For Immediate Release:

Monday, March 27, 2006

                                         

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Awards Top Honors to Leading Voices in Asbestos Awareness

Awards to be Received at Second Annual National Asbestos Awareness Day Conference on April 1

Redondo Beach, CA … March 27, 2006 --- The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) today announced the honorees for the Tribute of Unity, Tribute of Hope and Tribute of Inspiration Awards to be presented at the second annual Asbestos Awareness Day Conference on April 1, 2006 at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Honorees are recognized for their outstanding work and dedication to asbestos awareness related activities. In addition, two Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to individuals who have achieved significant medical and educational advancements towards asbestos related research and awareness.

United States Senator Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader, will be presented with the Tribute to Hope Award for his endless support in helping asbestos victims; The Honorable Chuck Strahl, P.C., M.P. and mesothelioma patient, will be recognized with the Tribute to Inspiration Award for his strength and grace in coping with his mesothelioma diagnosis; and James Fite, The White Lung Association, will receive the Tribute to Unity Award for his work to unite, educate and empower asbestos victims, activists and public health workers.

Dr. Yasunosuke Suzuki will be presented with the Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding work towards the medical advancements regarding asbestos-related diseases. Dr. Suzuki has conducted numerous studies on cancer research while working alongside Dr. Selikoff for more than three decades, one of which led to a global re-examination of asbestos use. Paul Brodeur also will be awarded the Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award for his great success in raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. Mr. Brodeur is a prominent writer and author who has composed several pieces and published books on the health hazards of asbestos.

“The honorees are truly inspirational human beings; their commitment, compassion and leadership have illuminated the darkness and brought hope to many whose lives have been so badly affected by these debilitating and fatal illnesses,” said Linda Reinstein, Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “Asbestos Awareness Day is a landmark step towards education, prevention and a cure.  More than 30 million homes and buildings across the nation contain asbestos - these incurable and often deadly diseases are not going way.”

Asbestos Awareness Day is an opportunity to recognize accomplishments, remember and honor loved ones and increase awareness about the dangers of asbestos. Details will be posted on the ADAO website, www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

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About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, while raising public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is an independent organization funded through voluntary contributions and staffed by volunteers. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org

Media Contact:

Douglas Larkin

Communications Director

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

Phone: (703) 250-3590 x1245

Cell: (202) 391-1546

doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org