MESOTHELIOMA SUPPORT GROUPS

Talking about your asbestos disease with others can be therapeutic

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

– Dr. Leo Buscaglia, author of many New York Times best-selling books on human reticence. His insights, often discussed at mesothelioma support groups, can provide comfort to patients struggling to understand their situation.

Mesothelioma support groups provide many resources

August 17, 2010 – Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can be frightening and confusing. This page is designed to help patients overcome the emotional uncertainties associated with asbestos disease by providing valuable information on the importance of human support.

There are two teams mesothelioma patients can rely on for support after being diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. Your medical team (doctors, nurses and pharmacists), and your personal support team (friends, families, religious leaders, counselors and even other patients).

The important message here is that you are not alone in this diagnosis and you can draw comfort and wisdom from those around you.

Talking about your disease is an important aspect of all mesothelioma support initiatives.

Since mesothelioma cancer is relatively rare (only 3,000 cases are diagnosed in the United States every year), many mesothelioma support groups are general cancer groups that your medical team can talk with you about.

Develop a personal mesothelioma support team

Your medical team is always important when you have mesothelioma, but you may also find it beneficial to be in close contact with family and friends, who make up your personal support team.

Do not underestimate the importance of support from family and friends. Human connections become precious resources during difficult times and have shown to be beneficial to cancer patients in many ways.

In addition to family and friends, consider other mesothelioma support personnel, including religious leaders, counselors, other patients, and support groups dedicated to mesothelioma patients.

Major support groups to be aware of

Asbestos Awareness Disease Organization (ADAO). This organization, founded by asbestos victims and their families, gives mesothelioma patients and families a united voice so that their rights are fairly represented.

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF). MARF is a national organization funded by mesothelioma patients and their families. The Web site also has a message board you can join and speak with other mesothelioma patients and families.

Mesothelioma Essentials. This site, also supported by those with mesothelioma and their families, is sponsored by The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). It offers information, links to other support sources, as well as links to additional reading and other materials.

Weitz & Luxenberg on your legal team

Weitz & Luxenberg believes it is important for those enduring the rigors of mesothelioma treatment options to experience feelings of comfort and trust with their lawyer, and a sense that communication will remain open and clear.

Every Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyer understands the emotional and financial complexities of asbestos disease in the family – and exactly what is required to secure maximum compensation for the injured worker’s loved ones.

If you wish to learn more about mesothelioma claims, please know we work on a contingency basis and are paid a percentage of the final settlement. That means there are no upfront legal fees, whatsoever. We are paid based on a percentage of the compensation award we obtain for you.

Protect your family’s future financial well-being today by obtaining a free, private case review via the form at left.