Posted on May 29, 2013
Where there is awareness, there is hope. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is incredibly proud of mesothelioma patients and families, as well as strangers across the world, for joining together to support mesothelioma warriors and raise awareness about asbestos, mesothelioma and cancer.
Janelle’s fundraiser
On Sunday, May 19th, a fundraiser for Janelle Bedel was held to help defray medical costs incurred from Janelle’s fight against mesothelioma. Hundreds of local community members gathered in Rushville, Indiana to support Janelle and her family by participating in an auction. Many generously donated goods, services and their time, while others throughout the rest of the globe extended their support via social media and generously made donations for Janelle via PayPal.
A Performance at Catch the Fire 2013
On Saturday, May 25th, a charity concert called Catch the Fire 2013 was held in Santee, South Carolina to benefit Michael Bradley’s Find a Cure Fund. The event was a huge success, as community members came together in Santee to listen to performances from various bands. Many generously donated their time, talent and donations to support Michael’s fight with mesothelioma.
Team Misfits
Also on Saturday, May 25th, ADAO community members David and Kieran Brewer participated in Relay for Life in Liskeard, England to raise cancer awareness. This was the fourth year that David, Kieran and the rest of ‘Team Misfits’ participated in the community-led event. David began to raise money for the charity after Debbie, his former wife and the mother of his son Kieran, was diagnosed with mesothelioma. In 24 hours, Kieran walked 40 miles and David walked 80 miles to honor cancer survivors, celebrate life and raise money for cancer research. Cumulatively, Team Misfits walked an impressive total of 214 miles and was able to raise an incredible £16,000, with more still pouring in. Admirable dedication, hard work and efforts toward raising cancer awareness, Team Misfits!
As news of the events began circulating around various social media platforms, family, friends and sympathetic strangers began reaching out and extending their support, looking to help out in any way possible. The timely sharing of information about Janelle’s fundraiser, Michael’s fundraiser and the Brewer’s Relay for Life team fundraising efforts and outpouring of support for the individuals across the web are yet further testimony to the power of social media in connecting us all as a global community to bring hope and raise awareness.
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.
Together, change is possible.
Linda