosby

“You’re dealing with the medical hardship you’re facing, and just having somebody in your corner — that’s a big deal.”

– Mike Crosby, son of a U.S. Air Force veteran with mesothelioma

Supportive Care

A mesothelioma diagnosis affects far more than just a patient’s medical care. Families often face difficult decisions, unexpected disruptions to daily life, and the emotional weight that comes with navigating a serious cancer diagnosis.

Our Patient Advocates help patients and caregivers feel more informed and less alone throughout the process. They take time to listen, answer questions, and help families understand what resources may be available as their needs change over time.

Whether someone is adjusting to treatment, caring for a loved one, or trying to plan for what comes next, our advocates provide compassionate guidance to help families adjust to their new normal.

Our advocates help by:

  • Connecting families with support groups and peer mentors
  • Sharing caregiving resources for home care and daily living assistance
  • Providing emotional support as families process fear, grief, or uncertainty
  • Helping caregivers access resources for stress management and self-care
  • Identifying transportation assistance programs for travel to medical appointments
  • Locating lodging near cancer centers for patients getting treatment away from home
  • Explaining palliative care services that focus on comfort and quality of life
Steve Fengarinas

“The woman I talked to from Mesothelioma Hope really made me feel like it was okay to get vulnerable, tell her what was going on, and express my own personal pain and grief with what was happening in the moment.”

– Steve Fengarinas, son of a mesothelioma patient

Why Families Turn to Our Mesothelioma Patient Advocates

When a mesothelioma diagnosis hits, the clock starts ticking, and the sudden pressure to make life-changing decisions can feel paralyzing. Our Patient Advocates can help provide clear direction and answers to help families understand the best next steps.

Instead of spending valuable time researching or calling multiple hospitals, patients can get immediate help finding experienced mesothelioma specialists, organizing medical records, and securing appointments as quickly as possible.

Ultimately, families turn to Mesothelioma Hope because they want a single reliable place for answers and support without having to manage everything on their own.

Words From Those We’ve Helped

Our Patient Advocates spend time speaking with
mesothelioma patients, caregivers, and loved ones, listening to their experiences and helping them think through questions about treatment, support resources, and other challenges that come up along the way.

The testimonials from people we’ve helped offer a glimpse of what those conversations can be like. Many patients and caregivers describe our advocates as thoughtful listeners who take the time to understand what their family is going through.

Howard Behling

“I didn’t have to do anything except make a phone call. They’re an awesome bunch of people.”

– Howard Behling, husband of a mesothelioma patient

Resources Our Advocates Can Help You Access

Mesothelioma Hope’s Patient Advocates can connect families with helpful support resources that fit their situation and explain how to use them.

These resources cover topics like medical care, financial assistance, and opportunities to connect with other patients and caregivers for emotional support.

Elderly couple reading through Mesothelioma Hope's Free Mesothelioma Guide

Free 2026
Mesothelioma Guide

Our medically reviewed guide explains mesothelioma symptoms, treatment options, and financial resources available to patients and families to help them pay for medical care.

Get Your Free Guide
Female mesothelioma patient on a video support group call

Mesothelioma Hope
Support Group

Connect with other patients and caregivers who are facing similar challenges. Many families find it helpful to talk with others who understand the realities of mesothelioma.

Join the Next Session
Elderly couple during a free mesothelioma case review

Free Legal
Case Review

Many mesothelioma patients and families pursue compensation to help cover medical costs and other expenses. A Free Case Review can help you understand your legal options.

Get Your Free Case Review

Mesothelioma Patient Advocacy FAQs

What is a mesothelioma Patient Advocate?

A Patient Advocate is someone who understands mesothelioma and helps guide you through the unique challenges that come with it.

Their job is to help you find the right specialists, understand your diagnosis (like pleural vs. peritoneal mesothelioma), and make sure you’re getting care from doctors who have real experience treating this disease.

They stay involved throughout your entire mesothelioma journey, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. They also provide support for your family, helping loved ones better understand the diagnosis and how to navigate this journey alongside you.

How is a Patient Advocate different from a doctor or social worker?

A Patient Advocate helps coordinate and guide care for mesothelioma patients, while doctors and social workers handle specific parts of the process:

  • Your doctor treats the cancer and manages your medical care.
  • A social worker provides emotional support and helps connect you with counseling and mental health services.

Meanwhile, Patient Advocates help you understand your mesothelioma diagnosis, find experienced specialists, and navigate decisions about treatment, finances, and supportive care.

How can a Patient Advocate help after a mesothelioma diagnosis?

A Patient Advocate can help you take clear, manageable next steps after a mesothelioma diagnosis and make sure you receive the right care for this rare cancer.

They can help you:

  • Find mesothelioma specialists
  • Review treatment options
  • Arrange second opinions
  • Connect with support groups
  • Enroll in clinical trials
  • Coordinate travel for treatment
  • Access legal compensation
  • And much more

Patient Advocates can also help you access important resources you might not be able to find on your own and provide guidance for both you and your family.

Call (866) 608-8933 to speak with one of Mesothelioma Hope’s Patient Advocates and get support for yourself or a loved one today.

What resources are available for mesothelioma caregivers?

​​Caring for someone with mesothelioma is a lot of work, but there are resources to help you manage your responsibilities with less stress.

Resources for mesothelioma caregivers include:

  • Support groups to connect with others in person and online
  • Oncology social workers who can help you navigate mesothelioma care
  • Counseling services for support with stress, grief, and emotional burnout
  • Home health care to assist with medical needs and daily tasks at home
  • Respite care for short breaks when you need time to rest and recharge
  • Transportation for getting to and from appointments and follow-ups

The Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma Hope can connect you with these resources ​​and ensure you receive the support you need.

How do I advocate for myself after a mesothelioma diagnosis?

Advocating for yourself with mesothelioma means taking an active role in your care and making sure your voice is heard.

Here are some tips from our Patient Advocates:

  • Ask questions until you understand your diagnosis, including stage and cell type
  • Seek a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist
  • Bring someone to appointments for support and note-taking
  • Keep your medical records organized and accessible
  • Ask about clinical trials and additional treatment options
  • Speak up if something doesn’t feel right or if you need more support

Being your own advocate also means ensuring your treatment plan reflects your priorities, such as quality of life, family planning, and specific side effects you want to avoid.