ADAO

For Immediate Release: October 14, 2014

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Honored to Present at 12th International Mesothelioma Interest Group (iMig) Conference

Presentation Focuses on Importance of Supportive Resources and ADAO Conference Sponsor also Highlights Social Advocacy Success

Los Angeles, CA – October 14, 2014The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest independent non-profit organization in the U.S. which combines education, advocacy, and community to help ensure justice for asbestos victims; is honored to be chosen to present at the 2014 International Mesothelioma Interest Group (iMig) Conference Oct. 21-24 in Cape Town, South Africa. At the event, ADAO President, Linda Reinstein, will discuss the importance of supportive resources for mesothelioma patients and their families. As a conference exhibitor, ADAO will also highlight the important role social advocacy plays in uniting mesothelioma patients and their families, and serving as an international forum to help prevent exposure and efforts to fund a cure.

Ms. Reinstein will share results of the ADAO survey on “Supportive Resources in the Mesothelioma Community” at the 2014 iMig Conference, hosted by the South African Mesothelioma Interest Group (SAMIG), and held at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC), featuring experts from across the globe dedicated to improving treatment and research.  Considered as a world’s premier medical congress on mesothelioma, iMig’s theme this year is “the ongoing quest for cure.”

Ms. Reinstein will share important facts from the survey that underscore the need for patient focused resources. The online qualitative survey was administered to mesothelioma patients and caregivers through Facebook, Twitter, ADAO eNewsletters, and direct emails. Unfortunately, as Ms. Reinstein will explain, the majority (84%) were not given educational resources from their medical team nor advised to join a support group (92%) upon diagnosis. The majority found online mesothelioma resources improved their lives greatly (60%) or slightly (32%). The important results of the survey underscore that patients and their families rely on online supportive resources to obtain medical information, share personal experiences, build peer-to-peer networks, and improve quality of life.

“Patients want educational resources at the time of diagnosis, but only 16% received such referrals, leaving thousands without this crucial element of palliative care,” stated Ms. Reinstein. “The survey addresses responses to psychosocial burdens faced by mesothelioma patents and caregivers including a steep learning curve, anticipatory grief, social isolation, and ability to endure daily struggles. I look forward to the opportunity to share this critical information with iMig’s conference’s global base. “

ADAO will also share key information about the power of social media through materials that highlight: “Social Advocacy: Where Knowledge and Community Unite.” When her husband was diagnosed with mesothelioma 10 years ago, Ms. Reinstein recognized the need for increased medical resources, greater access to support, and legislative advocacy. ADAO’s social advocacy programs have built a global community spanning nearly 20 countries and more than 40,000 people, earning a ranking of #2 in a Twitter study of 500 health and safety organizations.

“ADAO’s digital storytelling and social advocacy efforts have led to three statements on the dangers of asbestos from Acting U.S. Surgeons General, Senate Resolutions, and Global Asbestos Awareness Week,” explained Ms. Reinstein. “ADAO’s results confirm the positive benefits of social advocacy to support patients and families, influence lawmakers, shape policy, and increase funding for research.”

Despite its known dangers, there is still no global ban on asbestos, and it continues to claim lives. Exposure to asbestos, a human carcinogen, can cause mesothelioma, lung, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers; as well as non-malignant lung and pleural disorders. The World Health Organization estimates that 107,000 workers around the world will die every year of an asbestos-related disease, equaling 300 deaths per day.

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The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO is the largest non-profit in the U.S. dedicated to providing asbestos victims and concerned citizens with a united voice through our education, advocacy, and community initiatives. ADAO seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure, advocate for an asbestos ban, and protect asbestos victims’ civil rights.  For more information, visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

Media Contact:
Kim Cecchini
Media Relations
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
(202) 391-5205
Kim@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org