On Thursday a federal judge overseeing the bankruptcy proceedings of auto parts manufacturer Dana Corp., overruled the objections of an ad hoc committee representing asbestos-personal injury creditors, and allowed Dana's proposed $2 million personal injury settlement to proceed. The committee had petitioned the court to delay Thursday's hearing pending public disclosure of the terms of the agreements to settle 7,500 personal injury lawsuits over asbestos-containing automotive gaskets manufactured by Dana. The $2 million settlement will resolve eleven percent of the cases against Dana Corp. alleging mesothlioma, and open the door to other claimaints seeking similar settlements. For more information on the Dana Corp. settlement, see below Proposed Settlement for 7,500 Dana Corp. Asbestos Claimants, posted 10/29/07 and Committee Pushes for Details of Dana Corp. Settlements posted 11/13/07.

In my last blog I focused on advocacy and awareness on a broader level; in this session I would like to talk more about the individual sharing of experience and how it can affect others. I am amazed by the strength and courage of Mesothelioma victims and families. They are fighting a rare disease, often with limited information and resources. I have found that a primary support resource can simply be others who are experiencing the same or a similar diagnosis. Some clients who wonder how they can help on an individual level are often surprised how valuable simply sharing their own experience can be to others. I would like to remind those of you struggling with Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases how strong and influential your voice can be.

Sharing your personal diagnosis and treatment experiences often helps other patients. It can also assist providers and researchers. Your story can be shared in a variety of ways: person-to-person, during meetings with providers, in a local or online support group, or in an online community (such as the one here at the MesoRC).

Your story and experience can help others by:

• Letting others know what they can expect from the diagnosis and/or treatments.

• Establishing an understanding of treatment options and their potential effectiveness with this rare disease.

• Giving others ideas about how to manage the symptoms of Mesothelioma.

• Providing techniques and ideas for getting through various treatment options.

• Spreading information regarding resources available and where and how to utilize them.

• Allowing clinicians and researchers to learn from those with first hand knowledge of Mesothelioma and asbestos-related illnesses.

• Offering hope and empathy to others who are living through similar challenges.

Each of us has a unique experience that can provide knowledge and support to others. You can help others survive their disease and cope with everything it entails along the way. Please remember how valuable your story is and how much you can help others by sharing it.

On October 29th the Meso Blog reported on a proposed $2 million settlement of 7,500 personal injury claims by Ohio auto parts supplier, Dana Corp. As of June 30, 2007 the company, which is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, was facing 150,000 asbestos-related injury claims, 7% of which alleged mesothelioma or cancer due to asbestos-containing automotive gaskets manufactured by the company. (See Proposed Settlement for 7,500 Dana Corp. Asbestos Claimants, posted 10/29/07). As part of its Chapter 11 reorganization plan, unsecured creditors would be able to recover between 72% to 86% of their claims.

In an update to that post, the Houston Chronicle reported today that an ad hoc committee representing asbestos-personal injury creditors in the Dana Corp. bankruptcy, filed papers with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan to have the 7,500 settlements thrown out unless Dana provides more details on the settlement agreements. According to the committee, the settlement proposal could provide more favorable treatment for asbestos creditors who settle their claims before the Chapter 11 reorganization plan is confirmed. Rather than merely rely on Dana Corp.'s description of the settlement details, the committee is seeking full disclosure of all settlement terms, and has asked the Court to delay the upcoming hearing on the proposed settlement, scheduled for this Thursday, pending its review of the settlements.

The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health published a study last week authored by members of the Asbestos Victims Association of Quebec (AVAQ) which claimed that several homes in Thetford Mines are heavily contaminated by asbestos.

Thetford Mines is a town located in south-central Quebec, Canada, named after and built around asbestos mines. Founded in 1876 after the discovery of asbestos, it became the hub of Canada's asbestos-producing region. Most of the chrysotile asbestos mined in Thetford Mines is now shipped to developing countries in southeast Asia, the Middle East and South and Central America. Based upon an analysis of air, dust and soil samples, the AVAQ study concluded that asbestos from piles of mine waste in the area is getting into homes and posing a potential health risk to area residents. An earlier study by the Institut National de Sante Publique due Quebec had already found a significant increase in the incidence of mesothelioma in the Chaudiere-Appalaches region, which includes Thetford Mines and other mining towns, between 1982 and 1996.

Today, less than 700 of the 26,000 residents of Thetford Mines are employed by the asbestos mines. Many residents believe they are vulnerable to developing asbestos-related illnesses simply by breathing the air, and have charged the mining companies with the responsibility of cleaning up the mess. However, not everyone in Thetford Mines is convinced of the dangers of asbestos or of the validity of the AVAQ study. In quick response to the AVAQ study, the Quebec Ministry of Environment has just released the results of its own air sampling study conducted in 2004 which concluded that ambient levels of asbestos do not present an environmental risk and that residents should not be concerned that they are inadvertently being exposed to a cancer-causing mineral.

However, the authors of the AVAQ study have shot back, questioning the methods used in the government study. Specifically, they note that the AVAQ study used standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when it studied asbestos contamination at ground zero following the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York, whereas Quebec's Environment Department study was based on much less stringent standards used by the Ontario government. According to the AVAQ, the asbestos content in the air in Thetford Mines is ten times above what the EPA would consider acceptable, and that if U.S. standards were applied, people in homes with elevated asbestos levels wouuld not be allowed to live in them until they had been cleaned up.

Everyone dealing with Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses knows the importance of having knowledge of treatment options. Unfortunately, we also know the limitations of the current research and treatment options. More funding is needed to stimulate research to develop more effective treatment for Meso patients. You may be wondering how you can help. You and others affected by this disease can take steps to spread the word about Mesothelioma and collectively ask for much needed support. Below I’ve listed some ideas of how to increase awareness and advocate for victims of Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses:

Raise Awareness:

• In your community by educating others and raising funds for the cause.

• At school or work by educating your peers and encouraging them to become involved.

• In the media by news releases, letters to the editor, offering an interview, and public service announcements.

• In the government by making your voice heard to elected officials.

Take Action:

• Send emails to key government leaders and decision-makers for a fast, easy way to get your voice heard.

• Write letters to key government leaders to show your commitment to the cause.

• Make phone calls to your Members of Congress and their Health Legislative Assistants.

• Schedule a visit with local government leaders to educate them about Mesothelioma and the importance of asbestos related legislation.

Other ideas to get involved:

• Be knowledgeable – learn as much as you can about Mesothelioma and asbestos

• Tell your story – increase awareness by telling your personal story (in your community, in the media, on the internet, etc.)

• Volunteer – dedicate some of your time to fundraising efforts locally or nationally

• Form a local support network – with other victims, families, and providers touched by Mesothelioma and other asbestos related issues

• Develop contacts – with anyone who may assist us in fighting for this cause (ex. Legislators, Union Representatives, Veteran Groups, Celebrities, and other community leaders)

In October the Bill to Ban Asbestos passed in the Senate (see previous blog – Bill to Ban Asbestos Passes Senate for additional information). It now moves on to the House of Representatives at the Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2007 / H.R. 3339. This is an example of where the work of grass roots agencies and victims working together to educate and inform leaders in regards to this much needed piece of legislation.

You can make a difference by taking action and raising awareness in your community and on a larger scale. You can also contact agencies such as the Meso Foundation and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization for other ideas and opportunities.