Posted on May 17, 2013

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) would like to thank Emily Bleyl for her hard work and congratulate her for coming in 8th place in the “30 Women to Watch” Facebook contest. We are honored that Emily chose ADAO as her charity of choice for the contest and designated her campaign efforts to raise asbestos awareness in loving memory of her uncle Larry’s momentous efforts.

I had a chance to catch up with Emily following the contest:

What did you learn from your social media contest efforts?

Emily: I noticed that social media can be an effective tool for disseminating information, but the most effective campaigns are those where personal relationships are leveraged OR campaigns where the issue at hand has personal significance.

Do you have a few inspirational words for others who would like to help ADAO to raise asbestos and mesothelioma awareness?

Emily: Well, it goes without saying that mesothelioma is a devastating disease and that asbestos is a critical public health issue. Too many people in this country are unwittingly and unknowingly exposed to asbestos.  I think it is interesting that so many people are aware of the dangers of asbestos, but not necessarily aware of the net result of exposure to asbestos. That is why it is imperative that the public be better educated on asbestos-related disease–the potential and devastating impact of exposure. I think for too long the narrative stopped short of elucidating on the devastating impact. That is why I support ADAO–it exposes the entire spectrum of asbestos related issues from its toxicity to its effect in the form of human disease.

What would Larry say?

Emily: He would probably have a lot to say, but would start by calling me a show off…and then maybe a big mouth…

Emily, ADAO is so proud of your efforts to keep Larry’s legacy alive through raising asbestos awareness!

Thank you all for voting and, as always, for supporting ADAO’s education, advocacy, and community initiatives. Together, change is possible.

Linda

Social Networks

Posted on May 16, 2013

Facebook event page: FUNDRAISER for JANELLE BEDEL by Kate Curtis,  Linda Reinstein, Kate Curtis and 2 others

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is delighted to share an upcoming fundraiser event to benefit and support Janelle and her wonderful family. Where there is mesothelioma awareness, there is hope.

This upcoming Sunday, May 19^th, a fundraiser for Janelle will be held to help defray medical costs incurred from Janelle’s fight with mesothelioma. The fundraiser will take place at 201 Building on Main Street, Rushville, Indiana from 1-4pm on Sunday, May 19^th. Refreshments will be provided and raffle drawings will be held for several donated items from numerous vendors. For more information, please contact Kate at kate.curtis94@gmail.com. Though many will not be able to attend in person, we ask that you show your support by visiting the Facebook event page and writing on the wall.

All of us at ADAO would like to extend our support to Janelle and to all attending the event. We have witnessed the power of community work and we thank you all for coming together as an ADAO family to support patients and families around the world suffering from asbestos exposure and preventable asbestos-caused diseases.

Please remember, if you can’t attend in person, direct donations to Janelle would be greatly appreciated.  100% of the donations made to ADAO via PayPal or by check will be sent to Janelle and Andrew. Include a message for Janelle with the donation in the “Please include your address here” box on PayPal. Cards and donations can also be mailed to Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 Redondo Beach, California 90278.

The invited list on the Facebook event page for Janelle’s fundraiser rapidly grew from hundreds to thousands in hours. As news of the event began circulating around various social media platforms, family, friends and strangers began reaching out and extending their support, looking to help out in any way possible. The quick sharing of Janelle’s fundraiser and outpouring of support for Janelle and her family across the web is yet another testimony to the power of social media in connecting us all as a global community to bring hope and raise awareness. ADAO would also like to applaud Janelle’s family and friends for their efforts to increase mesothelioma awareness by distributing a flyer with Janelle’s story and asbestos information at the fundraiser.

Together, change is possible.

Linda,

Social Networks

Posted on May 16, 2013 

Great news – a new shipment of  Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization wristbands have arrived.

Since 2004, ADAO has sold or donated more than 6,000 light blue “Asbestos Awareness” wristbands to individuals and organizations around the world. It has been empowering for asbestos victims and supporters to promote asbestos education, advocacy and community support. Wearing ADAO’s exclusive blue asbestos awareness wristbands allows us to globally speak up and out about how to prevent exposure to eliminate asbestos-caused diseases.

Ordering is a snap!  Official ADAO “Asbestos Awareness” adult wristbands can be purchased for $5 each or for $10 for 3 wristbands, with free shipping within the United States. Make a payment on PayPal or send your check to ADAO, 1525 Aviation Boulevard Suite 318, Redondo Beach, CA 90278.  Supplies are limited and are sold on a first come, first served basis. “Asbestos Awareness” wristbands will be shipped promptly upon receipt of payment.  Please send your questions to info@adao.us or to inquire about shipping rates outside of the United States, as they will vary.  Remember to include your shipping address in the ‘please include your address here’ in the PayPal online form.

Many of you have been wearing your ADAO “Asbestos Awareness” wristbands for years – we would love to hear from you – share your story or photo with ADAO today.  Email info@adao.us

As always, thank you for supporting ADAO’s asbestos and mesothelioma education, advocacy and community support efforts.

Together, change is possible.

Linda

Social Networks

“United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure.”

www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org

As always, thank you for supporting ADAO’s asbestos and mesothelioma education, advocacy and community support efforts.

Together, change is possible.

Linda

Social Networks

“United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure.”

www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org

Posted on May 15, 2013

Each year, I am both humbled and inspired by the many actions I see ADAO’s supporters taking to increase asbestos awareness and emphasize the need to protect our family members, friends and communities from harmful exposure. I was recently touched to learn that Motley Rice LLC joined forces with the Lowcountry Firefighter Support Team in South Carolina to hold a special event advocating for asbestos awareness and honoring former firefighter, Chief John Winn, who bravely lost his life to mesothelioma in May 2012.

Chief John Winn started the Firefighter Health Awareness Campaign shortly before his passing, and it was his wish that the campaign encourage health screenings among firefighters. Firefighters run the risk of entering buildings in which they may be exposed to asbestos, and Chief Winn understood the importance of early detection measures. “Big John,” a 1969 Mack CF600 fire truck that was restored in his honor and memory, now travels throughout South Carolina promoting health screening tests that help our firefighters detect life-threatening illnesses, such as mesothelioma.

Alongside “Big John,” Support Team leader Chief Gerald Mishoe, as well as members of Chief Winn’s family and several City of Charleston firefighters, appeared before a crowd to talk about the campaign, remember the lives that have been lost because of asbestos exposure, and pay tribute to the many who fight on their behalf each day. Chief Mishoe mentioned that the campaign has already led to the early diagnoses of serious illnesses among five participating firefighters, an indication of how large an impact such efforts can make. Attendees were also invited to sign the truck and help themselves to Firehouse Subs and birthday cake to help celebrate what would have been Chief Winn’s 60^th birthday.

In honor of the thousands of mesothelioma warriors and families whose lives have been affected because of asbestos exposure, please take a moment to think about how you can make a difference in your community. Every voice counts, and every action makes a difference.

In unity,

Linda Reinstein

Social Networks

WSJ: As Asbestos Claims Rise, So Do Worries About Fraud   March 11, 2013
WSJ: Bill Would Require Details on Asbestos Payouts March 12, 2013
WSJ: With Billions at Stake, the Search For Clients Intensifies on TV, Web May 5, 2013
WSJ: Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers Join Hunt for Valuable Asbestos Cases  May 5, 2013

Wall Street Letter to the Editor in response to the May 6, 2013, with “Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers Join Hunt for Valuable Asbestos Cases”

Dear WSJ Editor, 

As a mesothelioma widow, I was appalled by the WSJ four-part series concluding on May 6, 2013, with “Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers Join Hunt for Valuable Asbestos Cases”

The article makes no mention of the culpability of the companies that have knowingly exposed workers to asbestos or of key facts related to asbestos use in the U.S. Although asbestos has been known to cause disease since 1906, the U.S. imported 1,160 tons last year to “meet manufacturing needs.” An estimated 35 million buildings across the nation contain asbestos-contaminated materials. Several U.S. financial institutions and mutual funds currently hold shares in foreign asbestos mining and manufacturing companies.

Since the first article in the series was published on March 11, approximately 1,500 Americans have died from asbestos-related disease. American families, like my own, will continue to suffer until the U.S. exits the toxic asbestos trade.

Linda Reinstein

Co-founder and President, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
Redondo Beach, Calif.

Posted on May 13, 2013

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is excited to present this Saturday, May 18 at the 3rd International Symposium on Lung-Sparing Therapies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. This is the second year that we have been invited to this Symposium, which brings together renowned mesothelioma experts from North America and Europe.   The symposium is once again being chaired by Dr. Robert Cameron, the Director of the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program at UCLA, and prestigious faculty members, including Dr. Joseph Friedberg, Co-Director of the Penn Mesothelioma & Pleural Program at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Raffit Hassan of the Head, Solid Tumor Immunotherapy Section at the National Cancer Institute.

ADAO is the only asbestos victims’ organization invited to present among these esteemed doctors. Our presentation on “The Global Asbestos Struggle: Progress and Challenges” will also be available online via SlideShare on Monday, May 20th.

Although the symposium is designed primarily for doctors and nurses for continuing medical education, mesothelioma sufferers and their family members are welcome to attend.

The Symposium seeks to improve treatment for mesothelioma patients by bringing together pulmonary physicians, mesothelioma experts, and patients and families to share the latest information on choosing treatment options. Stay tuned for updates from ADAO including a recap of the Symposium and more information on the latest developments in the medical field on malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Click here to view the Symposium’s official brochure

In unity,

Linda

Social Networks

International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Coverage: May 7, May 8, and May 9 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 10, 2013 

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Outraged that Seven Countries Prevented the Inclusion of Chrysotile Asbestos in the UN Rotterdam Convention List of Hazardous Substances

India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe Opposed the Listing of Chrysotile Asbestos in the Rotterdam Convention

Los Angeles, CA – May 10,  2013 – The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which combines education, advocacy, and community as the leading U.S. organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, is outraged after the 2013 United Nations Rotterdam Convention failed to reach consensus to add chrysotile asbestos to the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) list of hazardous substances. All six types of asbestos are carcinogenic, but chrysotile is the only type of asbestos not included in the list.  The Convention does not prohibit trade of the listed substances, but requires exporters to establish protocol to inform purchasers about the hazards related to the substances. Of the 143 countries attending the conference, seven countries – India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe – opposed the listing.

“Asbestos-related diseases cause great human suffering. Death from difficult-to-treat cancers and suffocation caused by asbestosis are terrible ways to die,” said Arthur L. Frank MD, Ph.D., Professor of Public Health and Pulmonary Medicine, Drexel University. “The callous disregard of some countries for educating workers condemns many to unnecessary and painful deaths.”

“Chrysotile asbestos is recognized by every leading world scientific body as a cause of asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, as have all other forms of commercially used asbestos that are currently listed on the PIC List,” said  Richard Lemen, Ph.D., MSPH, Assistant Surgeon General (ret.), Rear Admiral, USPHS (ret.); Adjunct Professor, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University. “But because chrysotile asbestos remains the only type of asbestos commercially exploited, those countries having a financial stake in its continued use have placed profit and greed over the protection of the public’s health, in order to promote this carcinogenic product. Today, a few countries have again blocked chrysotile’s listing on the PIC by claiming it is not hazardous and can be used safely.  It is a farce for them to suggest continued ‘controlled use’ since by blocking its listing, the consumer is never informed of chrysotile’s hazardous nature. Thus, the pandemic of asbestos-induced diseases that the world is currently experiencing will continue to grow as thousands more uninformed users of this cancerous material will face disease and death in their future. The action of these few countries represents a callous disregard for human dignity and life.”

“It is reprehensible that India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe used propaganda and misinformation to block chrysotile asbestos from being added to the Rotterdam Convention’s list of hazardous substances,” said Linda Reinstein, Co-Founder and President of ADAO. “Each day, 300 innocent people die from preventable asbestos-caused diseases, yet the asbestos industry, including the Russian Chrysotile Association, continues to promote the ‘safe use’ of chrysotile asbestos. Russia annually mines an estimated 1,000,000 tons of asbestos and is responsible for half of the world’s chrysotile asbestos production.  ADAO is a proud supporter of the 2013 Rotterdam Convention Alliance (ROCA) Position Paper, as well as Association of Asbestos Victims Families (AFeVA) President Romana Blasotti Pavesi’s global asbestos victims solidarity letter, which was endorsed by 55 asbestos victims’ organizations.  Asbestos victims around the world will not be silenced by thugs and criminals profiting from the deadly toxic trade. Instead, we will turn our grief, pain, and anger into action as we continue global educational and advocacy initiatives to collaboratively ensure chrysotile asbestos will be added to the PIC List at the 2015 Rotterdam Convention.”

Although the chrysotile asbestos industry argues that chrysotile asbestos is safe, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic to humans and may lead to mesothelioma and lung, larynx, and ovarian cancer. WHO estimates that 107,000 workers die every year from asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. One in every three deaths from occupational cancer is caused by asbestos.

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About ADAO
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims a united voice to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, and raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the often deadly asbestos-related diseases. ADAO is funded through voluntary contributions and staffed by volunteers. For more information, visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

Media Contact: Doug Larkin
Director of Communications
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
(202) 391-1546

PRESS RELEASE: Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Named as Finalist for 2013 American Business Award 

Posted on May 9, 2013

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is thrilled to announce that our organization was named a finalist today for the 2013 American Business Awards! On June 17 in Chicago, we will be presented with the Gold, Silver, or Bronze “Stevie® Award in the Company of the Year – Non-Profit or Government Organizations category. As the nation’s premier business awards program, the American Business Awards are considered the “Oscars of the business world.” More than 3,200 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories. Finalists were chosen by more than 140 business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in April and May.

With profound gratitude, ADAO is delighted to share this award with the many ADAO volunteers, interns, supporters, brave patients and families, sponsors, donors, conference presenters, National Spokesperson Jordan Zevon, Honorary Celebrity Board Co-Chair Barbara Minty McQueen, ADAO Leadership, and our Science Advisory Board, all of whom fuel our work with contributions in dollars, hours, thought, and action. Since 2004, ADAO has been dedicated to preventing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It is the commitment of all of you that is the strength of ADAO. Together, we have leveraged innovation and social media advocacy in an effort to end one of the largest man-made disasters. Along the way, we’ve created an organization that has global impact well beyond the walls of our home office. It is unbelievable that we are being recognized along with other “Stevie” finalists like Apple (Company of the Year – Computer Hardware), AT&T (Most Innovative Tech Company of the Year – More Than 2,500 Employees), and Dropbox (Most Innovative Tech Company of the Year – Up to 2,500 Employees). Today, I am reminded once again of how honored I am to work with all of you to achieve our vision of a world free of asbestos-related disease.

In unity,

Linda

Social Networks

New BLOG: ADAO is Thrilled be a Finalist for 11th Annual Stevie® Awards on June 17 in Chicago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 9, 2013

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Named as Finalist for 2013 American Business Award^SM

ADAO to be recognized at the 11^th annual Stevie® Awards Ceremony on June 17 in Chicago

Los Angeles, CA – May 9, 2013 – The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which combines education, advocacy, and community as the leading U.S. organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, was named a finalist today in the Company of the Year – Non-Profit or Government Organizations category of the 2013 American Business Awards.  Since 2004, ADAO has been dedicated to preventing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

“It is a true honor for ADAO to be named as a 2013 Stevie® Award finalist,” said Linda Reinstein, ADAO Co-Founder and President. “This award is shared with each and every person who has supported ADAO in time, donations, and leadership.  The ADAO community has turned obstacles into opportunities to advance educational, advocacy, and community initiatives to prevent asbestos-caused diseases.  Undeniably, social media advocacy has allowed us to execute our mission and vision across many platforms. In light of the continued use of asbestos in the U.S. and around the world, ADAO leverages innovation and strategic collaboration to end one of the largest man-made disasters.”

The 2013 Stevie® Award winners will be recognized at a ceremony on Monday, June 17, in Chicago, which will be attended by over 550 executives.

The American Business Awards are the nation’s premier business awards program. More than 3,200 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, including Most Innovative Company of the Year, Management Team of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, and Executive of the Year, among others. Finalists were chosen by more than 140 business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in April and May.

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.

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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.

About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.  A fifth program, the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, will debut this year.  Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.  Learn more about the Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com.

Sponsors and partners of The 2013 American Business Awards include the Business TalkRadio Network, Callidus Software, Citrix Online, Dynamic Research Corporation, Experian, John Hancock Funds, LifeLock, PetRays, and SoftPro.

Media Contact: Doug Larkin
Director of Communications
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
(202) 391-1546
doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org

Cast a Vote to Raise Asbestos Awareness in Loving Memory of Larry Davis

Posted on May 7, 2013

ADAO is delighted that Emily Bleyl was recently named one of the “30 Women to Watch” by Utah Business Magazine. Emily is the niece of Larry Davis, my remarkable and beloved friend who tragically died of mesothelioma last year. As a licensed clinical social worker and the Executive Director of the Utah Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Emily is a phenomenal woman with a passionate commitment to serving others. I am thrilled that her talent and accomplishments are being celebrated.

A fun element of the “30 Women to Watch” recognition is that the woman who receives the most votes on Facebook will receive $1,000 cash and a $15,000 advertising campaign for her charity of choice. In honor of her Uncle Larry, Emily designated ADAO as her charity. ADAO is deeply grateful to Emily for designating her campaign efforts to raise awareness in loving memory of Larry’s momentous efforts.

To support Emily, first “like” the Utah Business Page and the Utah Business Vivint Page.  Then you can take a minute to vote for Emily once every 24 hours by clicking here, finding Emily’s picture, and giving her five stars. Voting closes on May 16 at 3 p.m. For more details, read Emily’s message below.

Together change is possible,

Linda

Social Networks

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VOTE FOR MY PROFILE AND HELP SUPPORT A CAUSE MY UNCLE LARRY DAVIS BELIEVED IN

By Emily Bleyl

My name is Emily Bleyl, and my Uncle, Larry Davis, died from asbestos-linked mesothelioma last year.  He fought a six year battle with this devastating disease.

A runner and marathoner, Uncle Larry ran a brave race battling the cumulative effects of his passive exposure to the particulate asbestos that settled on his father’s factory overalls and turned every innocent hug, cuddle and tickle into toxic exposure for Larry—as well as for my mother and my other uncle.

Of course, Larry did not realize the dangers of asbestos until he became ill.  Because of this, Larry fought hard not just for a mesothelioma cure, but for a ban on asbestos use.

Larry, soft hearted but very tough minded, adopted a “lead, follow or get out of the way,” approach to his fight.  His resolve made him a tireless advocate, and inspired him, among other things, to develop the South Florida Miles for Meso event in Boca Raton, Florida, raising nearly $100,000 for mesothelioma research.

Help me honor Larry on what would have been his fourth annual Miles for Meso event by supporting an organization he believed in, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).  All you need to do is cast a vote.

You see, I was recently selected by Utah Business Magazine as one of Utah’s “30 Women to Watch.” I guess I inherited a bit of my uncle’s desire to make a difference in my local community via my position as the executive director of the National Association of Social Workers.   One component of this recognition is a charity giveaway.   The “30 Women to Watch” honoree’s profile that gets the most votes will win $1000 cash and a $15,000 advertising campaign for the charity of their choice. HELP ME HELP ADAO WIN  by casting a vote.