Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Bruce Vento Hope Build Award Acceptance Speech Washington, D.C. by Linda Reinstein, ADAO Co-Founder and President/CEO

June 24, 2011

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On behalf of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), I want to begin by thanking the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s leadership and volunteers for honoring me tonight with the Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award.  Congressman Vento, who lost his mesothelioma battle in 2000, was an inspiration through his tireless efforts to raise awareness about this terrible disease and advocate for a cure. I am truly humbled to accept such an award in his name. More than this award, however, I am incredibly grateful to be at MARF’s Symposium, and once again be with my circle of friends.

We are all missing and praying for Rob and Jill Cagle and I know for certain, what Rob would say tonight with his huge beaming smile is “It’s all good!”

Doug Larkin and Linda Reinstein (2011)

It is because of MARF that I co-founded ADAO with Doug Larkin. Doug was also struggling with the recent diagnosis of his beloved father-in-law, Bill.  Pain brought us together at Sen. Murray’s ban asbestos legislation briefing – and it was our need to turn anger in to action that united us.   Doug and I wanted help MARF’s mission to eliminate mesothelioma, by launching a complimentary effort, focusing on banning asbestos, increasing federal funding for research, and providing a global forum for victims of asbestos diseases. The “voice of the victims” was born.

I have never missed a symposium yet, as I also need to renew my prescription for HOPE.  When I look in the audience tonight, I see and feel the power of our communities who I respect and greatly depend upon.   You are my inspiration and fuel my fight for our twin goals: prevention and a cure.   And from our work – we serve as a beacon of hope for countless people throughout the nation and around the world.

Tonight I know Congressman Vento, June Breit, John McNamara, Alan, Bill and many others are sharing a moment together – applauding us and encouraging our collaborative efforts.  We need a cure, but we also need to eliminate asbestos exposure – because, as of today, prevention remains the only cure.

I am honored to stand before you and accept the prestigious Hope Builder Award and also incredibly excited!  The power of the people is now stronger than the people in power.  Looking ahead, we know that we have so much more to accomplish. Together, we are truly a united force to be reckoned with. And we know the most effective weapon we have in the fight against mesothelioma is our solidarity.

I thank you, MARF, for all that you do and again, I am deeply humbled by this tremendous honor. And I thank the dedicated ADAO volunteers – with whom I share this award.

The spirit of hope should continue and thrive beyond tonight. What we can achieve together is truly incredible, and I look forward to the day when we celebrate our collaborative victory over asbestos.