Last week, we announced the expansion of our Travel Grant program for mesothelioma patients. The program, which was created initially to help mesothelioma patients who are in need travel to see a specialist for the initial consultation, will now also accept applications to cover traveling expenses of patients enrolled in clinical trials away from home, or those seeking new consultation following relapse. Each grant of up to $1,000 can cover lodging, transportation, and meals.
Mesothelioma treatment requires the expertise of a specialist who has extensive mesothelioma experience. Such experts are available at a limited number of centers, access to which often requires the patient to travel. Mesothelioma patients can greatly benefit from consulting with an expert. In many cases, following the initial consultation, the mesothelioma expert will be able to work with the patient’s local physician to guide them through a more specialized treatment.
“The Meso Foundation believes that every patient should have the chance to be seen by an appropriate mesothelioma expert, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Mary Hesdorffer, the executive director of the Meso Foundation and an expert nurse practitioner.
To qualify for the grant, a patient must show significant financial need and fit in one of the following categories:
- Patients who must travel to receive expert care or an expert consult on their mesothelioma, and cannot afford to do so without assistance. Repeat visits are not covered unless patients are enrolled in a clinical trial.
- Following treatment by a specialist, the patient has relapsed and needs to explore a new option of treatment or clinical trial.
- The patient has enrolled in a clinical trial and does not have the financial means to travel to appointments. We recognize that clinical trial participation requires multiple visits and will consider each visit as a new application.
More information about the Travel Grant program can be obtained by contacting the Meso Foundation at (877)636-6376 ext. 3821 or by emailing Dana Purcell at [email protected].
Visit curemeso.org for more information about mesothelioma.
