The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) is a non-profit organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated with asbestos exposure. The Foundation is also the leading funder of peer-reviewed mesothelioma research.
One of the key services provided by the Meso Foundation is patient support, which includes support groups and conversation groups. These support groups provide an opportunity for patients, caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma to connect with others who understand the challenges of this specific cancer and the experience of its impact.
Some of the benefits of participating in a mesothelioma support group can include:
- Emotional support: Talking to others who are going through similar experiences can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community.
- Information sharing: Support groups provide a platform for patients and caregivers to share information about treatments, resources, and coping strategies.
- Encouragement: Being in a supportive environment can help boost morale and provide encouragement for patients and caregivers as they navigate a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Meso Foundation’s support groups are held in-person (at the organization’s annual conference) by Zoom, or through Facebook groups, and are facilitated by trained professionals who understand the challenges of living with mesothelioma. The conversation groups are led by community members. View the groups calendar.
The Foundation also provides access to educational resources such as its MesoTV interview-based program with mesothelioma specialists, and support services, such as treatment guidance and financial assistance.
To join the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation support groups, patients, caregivers, and the bereaved community can complete this form to get in touch with the organization’s oncology nurse. All participants are vetted to ensure the groups are safe for everyone.
To join the organization’s Facebook groups, visit the following links, requested to join, and make sure to answer the required questions.
- Mesothelioma Straight Talk: General Discussion (by US nonprofit). This a group for all members of the mesothelioma community to discuss topics of interest, ask each other questions, and connect.
- Mesothelioma Straight Talk: Patient Support (by US nonprofit)
This group is for those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma who wish to share and connect with others on this journey. It is a private room where all conversations are welcome, no subject taboo but will be held to a kind and gentle format in an attempt to alleviate some of the stress, celebrate some of the victories and seek comfort on those difficult days. - Mesothelioma Straight Talk: Caregivers – Advanced Disease (by US nonprofit)
This group is for caregivers of patients with advanced disease. It focuses on symptom management and treatment of advanced disease while still providing hope to those who are struggling with a multitude of caregiving challenges. - Mesothelioma Straight Talk: Caregivers – Early Disease (by US nonprofit)
This group is for caregivers of patients who are in the early stages of mesothelioma requiring little in symptom management, who wish to focus on hope, support and navigating through treatment and decision-making. - Mesothelioma Loss Support Group (by US nonprofit)
Losing someone you love at any time from anything is tragic enough, but losing someone to mesothelioma adds levels of emotion not experienced outside this unique circle. This group is a supportive community for everyone who has lost a loved one to mesothelioma.
