Today I came across a blog that explores alternative treatments for cancer, of all types. Our friend Charlene Kaforey, who recently experienced good results for her mesothelioma with an alternative cancer vaccine program at the ITL Alternative Cancer Treatment Clinic in the Bahamas, posted her story to the site. The blog is a project of Jonathan Chamberlain, who authored two books about alternative therapies after losing his wife, Bernadette, to cervical cancer in 1994.
The blog, called the Cancerfighter’s Weblog, explores “alternative cancer therapies and ideas,” touching on a wide range of topics that also includes general health and wellness through alternative, holistic or natural medicines and practices. He encourages people like Charlene, who are trying non-traditional therapies, to share their stories and experiences with others, and provides a forum for people to ask questions.
John has another web site, Fighting Cancer: A Survival Guide, where he shares some personal stories of his and Bernadette’s life, and addresses topics including how to deal with a diagnosis of cancer, advice for caregivers, stories of good and bad experiences with alternative treatments, and good and bad stories about orthodox treatments.
An English teacher living in Hong Kong, John has authored textbooks for secondary school students, and also has written a number of other books on topics including Chinese folk religion, a profile of a famous Chinese gambler, and a touching biography about the life of his daughter, Stevie, who had Down Syndrome.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Senator Patty Murray
Six years ago, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) first introduced her proposed legislation to ban asbestos and invest federal funding in the research critically needed to develop effective treatments for the vicious cancer, mesothelioma, and other asbestos related diseases. Since 2002, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) has worked closely with Senator Murray to stop the death and suffering and to get this life-saving legislation passed. On October 4th, 2007, 120 Meso Foundation volunteer advocates from all over the country descended on Capitol Hill, meeting with their Senators, and urging support for the legislation. By the end of that very day, the Senate unanimously passed it.
On the House side, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced the companion legislation as The Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2007 (H.R. 3339). The Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee of the House's Energy and Commerce Committee (E&C Committee) has taken the lead on the legislation. In its draft, known as the Committee Print, the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee has carried forward Senator Murray's work on the ban, eliminating an exception for asbestos present at 1% or less by weight, making the ban a matter of federal statute rather than EPA regulation, and adding enforcement provisions.
The critically needed medical research funding provisions from Senator Murray's and Congresswoman McCollum's legislation have not yet been added to the Committee Print. The Meso Foundation has been working with the E&C Committee's Health Subcommittee to draft these provisions.
The Meso Foundation issued a statement today saying,
"We commend the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee for following up on the historic leadership of Senator Patty Murray and Congresswoman Betty McCollum and taking up the issue of carcinogenic asbestos. We support the strongest possible ban on asbestos and applaud the Sub-committee for their work in drafting the Committee Print. For the sake of all those already exposed, those now sick, and those who will be exposed in the future to asbestos already in place, we call on the Health Subcommittee to follow Senator Murray and Congresswoman McCollum in recognizing the necessity of a robust asbestos disease research program, and to adopt the research funding provisions included in their legislation. Once these provisions have been added to the existing Committee Print, we call on the House of Representatives to pass this legislation as quickly as possible so that it can be conferenced with the Senate-passed legislation championed by Senator Murray, and a bill can be presented to the President for signature."
Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) and the staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a briefing session on Monday, May 19th to educate the key staff of other House members on the critical need for this legislation. Meso Foundation Medical Liaison Mary Hesdorffer, a nurse practitioner with twelve years' experience treating meso patients and designing clinical trials, was one of the key speakers. Based on her professional experience with hundreds of meso patients, Mary spoke on why the Meso Foundation supports the Committee Print and the House's effort to pass the strongest ban possible. She also explained why the research funding provisions are so critically important for the millions who were exposed in the past sixty years - and all those who will continue to be exposed to the asbestos already pervasive in our environment.
The Meso Foundation has also issued an "Action Alert" urging all 15,000 of its constituents to call on their House Representative this week to support prompt passage in the House of the asbestos ban and research funding provisions. This year, as part of its annual Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, the Meso Foundation will be holding another Advocacy Day, on June 26. "We are again bringing our army of advocates -- doctors, researchers, and most importantly, families directly impacted by this deadly cancer -- to D.C. to tell their stories. We are going to make sure the House and the President complete the life-saving work started by Senator Murray," said Chris Hahn, Meso Foundation Executive Director.
Asbestos is so deadly that there is no known safe level of exposure. Even a tiny bit of fiber can cause mesothelioma. Approximately 3000 Americans are dying each year from the cancer, the result of exposures that occurred ten to sixty years ago. Those at risk include everyone from U.S. Navy veterans, workers in shipyards or demolition, brake mechanics, roofers and cement masons, to workers' families and even those who lived, worked or went to school in contaminated buildings. Most meso patients die within two years of diagnosis.
"We started this effort with Senator Murray six years ago," says Hahn. "Since then, 3,000 wonderful people in the U.S. have died every year because of the lack of effective medical treatments for meso. We don't want another day to go by without the research funding needed to develop those treatments."
The Meso Foundation is a not-for-profit collaboration of patients and families, physicians, advocates and researchers dedicated to eradicating the life-ending and vicious effects of mesothelioma. The Foundation spurs meso research with seed-money grant funding, over $5 million to date. The Foundation also provides patients and families with information on mesothelioma treatments, clinical trials and medical referrals through its full-time mesothelioma nurse practitioner and its website, www.curemeso.org. The Meso Foundation also hosts the annual Symposium to educate patients and families on the latest advances in meso research and treatment. This year, the Symposium will be held in Washington, DC on June 26-28
On the House side, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced the companion legislation as The Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2007 (H.R. 3339). The Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee of the House's Energy and Commerce Committee (E&C Committee) has taken the lead on the legislation. In its draft, known as the Committee Print, the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee has carried forward Senator Murray's work on the ban, eliminating an exception for asbestos present at 1% or less by weight, making the ban a matter of federal statute rather than EPA regulation, and adding enforcement provisions.
The critically needed medical research funding provisions from Senator Murray's and Congresswoman McCollum's legislation have not yet been added to the Committee Print. The Meso Foundation has been working with the E&C Committee's Health Subcommittee to draft these provisions.
The Meso Foundation issued a statement today saying,
"We commend the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee for following up on the historic leadership of Senator Patty Murray and Congresswoman Betty McCollum and taking up the issue of carcinogenic asbestos. We support the strongest possible ban on asbestos and applaud the Sub-committee for their work in drafting the Committee Print. For the sake of all those already exposed, those now sick, and those who will be exposed in the future to asbestos already in place, we call on the Health Subcommittee to follow Senator Murray and Congresswoman McCollum in recognizing the necessity of a robust asbestos disease research program, and to adopt the research funding provisions included in their legislation. Once these provisions have been added to the existing Committee Print, we call on the House of Representatives to pass this legislation as quickly as possible so that it can be conferenced with the Senate-passed legislation championed by Senator Murray, and a bill can be presented to the President for signature."
Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) and the staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a briefing session on Monday, May 19th to educate the key staff of other House members on the critical need for this legislation. Meso Foundation Medical Liaison Mary Hesdorffer, a nurse practitioner with twelve years' experience treating meso patients and designing clinical trials, was one of the key speakers. Based on her professional experience with hundreds of meso patients, Mary spoke on why the Meso Foundation supports the Committee Print and the House's effort to pass the strongest ban possible. She also explained why the research funding provisions are so critically important for the millions who were exposed in the past sixty years - and all those who will continue to be exposed to the asbestos already pervasive in our environment.
The Meso Foundation has also issued an "Action Alert" urging all 15,000 of its constituents to call on their House Representative this week to support prompt passage in the House of the asbestos ban and research funding provisions. This year, as part of its annual Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, the Meso Foundation will be holding another Advocacy Day, on June 26. "We are again bringing our army of advocates -- doctors, researchers, and most importantly, families directly impacted by this deadly cancer -- to D.C. to tell their stories. We are going to make sure the House and the President complete the life-saving work started by Senator Murray," said Chris Hahn, Meso Foundation Executive Director.
Asbestos is so deadly that there is no known safe level of exposure. Even a tiny bit of fiber can cause mesothelioma. Approximately 3000 Americans are dying each year from the cancer, the result of exposures that occurred ten to sixty years ago. Those at risk include everyone from U.S. Navy veterans, workers in shipyards or demolition, brake mechanics, roofers and cement masons, to workers' families and even those who lived, worked or went to school in contaminated buildings. Most meso patients die within two years of diagnosis.
"We started this effort with Senator Murray six years ago," says Hahn. "Since then, 3,000 wonderful people in the U.S. have died every year because of the lack of effective medical treatments for meso. We don't want another day to go by without the research funding needed to develop those treatments."
The Meso Foundation is a not-for-profit collaboration of patients and families, physicians, advocates and researchers dedicated to eradicating the life-ending and vicious effects of mesothelioma. The Foundation spurs meso research with seed-money grant funding, over $5 million to date. The Foundation also provides patients and families with information on mesothelioma treatments, clinical trials and medical referrals through its full-time mesothelioma nurse practitioner and its website, www.curemeso.org. The Meso Foundation also hosts the annual Symposium to educate patients and families on the latest advances in meso research and treatment. This year, the Symposium will be held in Washington, DC on June 26-28
Cancer News
Mesothelioma (meso) is an asbestos-related cancer that invades the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart or testicles, causing excruciating pain and death. Government and industry have known about the disease for half a century, and legal disputes over liability have consumed billions of dollars. But the need for research funding to develop treatments has largely been ignored. There is no designated federal funding for meso research. As a result, today's standard treatments usually have only a very limited effect and the average survival is only 4 to 14 months.
Meso kills thousands of Americans each year, it has a long latency (30 years average) and its incidence is rising. For decades, asbestos was used heavily in Navy ships and shipyards, in industrial workplaces, and in the construction of virtually all homes, schools and office buildings. Most at risk are the millions of U.S. workers and servicemen who were exposed almost daily, as well as their wives and children -- exposed when they brought the fibers home each night on their hair, skin and clothes.
Americans continue to be put at risk today. Even short-term, low exposures can cause the disease, and the EPA estimates that asbestos is present in as many as 35 million U.S. homes. It still has not been banned in the U.S. and is used in over 3,000 products. Hundreds of tons were released into New York's air from the collapse of the World Trade Center on 9/11.
Therefore, MARF is calling on the government to join in a public-private partnership to advance critically-needed meso research. MARF, the nation's largest private source of independent meso research funding, has developed a detailed proposal for a National Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Program (NMRTP). Under the NMRTP, the federal government would invest $30 million per year to help develop recent advances in meso early detection, prevention, and treatment of meso.
Five days ago MARF began circulating a petition calling on Congress to appropriate the funds necessary for the NMRTP. Over 1200 individuals have already signed. MARF hopes to gather 10,000 signatures by March 15 and submit them to the Senate Appropriations Committee, so that the NMRTP proposal can be included in Congress's initial budget submission.
According to MARF, the NMRTP presents an historic opportunity for federal leaders to end the tragedy of mesothelioma. For decades meso was dismissed with the self-defeating rationale that "the disease is incurable, so why try?" But with an investment of over $2 million in meso research during the last five years, MARF has established that meso has the potential to become a curable cancer. Indeed medical experts who specialize in meso now believe that with an appropriate commitment of resources, effective treatments for the tumor, and even methods to detect and prevent it before symptoms erupt, are within reach.
"Just in time," says MARF Communications Director and meso patient Klaus Brauch. Brauch authored an exhaustive MARF report documenting that at least 100,000 firefighters, police officers, rescue workers and New York City residents, workers and school children were exposed to potentially lethal amounts of asbestos following the collapse of the World Trade Center on 9/11.
"Unless we act now to fully develop the recent breakthroughs in early detection, prevention and treatment, we are virtually guaranteed to have more victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack in the next 10 to 30 years," he says. "I cannot believe that America will stand by as our brave first responders succumb to cancer caused by this horrific act. We have a warning and time to take action but not unlimited time."
Resources are not unlimited either, but even with anticipated cuts in domestic spending, MARF is confident that the resources can be found. The National Cancer Institute, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Defense all significantly fund research in diseases other than meso. Their proposed budgets for 2006 are, respectively, $4.8 billion, $70.8 billion, and $401.7 billion. The Senate Judiciary Committee is considering controversial legislation to create a $140 billion trust fund to "compensate" asbestos disease victims after they get sick. "Surely Congress can find $30 million to prevent the suffering and death in the first place," says MARF Executive Director Christopher Hahn.
"The notion that our hands are tied, and that meso is a horrible death sentence that we cannot do anything about is dangerously apathetic, outdated and misinformed," Hahn continues. "It would be unconscionable for Congress to tell meso victims that it is simply giving up on this disease. Up to one third of these victims served our country in Navy ships and shipyards. 'Surrender' is not in their vocabulary."
Meso kills thousands of Americans each year, it has a long latency (30 years average) and its incidence is rising. For decades, asbestos was used heavily in Navy ships and shipyards, in industrial workplaces, and in the construction of virtually all homes, schools and office buildings. Most at risk are the millions of U.S. workers and servicemen who were exposed almost daily, as well as their wives and children -- exposed when they brought the fibers home each night on their hair, skin and clothes.
Americans continue to be put at risk today. Even short-term, low exposures can cause the disease, and the EPA estimates that asbestos is present in as many as 35 million U.S. homes. It still has not been banned in the U.S. and is used in over 3,000 products. Hundreds of tons were released into New York's air from the collapse of the World Trade Center on 9/11.
Therefore, MARF is calling on the government to join in a public-private partnership to advance critically-needed meso research. MARF, the nation's largest private source of independent meso research funding, has developed a detailed proposal for a National Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Program (NMRTP). Under the NMRTP, the federal government would invest $30 million per year to help develop recent advances in meso early detection, prevention, and treatment of meso.
Five days ago MARF began circulating a petition calling on Congress to appropriate the funds necessary for the NMRTP. Over 1200 individuals have already signed. MARF hopes to gather 10,000 signatures by March 15 and submit them to the Senate Appropriations Committee, so that the NMRTP proposal can be included in Congress's initial budget submission.
According to MARF, the NMRTP presents an historic opportunity for federal leaders to end the tragedy of mesothelioma. For decades meso was dismissed with the self-defeating rationale that "the disease is incurable, so why try?" But with an investment of over $2 million in meso research during the last five years, MARF has established that meso has the potential to become a curable cancer. Indeed medical experts who specialize in meso now believe that with an appropriate commitment of resources, effective treatments for the tumor, and even methods to detect and prevent it before symptoms erupt, are within reach.
"Just in time," says MARF Communications Director and meso patient Klaus Brauch. Brauch authored an exhaustive MARF report documenting that at least 100,000 firefighters, police officers, rescue workers and New York City residents, workers and school children were exposed to potentially lethal amounts of asbestos following the collapse of the World Trade Center on 9/11.
"Unless we act now to fully develop the recent breakthroughs in early detection, prevention and treatment, we are virtually guaranteed to have more victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack in the next 10 to 30 years," he says. "I cannot believe that America will stand by as our brave first responders succumb to cancer caused by this horrific act. We have a warning and time to take action but not unlimited time."
Resources are not unlimited either, but even with anticipated cuts in domestic spending, MARF is confident that the resources can be found. The National Cancer Institute, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Defense all significantly fund research in diseases other than meso. Their proposed budgets for 2006 are, respectively, $4.8 billion, $70.8 billion, and $401.7 billion. The Senate Judiciary Committee is considering controversial legislation to create a $140 billion trust fund to "compensate" asbestos disease victims after they get sick. "Surely Congress can find $30 million to prevent the suffering and death in the first place," says MARF Executive Director Christopher Hahn.
"The notion that our hands are tied, and that meso is a horrible death sentence that we cannot do anything about is dangerously apathetic, outdated and misinformed," Hahn continues. "It would be unconscionable for Congress to tell meso victims that it is simply giving up on this disease. Up to one third of these victims served our country in Navy ships and shipyards. 'Surrender' is not in their vocabulary."
Awarness
Those of us who work to raise awareness about mesothelioma, or who are facing the diagnosis for ourselves or with a loved one, tend to talk about it a lot. We corner people at gatherings and start warning them about the dangers of asbestos, or sharing the latest information about treatments and research. We barely need an opening to start talking about mesothelioma.
But now it’s even easier. MyMeso.org has several items we’d love to share with you that will help open doors to conversation - bracelets, pens and water bottles, all emblazoned with the words “mesothelioma” and “awareness.” We’d be happy to send you some of these to help you talk to other people about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the challenges facing those battling mesothelioma.
You can pretty much always count on seeing me with a bright blue mesothelioma awareness bracelet now. If you don’t see it, it’s probably because I’ve given it away when someone asked me about it, so they will remember to look for information after we’ve parted. I leave meso awareness pens in restaurants, hoping a curious diner after me will steal one and search to find out what it’s all about. I strike up conversations in the gym or at the park when someone sees my water bottle and asks, “what is that about?” It makes it really easy to spread the word!
Now you can help us raise awareness! You can have any of these items for FREE! Just send me an email and let me know what you need and where to send it. We will not share your information or use it for solicitation. We just want to help you help us share the news about this public health issue.
The more people we can educate about mesothelioma and asbestos danger, the closer we will come to securing funding for prevention, research and solutions.
But now it’s even easier. MyMeso.org has several items we’d love to share with you that will help open doors to conversation - bracelets, pens and water bottles, all emblazoned with the words “mesothelioma” and “awareness.” We’d be happy to send you some of these to help you talk to other people about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the challenges facing those battling mesothelioma.
You can pretty much always count on seeing me with a bright blue mesothelioma awareness bracelet now. If you don’t see it, it’s probably because I’ve given it away when someone asked me about it, so they will remember to look for information after we’ve parted. I leave meso awareness pens in restaurants, hoping a curious diner after me will steal one and search to find out what it’s all about. I strike up conversations in the gym or at the park when someone sees my water bottle and asks, “what is that about?” It makes it really easy to spread the word!
Now you can help us raise awareness! You can have any of these items for FREE! Just send me an email and let me know what you need and where to send it. We will not share your information or use it for solicitation. We just want to help you help us share the news about this public health issue.
The more people we can educate about mesothelioma and asbestos danger, the closer we will come to securing funding for prevention, research and solutions.
Questions
How does asbestos exposure occur?
When asbestos containing products are cut, sawed, or sanded tiny fibers are released into the air. People who were in the vicinity of where these actions took place, breathed these fibers.
Who is responsible for my asbestos injury?
Every company that manufactured an asbestos product that you were exposed to is potentially responsible for your asbestos injury. Even if you do not know the names of the manufacturers of asbestos products that you were exposed to, we can probably identify the products that you were exposed to based on the job sites where you worked.
When does a person have an asbestos related lawsuit?
If diagnosed with mesothelioma a person does have an asbestos related lawsuit. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of this disease.
If diagnosed with lung cancer and exposed to asbestos, the lung cancer was probably caused in part by asbestos.
How much will it cost me to bring a lawsuit?
It will cost you nothing. The Murray Law Firm works on a contingent fee basis; therefore the lawsuit costs nothing to a client unless money is recovered on behalf of the client.
Will I be responsible for expenses even if I do not receive any money?
No. Expenses are included in the costs to bring a lawsuit. If you do not receive any money, you are not responsible for the expenses incurred to bring that lawsuit.
What if I do receive money? Will expenses take away a large portion of that money?
No. The Murray Law Firm has been working in this area for many years, so our expenses are low.
What if I don�t want to settle because I think the value is too low or I want my day in court?
You do not have to agree to the settlement. No client can be bound to a settlement without their consent. Each client has the right to accept or deny any settlement offer and have their day in court.
Is it a lot of work for me if I decide to file a lawsuit?
No. The hardest part is to make the initial decision to file a lawsuit. After that, we make every attempt to make this process as easy as possible.
When asbestos containing products are cut, sawed, or sanded tiny fibers are released into the air. People who were in the vicinity of where these actions took place, breathed these fibers.
Who is responsible for my asbestos injury?
Every company that manufactured an asbestos product that you were exposed to is potentially responsible for your asbestos injury. Even if you do not know the names of the manufacturers of asbestos products that you were exposed to, we can probably identify the products that you were exposed to based on the job sites where you worked.
When does a person have an asbestos related lawsuit?
If diagnosed with mesothelioma a person does have an asbestos related lawsuit. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of this disease.
If diagnosed with lung cancer and exposed to asbestos, the lung cancer was probably caused in part by asbestos.
How much will it cost me to bring a lawsuit?
It will cost you nothing. The Murray Law Firm works on a contingent fee basis; therefore the lawsuit costs nothing to a client unless money is recovered on behalf of the client.
Will I be responsible for expenses even if I do not receive any money?
No. Expenses are included in the costs to bring a lawsuit. If you do not receive any money, you are not responsible for the expenses incurred to bring that lawsuit.
What if I do receive money? Will expenses take away a large portion of that money?
No. The Murray Law Firm has been working in this area for many years, so our expenses are low.
What if I don�t want to settle because I think the value is too low or I want my day in court?
You do not have to agree to the settlement. No client can be bound to a settlement without their consent. Each client has the right to accept or deny any settlement offer and have their day in court.
Is it a lot of work for me if I decide to file a lawsuit?
No. The hardest part is to make the initial decision to file a lawsuit. After that, we make every attempt to make this process as easy as possible.
Pleural Meso
Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer. This affects the cancer pleural sac that surrounds the lungs and is governed by exposure to asbestos. The pleural sac contains the lungs and also a small membrane called mesothelium. The mesothelium secretes a liquid with which the lungs to contract and breathing during the widen. The inhalation of asbestos causes a build of asbestos fibers in the lungs. Given the microscopic size and sharpness of these fibres, it is possible for them to penetrate the walls of the lungs and enter the pleural cavity. Since these fibers travel from the lungs into the pleural cavity, the sharp lines and mutilate shred the mesothelium possibly destroying it and causing cancer.
Since the asbestos fibers in the pleural cavity, can develop cancerous tumors, and the thick pleural fluid and harms proper lung movement. The tumors can also constrict the lungs, and press the ribcage or other organs, terrible pain. Because the lungs are responsible for re-election oxygenating the blood, cancer cells can move to other parts of the body by the bloodstream.
It is still unclear, scientists and doctors, why asbestos fibers cause the mesothelium to mutate into cancer. However, more and more asbestos cases are reported, doctors are learning more about this devastating condition. Some believe that only a single fiber, the events that lead to mesothelioma. Despite the fact that there is no cure for mesothelioma, early detection can help doctors to patients the opportunity to relieve suffering and possibly extend the life of the patient.
Since the asbestos fibers in the pleural cavity, can develop cancerous tumors, and the thick pleural fluid and harms proper lung movement. The tumors can also constrict the lungs, and press the ribcage or other organs, terrible pain. Because the lungs are responsible for re-election oxygenating the blood, cancer cells can move to other parts of the body by the bloodstream.
It is still unclear, scientists and doctors, why asbestos fibers cause the mesothelium to mutate into cancer. However, more and more asbestos cases are reported, doctors are learning more about this devastating condition. Some believe that only a single fiber, the events that lead to mesothelioma. Despite the fact that there is no cure for mesothelioma, early detection can help doctors to patients the opportunity to relieve suffering and possibly extend the life of the patient.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
