Since 2005, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) has promoted September 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day. The day is meant to serve as both a day to honor and remember those who have suffered from this rare lung disease, as well as promote awareness so that future generations might see fewer instances of the illness. 

In an effort to bring further awareness, mesothelioma advocates have been pushing to have the day recognized by the U.S. government as a national day of awareness. A bill linked to this goal – H. Res. 771 – is scheduled to be added to the legislative calendar for the House of Representatives. If passed and signed by the president, it would serve as a major victory for raising awareness about the hazards of asbestos – the natural fiber that has been linked to mesothelioma formation when inhaled into the lungs. 

To help bring national awareness, MARF is urging people to get involved to help raise awareness for making Mesothelioma Awareness Day official in your city, state or country. Ways that individuals can help include: 

Regardless of national recognition, September 26 has come to be a special and important day for those personally affected by mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare lung disease that has no cure. An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Americans die from the illness each year.

With Mesothelioma Awareness Day approaching fast, we wanted to do something a little different this year. On 9/17, we launched our "Lend Your Hand" campaign. The campaign is simple. We are asking people to literally lend their hands to the cause! It can be a message of support, a person’s name whom you wish to honor, or a simple message of hope for ALL cancer patients, not just mesothelioma. Submit it in one of TWO ways: Submit it through the campaign page OR via Twitter or Instagram by tagging @canceralliance and “#lendyourhand”. After you submit your photo, let your friends know about the campaign so they can participate & vote too. The photos with the most votes will receive an MCA gift bag! Please lend us your hand and help raise awareness of Mesothelioma. Photos can be submitted through Mesothelioma Awareness Day on 9/26. Join Heather Von St. James as she shares information about her personal battle with mesothelioma and her triumphant victory over the disease. Follow Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist, Gary Cohn, as he writes a series of articles on the global health and policy issues that matter most in these changing times. Follow Doug as he reflects on his personal experiences in the U.S. Navy and issues confronting all veterans today. Follow Attorney Lucarelli as she discusses the latest trends in asbestos litigation and offers insights on mesothelima advocacy based on her work with over 1,000 mesothelioma victims around the country. Contact us if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and we will send you a comprehensive mesothelioma information packet free of charge within 24 hours.