2011 MARF Press Release: Mesothelioma Research, Advocacy and Volunteer Awards Announced
For Immediate Release: June 23, 2011
ADAO Co-Founder and President Linda Reinstein to Be Honored with Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award, Presented at Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma
Eighth Annual Award Showcases the Power of Asbestos Awareness and Advocacy
Redondo Beach, CA … June 23, 2011 — The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), combining education, advocacy and community as the largest U.S. organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today announced that ADAO’s Co-Founder and President Linda Reinstein will be honored with the Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award, presented at the Mesothelioma Advanced Research Foundation Annual Symposium Gala awards ceremony on June 24.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, which was first held in 2004, includes a number of awards to recognize influential asbestos and mesothelioma awareness advocates. The Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award, named in honor of Congressman Vento, a heroic advocate for the asbestos awareness community, honors an individual or organization that is advocating for change on a national and international level.
According to Kathleen Wiedemer, MBA, Executive Director of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, the award is presented this year to Ms. Reinstein due to her work to “tirelessly and effectively raise awareness and educate people around the world about the devastation to human life caused by asbestos as well as to enact a global ban on asbestos. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation recognizes that increased awareness and efforts to ban asbestos pioneered by ADAO complement the Meso Foundation’s peer-reviewed research.”
Ms. Reinstein stated, “On behalf of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, I want to thank the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation leadership and volunteers for honoring ADAO with the Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award. Congressman Vento, who lost his battle with mesothelioma in 2000, was an inspiration through his tireless efforts to try to raise awareness about this terrible disease and advocate for the need for a cure. I am truly humbled to accept such an award in his name.” She continued, “The power of the people is now stronger than the people in power. The most effective weapon we have in the fight against asbestos is our solidarity in advancing education, promoting advocacy, strengthening community and of course, increasing funding for a cure. Together, change is possible. “
The World Health Organization, The Environmental Protection Agency, International Labour Organization, and U.S. Surgeon General agree: all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic and there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
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About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
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. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.
Media Contact:
Doug Larkin
Director of Communications
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
Phone: (202) 391-1546
doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org