The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation strongly believes that every mesothelioma patient should have the opportunity to be seen by an appropriate mesothelioma expert, regardless of their ability to pay. To that end, we are proud to offer the Patient Travel Grant Program that provides financial assistance to patients and their caregiver traveling for a consultation or participating in a clinical trial.
In 2019, the Foundation awarded 88 travel grants for appointments to 10 centers with mesothelioma expertise. Enabling patients and caregivers to access and receive treatment through clinical trials is critical not only for ensuring a range of options to achieve the best possible outcome, but also for advancing the field of mesothelioma research generally. However, participation in clinical trials often requires traveling long distances and lodging for up to weeks at a time – a financial shock to many households. The Patient Travel Grant Program helps to alleviate that burden so that patients and their families can focus on the many other challenges at hand.
Founded by Mary and Bob Cosentino in 2007, the program offers reimbursements for expenses related to lodging/hotel accommodations, gasoline, airplane, bus and/or train tickets, as well as cab, taxi, Uber, Lyft or metro fees.
The Patient Travel Grant Program is made possible in large part through a generous grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation during the spring 2019 and spring 2020 funding cycles. The Schulze Family Foundation “directs its primary efforts and resources towards matters of importance in human & social services, education, and health & medicine.”
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Schulze, the Schulze Family Foundation Board of Directors, and their staff from all of us at the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and our travel grant recipients!
As with all the Meso Foundation’s programs and services, the combined generosity of foundations and individuals is what makes our work possible. If you would like to make a donation to the Patient Travel Grant Program, you can make your donation online or contact Michael Braeuninger, Director of Development, at (571) 775-0400 or [email protected].
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to eradicate mesothelioma and end this national tragedy. Its programs include the funding of promising and peer-reviewed research, education, support and advocacy. The organization strives to bring together thought-leaders in the field to identify the most direct path to a cure.
