Mission: The mission of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) is to eradicate mesothelioma as a life-ending disease. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the linings of the chest or abdomen. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause. The Meso Foundation solicits and rigorously reviews applications, and then awards significant grants, for research on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of mesothelioma. Through its web site and literature, its direct communications, and annual International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, the Foundation provides patients, family members and physicians with hope, encouragement, and information. The Meso Foundation employs a full-time mesothelioma nurse practitioner to help patients navigate their treatments. In addition, the Foundation works to enhance awareness of this disease and to encourage federal funding for research.
Programs: The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (also known as the Meso Foundation) is the only 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma and easing the suffering caused by this cancer. It does so by focusing on four main program areas:
• RESEARCH: Funding and support of the highest level of peer-reviewed mesothelioma research;
• EDUCATION: Educating patients, their families, risk populations, and the public at large about mesothelioma;
• SUPPORT: Providing patient support services;
• ADVOCACY: Advocating Congress for increased federal funding for mesothelioma research.
The Meso Foundation is the only non-government funder of peer-reviewed scientific research to establish life-saving treatments for mesothelioma. To date, the Foundation has directly awarded over $8.7 million and, through its advocacy efforts, has directed another $8.9 million to promising mesothelioma research.
Kirk4
Professional with expertise in this field
10/20/2016
Rating: 5
10/20/2016
I've spent over 30 years in litigation arising from asbestos. In those years, this group stands alone - by far - as the top group advocating for scientific research and providing educational, emotional and financial support for patients and their caregivers. No other group has - or will have - the knowledge, compassion and tenacity of Mary, Melinda and the entire team.
Dr. Lee M. Krug
Professional with expertise in this field
10/05/2013
Rating: 5
10/05/2013
I am a medical oncologist who treats a large number of patients with mesothelioma. From a physician's point of view, perhaps the most important aspect of the organization is the grant support they provide to fund research. Too few grant opportunities are available for this uncommon disease, yet MARF has been a consistent source of funding over the years for the top, scientifically peer reviewed projects in mesothelioma. Equally important, though, is, the tremendous emotional and educational support that MARF provides to my patients. I give each of my mesothelioma patients information about the foundation, and everyone who contacts them has benefited. I have been involved with MARF for about 10 years, and have seen dramatic change in organization over that time. The foundation has clearly established itself as the leading advocacy, educational, and scientific organization fighting this disease.
lka_
Professional with expertise in this field
11/08/2012
Rating: 5
11/08/2012
I had heard about the MARF for a number of years and was impressed by what I had read. However, in recent months I have been privileged to meet some of the key staff at MARF and was truly overwhelmed by their compassion and expertise. At the MARF conference in July 2012, there was an enormous amount of support for sufferers and carers as well as the opportunity for closed sessions where people could speak openly about their own situation. There are many people who talk big and deliver little but MARF IS THE REAL DEAL!
