As previously mentioned on the MesoRC Blog, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s (MARF) International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, took place on June 26 - June 28 on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C. Researchers, patients, family members, physicians, and politicians gathered to discuss the continued search for a cure for mesothelioma. The symposium featured a number of guest speakers who presented on various topics pertaining to mesothelioma. Listed below, you will find the PowerPoint presentations from several of the guest speakers.

• H. Richard Alexander, MD, University of Maryland: Presentation on the major advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

• Raja Flores, MD, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Presentation on the current approaches to malignant mesothelioma.

• Robert Kratzke, MD, University of Minnesota: Presentation on post-operative intrapleural chemotherapy for mesothelioma.

• Mary Hesdorffer, MS, APRN, Meso Foundation: Presentation on optimizing patient care including - decision making, role of medical team, and screening for depression.

• Raffit Hassan, MD, National Cancer Institute: Presentation on the scientific advancements in mesothelioma research.

When Lexi Miletto's grandfather died three years ago, she found an outlet for her grief in writing letters -- to medical foundations, congressmen, and even Oprah Winfrey and the president. Lexi wrote these letters to call attention to the disease that killed him, mesothelioma.

Although she never heard back from Oprah or the president, she did get a call back in May from June Breit of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF). Breit invited Lexi to give the keynote address Friday, June 27, at the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma held in Washington, D.C. Lexi enthusiastically accepted the invitation. ''I was very excited about it,'' she said. ''It means a lot to me because I want to raise awareness for others so they won't have to suffer like my grandfather did.''

Lexi’s grandfather, Joe Miletto, worked a string of hard-labor jobs, including demolition and brick-making, where he could have been exposed to asbestos. His widow, Diane, thinks he inhaled the asbestos that would kill him when he served in the Navy, building ships.

Lexi’s goals are to increase mesothelioma research and raise money for it through fundraisers. She also wants to push a strong Capitol Hill lobby for a national asbestos ban.

To Read Lexi's Full Story, Click Here

The Mesothelioma Resource Center is excited to announce the launch of a new site feature: the MesoRC Marketplace. Working in an affiliate partnership with Amazon.com, MesoRC has compiled a list of books and resources that mesothelioma patients and family members may find helpful.

The Marketplace features informational publications on mesothelioma as well as books on caregiving, coping, facing death and loss, managing side effects and treatment, and nutrition. Visit the Novelties link to find shirts, mugs, and keychains dedicated to raising mesothelioma awareness.

Items can be purchased by clicking on the images on the Marketplace page. MesoRC's proceeds from the Marketplace will go directly to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation in hopes of finding a cure.

On June 26-28, researchers, patients, family members, physicians, and politicians will gather in Washington D.C. to answer one question: what is the cure for mesothelioma?

Reaching a cure means implementing safe and effective treatments to mesothelioma patients across the world. The attainability of this goal is dependent upon the cooperation of the entire mesothelioma community; in order for researchers to develop new drug therapies and treatments, mesothelioma studies must have significant financial backing and public support. In raising awareness and offering patients advice and guidance, participants in the upcoming International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma will be bringing their cause to the forefront of attention among the political and medical realms.

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation's International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma aims to show that by combining social awareness, patient support, scientific research, and political advocacy, the fight against mesothelioma is at its strongest. Hosted on Capitol Hill, the symposium will address four main elements: research, education, support, and advocacy.

The conference will include large group forums, small break-out sessions, individual meetings with Senators and political staff, a recognition and award ceremony, and informational lunches. For the full symposium agenda and details on travel and lodging click here.

Registration for the symposium is ongoing, and MARF has generously extended the discounted fee deadline to June 5. To register for the symposium online, visit this link. The foundation also offers extensive financial aid--including covering the airfare and hotel costs-- for patients and family members that need it. Contact the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation for more information.

The fight against mesothelioma is made possible by individuals who actively contribute to funding research and advocating for asbestos awareness.  MesoRC happily and proudly announces the introduction of a Tribute Wall, to acknowledge and thank those individuals who have made a contribution to the battle against mesothelioma.

Each name on the wall represents a member of the MesoRC community; upon joining, the Law Offices of James Sokolove donated $200 in their name to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.  We especially thank those members who have been personally affected by the disease, or who have donated in honor of a mesothelioma victim. In joining the MesoRC community, these individuals have helped MARF become one step closer to a cure.