It is with bittersweet emotion that Mesothelioma Hope bids Mary Hesdorffer farewell as she announces her retirement from the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Hesdorffer has worked tirelessly for decades as an advocate for mesothelioma patients and families. She leaves the organization well-positioned to transition into a new era of mesothelioma treatments, paving the way for a cure. The team at Mesothelioma Hope wishes Mary our best on her new journey.
Hesdorffer Retires After Decades of Supporting Mesothelioma Patients
Executive Director of The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) Mary Hesdorffer recently announced her retirement from the organization.
Hesdorffer had originally retired from the Meso Foundation several years back but was asked to return a few months later by the board of directors.
At that time, Hesdorffer committed to a three-year contract, which came to an end on August 30, 2021. Through Hesdorffer’s leadership over the past three years, the Meso Foundation is ready to help usher in a new and hopeful era for mesothelioma patients.
“It has brought me great pleasure to serve this deserving community in my capacity as the executive director of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and, like you, I am fully vested in the success of this organization and its work.”
– Mary Hesdorffer
Hesdorffer will continue in her role as medical director until the board’s search committee finds a suitable replacement. In this role, she handles support and education services, grant program management, and various other responsibilities.
The Meso Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is made up of patients and families, doctors, researchers, and advocates dedicated to putting an end to mesothelioma.
The Foundation is based in Washington, D.C., but has a national presence and a global reach. It provides medical information and support to mesothelioma patients and their families. It also funds research projects from around the globe.
Additionally, the Meso Foundation raises awareness and advocates in the public and private sectors in support of a cure.
Hesdorffer’s Impact on The Meso Foundation
Mary Hesdorffer is a registered nurse who served as the Meso Foundation’s nurse practitioner for decades. She has also held several other roles within the Foundation since its inception.
As the Meso Foundation’s executive director, Hesdorffer was responsible for:
- Assuring that the Meso Foundation achieved its mission
- Creating and executing a strategic plan for long term growth
- Identifying major donors
- Meeting the community’s needs
- Leading advocacy and political efforts
- Overseeing the entire staff
- Serving as the face of the organization
Hesdorffer has also served on various committees for the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), including the Mesothelioma Taskforce. IASLC committees represent every lung cancer specialty.
Due to her hard work and dedication to the Meso Foundation, many clinical trials and studies have been conducted to help find better treatment options.
Hesdorffer was committed to raising funds for mesothelioma research in search of a cure. Her passion to put an end to the terrible illness was seen in everything she did. Although she is retiring, Hesdorffer’s legacy as a passionate and driven mesothelioma advocate will live on.
The entire team at Mesothelioma Hope would like to take this opportunity to thank Mary for her selfless service throughout the years. She has been a tireless advocate for mesothelioma patients and their families.
The Future of the Meso Foundation
Following Hesdorffer’s well-deserved retirement, Julie Powers is now the executive director of the Meso Foundation.
Powers has spent the past 25 years in the nonprofit sector, most recently serving as the Senior Director, Patient Advocacy with the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation.
Although we will miss Mary a great deal, we know Julie will be a great fit for the role of executive director.
The team at Mesothelioma Hope wishes you both the very best in your new endeavors.
