Charities and private foundations are essential to the continued advancement of cancer treatment worldwide. Research funded by cancer foundations has allowed doctors to make huge breakthroughs in mesothelioma treatment over the past decade. With enough support and funding, we hope this innovation will only continue.
Below are some recommended organizations to look to for support and resources. If you choose to make a donation, any of these respected groups are an excellent choice. We appreciate your contribution and willingness to join us to fight mesothelioma and ultimately find a cure.
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 International Mesothelioma Program has emerged as the largest mesothelioma care center in the world, with over 80 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 names in the field. Because mesothelioma is so rare, most hospitals have not collected the significant amount of knowledge and experience with the disease needed to generate ground-breaking research and advancements in care. This is where IMP differs.
The specialists at IMP have joined their expertise to create the globe’s foremost mesothelioma treatment center and set a new standard for approaching the disease. The dedicated scientists at the IMP engage in basic research, clinical research and pioneering ventures such as their genomic project.
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) is a non-profit charitable organization based out of Alexandria, Virginia. They offer extensive resources for patients, connecting them with top mesothelioma specialists. They also provide details on clinical trials and make available a wide range of free informational literature.
The MARF is also engaged in research, educational initiatives and prevention-based education, as well as public advocacy. They publish the latest findings in mesothelioma research and connects doctors, patients, the public, and policymakers.
American Cancer Society
The trusted American Cancer Society is an umbrella organization that both funds and conducts research, educates patients and provides information on treatment and support for patients with many different types of cancer.
The American Cancer Society is spread throughout the nation via a system of volunteer-based local programs and services.
You can donate to the society, find volunteer opportunities with them, or help fundraise on behalf of the organization. Fundraising for the American Cancer Society can happen 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 National Cancer Institute is responsible for coordinating the United States National Cancer Program, which includes other research institutes as well. The Institute both 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, as well as offering ongoing support for 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 non-profit in the United States. Created in 2010 from the merging of the original foundation with Protect Your Lungs, the organization was founded entirely by individuals who had been diagnosed with lung cancer.
Together, the people at LUNGevity set out to find a cure. Through their dedication, they ended up turning a humble organization into the fastest growing charity in the country.
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.
Cancer Hope Network
Cancer Hope Network is committed to providing free and confidential private support to anyone affected by cancer, including patients, families, friends and survivors. They provide emotional support and offer hope while avoiding specific treatment or health advice.
The support staff at Cancer Hope Network—who all have personal experience with cancer—can answer questions, offer emotional advice, or simply listen.
They can also assist with supporting your loved ones so that you can focus on your own needs in difficult times. 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. It’s also the biggest independent non-profit in the nation that’s committed to supporting patients of asbestos-related diseases.
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 dissemination and funding cure-driven research.
Pacific Meso Center
The Pacific Mesothelioma Center is a division of The Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute—a Los Angeles-based non-profit 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.
The Advantage of Cancer Foundations
These incredible organizations, big and small, share a steadfast determination to minimize the pain and damage that mesothelioma can cause to those diagnosed and the people 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.
Want to learn more about cancer foundations? Or, do you have questions about finding a mesothelioma specialist? Call Mesothelioma Hope at (866) 608-8933 to speak to one of our Patient Advocates.
