There are multiple ways to participate in the mesothelioma community. Some people are good at fundraising as our customer Shelly Kozicki, which raised over $ 250,000 funding for mesothelioma research grant named after her late husband Craig. Other regularly visit their legislators and advocate awareness as a survivor of mesothelioma Bonnie Anderson, who played a key role in helping secure the Mesothelioma Awareness Day at the federal level.
Another way to participate is to become a consumer advocate for cancer research. During the Meso Foundation Symposium 2012, mesothelioma survivor Julie Gundlach invited other survivors of mesothelioma and their families to participate in the program led by the Congress of medical research.
The program was launched by the Congress of the United States through the Department of Defense. Its goal is to fill financing gaps in research focusing on high risk, high gain research. What makes this especially commendable program is the emphasis on the eradication of diseases that affect those serving in the armed forces.
The program creates a unique partnership between the medical experts, the public and the government. In the review process, cancer survivors - called "consumer members" - are encouraged to participate and help other members of the award review committee of about $ 15 million to programs available for funding of the grant.
Julie served as a member of the consumer earlier this year. During her presentation she invited others to join her.
"They are always looking for more people to participate," she said. "My job as a consumer member is to focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the patient's perspective of the proposal."
She explained that mesothelioma patients who experienced challenges of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other procedures bring a unique perspective to the process.
"You can watch a grant application and tell if what they propose is doable or not on the based on what you've gone through, "she said.
she said much of its participation in the program is that it is able to see immediately that measures are taken to address research gaps and orphan diseases like mesothelioma funds.
"It's really, really rewarding to know something is being done," she said.
To be considered for the program, a person must have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another disease, condition or injury associated with a funded program. Caregivers of such a person or their families are also eligible to participate. In addition, they must be nominated by a community organization like the Foundation Mesothelioma Applied Research.
If anyone is interested in learning more or volunteering to become a member of consumers, they can contact the Meso Foundation jbarker@curemeso.org
