Mesothelioma Research Foundation Basics
Charities and private foundations are essential to the continued advancement of cancer treatment worldwide.
Research funding by cancer foundations has allowed doctors to make huge breakthroughs in mesothelioma treatment over the past decade. With enough support and funding, this innovation will only continue.
Below are some recommended nonprofit organizations mesothelioma patients and their families can look to for support and resources.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our free 2023 Mesothelioma Guide may be of help. This booklet is loaded with information about top mesothelioma treatments, specialists, and resources for obtaining financial aid.
International Mesothelioma Program
Founded in 2002, the International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) is headed at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School.
The IMP has emerged as the largest mesothelioma care center in the world, with more than 90 staff members across the care team, scientific research division, and support staff.
This patient-first organization is arguably the world’s most esteemed facility for diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. It’s also the workplace of some of the most respected health care professionals in the field.
Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer, most hospitals have not collected enough knowledge and experience to generate ground-breaking research and advancements in care. This is where the IMP differs.
The specialists at the IMP have joined their expertise to create the globe’s foremost mesothelioma treatment center and set a new standard for approaching the disease. The mesothelioma experts at the IMP engage in basic research, clinical research, and pioneering ventures such as their gene project.
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) is a nonprofit charitable organization based out of Alexandria, Virginia. It offers extensive resources for patients and connects them with top mesothelioma specialists.
Additionally, the Meso Foundation provides details on clinical trials and makes available a wide range of free informational literature.
The Meso Foundation is also engaged in research, educational initiatives, prevention-based education, and public advocacy. Further, it publishes the latest findings in mesothelioma research and connects doctors, patients, and policymakers.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is an umbrella organization established in 1913 that funds research, conducts studies, and provides treatment information and support for people with mesothelioma and many other different types of cancer.
The ACS is spread throughout the nation via a system of volunteer-based local programs and services. The ACS has more than 250 regional offices spread across the United States.
You can donate to the society, volunteer, or help fundraise on its behalf. Fundraising for the ACS occurs through a variety of channels, including athletic events and galas, corporate involvement, and personal fundraising within your own social group.
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a federal cancer research agency and a section of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The NCI is responsible for coordinating the U.S. National Cancer Program, which includes other research institutes as well.
The institute conducts and funds research, provides financing and training for promising cancer researchers, and distributes health information.
The organization’s goal is to support cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment. It also provides support for cancer patients and their loved ones and offers ongoing support for mesothelioma survivors.
While the NCI cannot partake in fundraising initiatives or ask for funding, you can make a donation through the Gift Fund or the Breast Cancer Research Stamp.
LUNGevity Foundation
LUNGevity is the premier lung cancer-focused nonprofit in the United States.
Created in 2010 from the merging of the original foundation with Protect Your Lungs, LUNGevity was founded entirely by individuals who had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Together, they set out to find a cure and achieve the group’s vision of a world in which no one dies of lung cancer.
LUNGevity became the country’s fastest-growing charity in less than 10 years.
LUNGevity is dedicated to improving the quality and length of life for lung cancer patients, focusing on increasing early detection, researching and funding new treatment options, and delivering support to those impacted by lung cancer.
“Our strategic investment in both early detection and therapeutics will help people live better with lung cancer and dramatically improve on the current 19% 5-year survival rate.”
—LUNGevity Foundation
Cancer Hope Network
Cancer Hope Network is committed to providing free and confidential private support to anyone affected by cancer, including patients, family members, friends, and survivors.
The network provides emotional support while avoiding specific treatment or medical advice. It also matches cancer patients and caregivers with a peer for one-on-one support.
More than 400 support volunteers at Cancer Hope Network — who all have personal experience with cancer — can answer questions or simply listen.
As of December 2022, this cancer foundation has served more than 50,000 cancer survivors and loved ones.
You can make a gift, donate, volunteer, or support the network in a number of other valuable ways.
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded in 2004 and is based in Redondo Beach, California. The ADAO is the biggest independent nonprofit in the nation that is committed to supporting patients of asbestos-related diseases.
In March 2023, the ADAO hosted its first-ever Virtual Day of Asbestos Awareness and #BanAsbestos Action to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos exposure, dispel misconceptions about its usage in commercial products, and generate support for legislation to ban the toxic substance. Most notably, the event aimed to compel Congress to reintroduce the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act.
In addition to advocating on behalf of patients and keeping those affected by asbestos exposure informed of their legal rights, ADAO engages in preventative measures, education, and funding of cure-driven research.
Taking care of someone with mesothelioma? Mesothelioma Hope’s Self-Care for Caregivers Guide can help you maintain your own health and find the support that you need at this difficult time.
Pacific Mesothelioma Center
The Pacific Mesothelioma Center is a division of the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute — a Los Angeles-based nonprofit research institution dedicated to the advancement of medical research.
With a state-of-the-art in-house lab and a committed team, the Pacific Mesothelioma Center wants to use research in the vanguard of medicine to make major progress in treating malignant mesothelioma.
Advantages of Mesothelioma Cancer Foundations
These incredible mesothelioma foundations, big and small, share a steadfast determination to minimize the pain and damage that mesothelioma can cause to the people diagnosed and those they love.
From simply providing an attentive ear to spearheading some of the most exciting medical advancements ever made, every effort helps us all in our collective goal — to find a cure for mesothelioma.
The sense of community and positive outlook that these organizations foster let patients, survivors, families, and friends know that they are not alone.
If you can spare a donation or a few hours of your time to volunteer, it’ll be well worth it. Even if you can’t, take hope in knowing that these communities and organizations exist and are there to help you. Use their extensive resources and don’t hesitate to reach out.
Mesothelioma Hope is here to help, too. Want to learn more about mesothelioma foundations? Or, do you have questions about finding a mesothelioma specialist? Contact our Patient Advocates today at (866) 608-8933 for assistance.
Mesothelioma Cancer Foundation FAQs
Is there a charity for mesothelioma?
There are many mesothelioma cancer foundations and charities that fund mesothelioma research and help mesothelioma patients and their families access care.
Some of these organizations include:
- American Cancer Society
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
- Cancer Hope Network
- International Mesothelioma Program
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
- National Cancer Institute
These and other mesothelioma cancer foundations and charities are spearheading new and exciting mesothelioma research. They also let mesothelioma patients, families, and survivors know that they are not alone.
These groups are always looking for people to help in the fight against mesothelioma by making donations or volunteering their time.
How can I find top mesothelioma foundations near me?
You can find top mesothelioma foundations by reaching out to our team at (866) 608-8933. We can help you find top foundations and other resources following a mesothelioma diagnosis.
The Mesothelioma Hope team has on-staff patient advocates, attorneys, and more available to help you get the support you need.
What is the best hospital for mesothelioma?
There are a number of top mesothelioma cancer centers located across the United States.
Some mesothelioma cancer foundations like the Meso Foundation connect patients with top mesothelioma specialists.
