Mesothelioma Days of Awareness and Remembrance: How to Get Involved

Mesothelioma patients and their loved ones can find themselves feeling alone, like no one else can understand or truly recognize their struggle. However, this is not the case: in fact, there is a strong, international community of mesothelioma patients, survivors, loved ones, researchers, and advocates who dedicate themselves to outreach about mesothelioma, solidarity-building among those affected, and remembrance of those who have passed. These groups also support mesothelioma research and an asbestos ban, working toward the larger aim of a mesothelioma-free world.

One way to connect with those communities and their efforts is by learning about and participating in mesothelioma days of remembrance, as well as related advocacy and awareness events. Throughout the year, different anti-asbestos and mesothelioma advocacy groups have events spanning days, weeks, and even months, supporting patients and their families and spreading awareness about this deadly—and preventable—disease.

In this article, we’ll explore several different mesothelioma advocacy and remembrance events, honoring the strength and resilience of mesothelioma patients and their loved ones while aiming to eradicate mesothelioma once and for all.

What are some of the main mesothelioma advocacy and remembrance events?

Mesothelioma Awareness Day (MAD)

When is it? September 26^th

What is it? Mesothelioma Awareness Day was originally established in 2004, and was recognized by Congress in 2010. Today, it is a major mobilizer for mesothelioma awareness, raising the profile on mesothelioma while raising funds for research. It is also a day for the mesothelioma community to come together and celebrate mesothelioma patients and survivors, and to honor mesothelioma patients who have passed away.

National Asbestos Awareness Week (NAAW)

When is it? The first week in April (April 1-7).

What is it? Also known as Global Asbestos Awareness Week, this event has been held internationally since 2005. The U.S. version, called National Asbestos Awareness Week (NAAW), was recognized by Congress in 2024.

NAAW consists of events throughout the first week in April to raise awareness about the risks of asbestos exposure and to advocate for a total asbestos ban. It also includes a multiday advocacy and education seminar called the International Asbestos Awareness Conference, which centers on advocacy and support for those with asbestos-related diseases (including mesothelioma), as well as anti-asbestos lobbying. The conference includes webinars, so you can participate in remotely if you are unable to attend in person.

Mesothelioma Warrior Candle Lighting

When is it? December 28^th (for those who have passed); January 4^th (for those currently fighting mesothelioma)

What is it? This two-partevent is a worldwide candle-lighting ceremony for mesothelioma warriors and their loved ones. It allows the mesothelioma community to honor, remember, and pay respect to those who fought or are still fighting mesothelioma.

The first night of candle-lighting, on December 28^th, caps off the year with a communal space to honor and remember those who have lost their lives to mesothelioma. The second night, on January 4^th, offers a fresh start to the coming year for those who are currently fighting mesothelioma, to show solidarity and support for their continued strength and courage.

The Mesothelioma Warrior Candle Lighting tradition was originally started in 2000 by Jill Vaughn, who herself was a mesothelioma warrior. For over 20 years, this tradition has brought hope and solidarity to the mesothelioma community, honored the memory of those we have lost, and provided support to those who continue fighting.

To participate, light a candle for yourself or for the person in your life affected by mesothelioma. You can also request to be included on the annual list of mesothelioma warriors.

International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma:

When is it? October 17^th-18^th

What is it? Since 2004, this multiday conference on malignant mesothelioma, it has provided a space for patients, families, caregivers, specialists, researchers, and experts to discuss the latest cutting-edge treatment options and new innovations in care for those with malignant mesothelioma.

This symposium is a unique opportunity for patients and their loved ones to ask questions directly to the world’s foremost mesothelioma experts, and to learn about innovations in treatment and care that could drastically improve prognosis and quality of life. It is also a great opportunity to connect with providers and specialists and to seek out clinical trials. Finally, the symposium provides an essential opportunity for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones to gather with other people who have gone through what they are going through, which can make all the difference in battling the loneliness and alienation many mesothelioma patients and their loved ones experience.

The next symposium is scheduled for October 17-18, 2024 in Chicago, IL, but the location and exact date changes each year. The symposium also has remote participation options if you are unable to attend in person.

How Can I Participate in Mesothelioma Awareness and Advocacy?

There are many ways to participate in mesothelioma awareness and advocacy, as mentioned above. These include:

• Attending events: Both Mesothelioma Awareness Day and Asbestos Awareness Week have many associated events each year, including fundraisers like Miles4Meso, Kayaking for Meso, and the John Slagle Memorial Golf Tournament. Look online to find mesothelioma awareness events closest to you. You can also attend conferences (whether remotely or in person), and participate in Mesothelioma Warrior candle lighting.
• Organizing and leading your own event: If there are no events nearby, you can organize and lead your own event. Network with others in the mesothelioma community and speak to your local town or city authorities about putting up your own Mesothelioma Awareness Day event.
• Wearing blue: The official color of Mesothelioma Awareness is blue. Participate by wearing a blue wristband, a blue ribbon, or blue clothing, or by raising a blue flag if you have a flagpole. Take the opportunity to start conversations with people you encounter to bring more awareness to mesothelioma and asbestos exposure.
• Engaging on social media: If you’re not able to participate in person, you can always engage online and through social media to promote national and global mesothelioma awareness. Put a blue square or related filter on your profile pictures, or use hashtags like #MesotheliomaAwarenessDay to tell people about the dangers of asbestos and the harsh realities of living with mesothelioma. This sort of advocacy can be something you do year-round, not just on specific days.
• Contacting your representatives. Use your voice and urge your political representatives to support a total asbestos ban, increased resources for mesothelioma patients and their families, or any other mesothelioma-related advocacy. You can call, write, or email, and can even host a letter writing campaign in your community.
• Donating money or fundraising. While it’s not necessary to spend money in order to advocate for mesothelioma, one way to help is by donating to a mesothelioma research organization, advocacy group, or support fund for patients and their families. You can also rally members of your community to donate to the cause.
• Telling your story and educating others in your community. Whether or not you have been personally affected by mesothelioma, you can share important facts about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma in your community. If you or a loved one has been personally affected by mesothelioma, tell your story. Your voice is important and adds dimension to the human toll of mesothelioma, making the need for a mesothelioma-free world all the more urgent and real.

Are you looking for more information about mesothelioma and how to advocate for your rights? Call (855) 385-9532 to learn more.