Mesothelioma – by now you all know how to pronounce it, and you know that being informed is important. You also know about the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation or you wouldn’t be reading this blog. But did you know just how amazing their symposia are?
Let me give you an example of just a few highlights that I’ve seen:
1. People hugging people just because they have this disease in common and needed a hug.
2. Meeting a man in the hotel elevator who had a meso name badge, speaking to him and finding out he is Dr. Harvey Pass, the guru of mesothelioma. (We have since had many conversations together.)
3. Hearing the top meso specialists in the world speak about treatment, hope and the future of research.
4. Meeting a researcher who knew who I was because he works on my slides in research.
5. Letting researchers know how important their work is to patients and families.
6. Giving hope to a young mother who came because she had no idea where to turn to and didn’t know what to do next.
7. Putting a face to a name for those who have and will need support.
8. Knowing you are really not alone and there are others who can help.
9. Running out the door, to grab a hold of a doctor who just gave his speech and have him listen and talk to you on a personal level to answer your questions.
10. To meet other caregivers, patients and families affected by mesothelioma.
11. To be able to sit at a table with researchers and doctors and see that they are touched to know patients and families out of a clinical setting.
12. And finally… to meet Mary Hesdorffer, the woman who has helped save so many of us.
Ok so I lied. Not 10, but so many more reasons for you to attend the Symposium. I guarantee you will be so glad you did.
By Bonnie Anderson
