March 28, 2012
MEDIA ADVISORY
PROMINENT ASBESTOS EXPERTS PRESENT AT EIGHTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ASBESTOS AWARENESS CONFERENCE MARCH 30 – APRIL 1, MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIF.
Manhattan Beach, Calif. – The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is hosting its 8th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference Friday, March 30 – April 1, 2012, in Manhattan Beach, Calif., with activities planned throughout the weekend. The international conference provides education and outreach to families, employers/employees and scientists on a global scale as part of ADAO’s continuing effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ban its use, and encourage research efforts to improve treatment options.
The event features a special tribute dinner in memory of actor Steve McQueen the evening of March 31. Barbara McQueen, widow of Steve McQueen, will be speaking and signing copies of her book “The Last Mile” which features pictures and short narratives of her time with McQueen. Special guest entertainer is Jordan Zevon, whose father, rock musician Warren Zevon, died of mesothelioma caused from asbestos exposure.
WHAT: ADAO’s 8th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference: An International Public Health Crisis
WHEN: Conference – Saturday, March 31, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Steve McQueen Tribute Dinner with entertainer Jordan Zevon – Saturday, March 31, 6:30– 9 p.m.
Unity and Remembrance Brunch – Sunday, April 1, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Marriott Manhattan Beach
1400 Parkview Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
WHY: To share information and provide support to those affected by asbestos-related diseases, including survivors, families and physicians. Prominent physicians, scientists, safety and health directors and survivors are presenting up-to-date information about the status of asbestos in the United States and worldwide.
WHO: Debbie Brewer, Mesothelioma Patient; Niccolò Bruna, Director of “Dust: The Great Asbestos Trial”; Barry Castleman, ScD; Stacy Cattran, ADAO Volunteer; Larry Davis, Mesothelioma Patient; Siobhan Doherty, NATAS; Alec Farquhar, Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW); Arthur Frank, MD, PhD; Fernanda Giannasi, ABREA; Mitch Golant, PhD, CSC; Rich Haffey, Mystic Air Quality Consultants; Michael Harbut, MD, MPH, FCCP; Eric Jonckheere, ABEVA; Sandy Kinart, Victims of Chemical Valley; Brent Kynoch, Environmental Information Association; Richard Lemen, PhD, MSPH; Barbara McQueen, (KEYNOTE SPEAKER); Celeste Monforton, MPH, DrPH; Leah Nielsen, ADAO Volunteer; Andy Oberta, The Environmental Consultancy; João Carlos Duarte Paes, ABIFibro; Matt Peacock, Reporter, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (KEYNOTE SPEAKER); Bruno Pesce, AFeVA; Nicola Pondrano, AFeVA; Linda Reinstein, ADAO; Tony Rich, Industrial Hygienist; Ann Samuelson, ADAO Volunteer; Sari Sairanen, Canadian Auto Workers’ (CAW); Joel Shufro, New York Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH); Dan Sterman, MD; Christine Winter, Independent Asbestos Training Providers; Jordan Zevon, ADAO National Spokesperson and Musician; Paul Zygielbaum, Mesothelioma Patient
In addition, seven individuals and one organization are being recognized for their tireless in raising awareness of asbestos exposure. They are:
U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN) will be presented with the Tribute of Hope Award for his steadfast commitment and determination to ban asbestos.
Actor Steve McQueen, who lost his life to mesothelioma, will be honored posthumously with the Warren Zevon “Keep me in Your Heart” Memorial Tribute.
Dr. Arthur Frank, will be recognized with the Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his tireless dedication to increasing asbestos awareness to eliminate diseases and unending support of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
Dr. Richard Lemen, will be recognized with the Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his tireless dedication to increasing asbestos awareness to eliminate diseases and unending support of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.
Dr. Joel Shufro, NYCOSH will be presented with the Tribute of Inspiration Award for his tireless efforts to protect workers occupational safety and health, especially in regards to asbestos exposure.
Associazione Familiari Vittime Amianto (AFEVA) will receive the Tribute of Unity Award for their tireless efforts, both nationally and internationally, to protect human rights and seek justice for victims and their families.
Debbie Brewer, a mesothelioma patient, will be recognized with The Alan Reinstein Award for her commitment to education, advocacy, and support to countless patients and families.
Larry Davis, a mesothelioma patient, will be recognized with The Alan Reinstein Award for his commitment to education, advocacy, and support to countless patients and families.
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About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is an independent global organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy, and community. For more information, visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.
Media Contact:
Doug Larkin
Director of Communications
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
(202) 391-1546
doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org