What Is Mesothelioma Awareness Day?

September 26 is Mesothelioma Awareness Day. It is a day where people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, their family members, mesothelioma specialists and the community can help raise money and awareness for this terminal type of cancer. If you missed Mesothelioma Awareness Day this year, prepare to celebrate it next year by learning more about it and how you can participate. There are things that you can do to support the search for a cure for mesothelioma year-round.

The History of Mesothelioma Awareness Day

Mesothelioma Awareness Day, often shortened to Meso Awareness Day, was established in 2004 by members of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. It was commemorated as a National Day by the United States Congress in 2010. It has taken place on September 26 for the last 17 years. In that time, it has been an important force for spreading awareness about this rare type of cancer in the community, raising funds for mesothelioma research and supporting patients with mesothelioma.

Although many people are aware of cancers such as breast cancer and leukemia, mesothelioma is a lesser-known disease that does not get as much attention or funding. Bringing more attention to this type of cancer through Mesothelioma Awareness Day can help patients and their families learn more about this disease, connect to people and resources who can help them cope with their diagnoses, find mesothelioma doctors and specialists in their communities, and bring more funding to finding a cure. It is an important day for patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, as well as their families, to celebrate and come together with their communities.

Ways to Honor Mesothelioma Awareness Day

No matter how involved you have the ability to be, there is a level of support for Mesothelioma Awareness Day that can work for you. Even posting on social media or changing the color of your clothes on September 26 can mark your support for those suffering from mesothelioma. Mark your calendar for the 18th annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day on September 26, 2022, and start planning how you will honor mesothelioma patients. Common ways to show support include:

• Wear the color blue. Blue is the official color of mesothelioma awareness. Wearing blue is the easiest way you can show your support for mesothelioma victims on September 26. You can also wear mesothelioma awareness ribbons or wristbands.
• Post on social media. Post photos of yourself and others wearing blue on social media to spread awareness of this day and the meaning behind it. Explain why mesothelioma awareness is important to you on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more with the hashtag, #curemeso.
• Attend an event or fundraiser. Find out what your community is doing for Mesothelioma Awareness Day and ask how you can help, such as by donating to a verified fundraiser. Even just attending an organized event or fundraiser near you can help promote the cause and spread awareness.
• Increase awareness in your community. Simply getting the word out about mesothelioma can go a long way toward building a stronger support system where you live and raising money for the cause. Post flyers, host an event, hand out wristbands or ribbons, post on social media, and do whatever else you can to encourage participation in your neighborhood.
• Create or join a support group. Start a mesothelioma support group in your community if there is not already one, or take this opportunity to join your local support group. Support groups can go a long way toward helping patients and their families get answers, resources, referrals and more information about their conditions. Support groups can help patients feel less alone.

Mesothelioma can happen to anyone. High traces of asbestos still exist in millions of buildings around the country. Spreading awareness of this type of cancer, supporting fundraisers and research centers with financial donations, and creating resources in your community for mesothelioma patients can have a real impact on the lives of those who are suffering from mesothelioma.

Contact the New York mesothelioma attorneys at The Williams Law Firm today.