Thursday, February 7, 2013

Mesothelioma & Asbestos Report


The mesothelioma lawyers at the Simmons Law Firm have gathered some of this week’s headlines, offering information on asbestos exposure, mesothelioma research, and support. 
  • Asbestos Found in Little Rock, Arkansas 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has conducted asbestos testing in Conley Park and the former North Little Rock Auto Salvage Center. The North Little Rock Salvage Site, which operated from 1953 to 1989, was used as a vermiculite processing facility. The vermiculite came from a mine located in Libby, Montana, which was later found to be infected with asbestos. The EPA is reporting that some asbestos contamination has been found in both the old processing plant as well as parts of the surrounding area.
  • Meso Research Foundation Continues Mission to Eradicate Mesothelioma 
Throughout the year 2011, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation continued its efforts towards increasing awareness of mesothelioma cancer and increasing funding towards the development of new mesothelioma treatment advancements. In addition to funding its research programs, the foundation’s many efforts included providing patient service programs, advocating in Washington for funding, and leading local-centric awareness campaigns in cities, towns, and states around the United States. The Simmons Firm is proud to support the Meso Foundation.
  • Asbestos-Warning Signs Alert Buffalo Residents 
Residents of a Buffalo apartment complex were alarmed when asbestos-warning signs were suddenly posted at their Marine Drive Apartment building. The signs, which were initially posted without any further notice, left residents wondering if they were at risk for asbestos exposure. These warnings were a result of asbestos materials being found and removed from the apartment complex in August. The warning notices also confirmed the possible presence of asbestos containing materials being present throughout the building, including floor tile, linoleum, plaster ceilings, heating pipes and caulking. Officials are noting that currently only common areas, the boiler room and the maintenance room are affected. 
  • PHOTOFRIN® for Mesothelioma Treatment Receives FDA Approval 
Pinnacle Biologics, Inc., a bio-pharmaceutical company, has received FDA approval for an Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for their product PHOTOFRIN® (porfimer sodium). Pinnacle will evaluate the current clinical data, in hopes to bring this important treatment option to patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. 
  • Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Announces Honorees:  Dedicated to providing education, advocacy and community initiatives for asbestos victims, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) has announced its honorees and keynote speaker for the 8th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference. The event, which will be held March 30 to April 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, CA, will bring together experts, activists and asbestos victims in one single forum. The focus of which is to enhance asbestos awareness, education, treatment, and collaboration. The Simmons Firm is proud to support ADAO.
Posted on 1:38 PM | Categories:

Mesothelioma Information and News


The mesothelioma lawyers at the Simmons Law Firm have gathered some of this week’s headlines, offering information on asbestos exposure, mesothelioma research, and support. 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has conducted asbestos testing in Conley Park and the former North Little Rock Auto Salvage Center. The North Little Rock Salvage Site, which operated from 1953 to 1989, was used as a vermiculite processing facility. The vermiculite came from a mine located in Libby, Montana, which was later found to be infected with asbestos. The EPA is reporting that some asbestos contamination has been found in both the old processing plant as well as parts of the surrounding area.
Throughout the year 2011, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation continued its efforts towards increasing awareness of mesothelioma cancer and increasing funding towards the development of new mesothelioma treatment advancements. In addition to funding its research programs, the foundation’s many efforts included providing patient service programs, advocating in Washington for funding, and leading local-centric awareness campaigns in cities, towns, and states around the United States. The Simmons Firm is proud to support the Meso Foundation.
Residents of a Buffalo apartment complex were alarmed when asbestos-warning signs were suddenly posted at their Marine Drive Apartment building. The signs, which were initially posted without any further notice, left residents wondering if they were at risk for asbestos exposure. These warnings were a result of asbestos materials being found and removed from the apartment complex in August. The warning notices also confirmed the possible presence of asbestos containing materials being present throughout the building, including floor tile, linoleum, plaster ceilings, heating pipes and caulking. Officials are noting that currently only common areas, the boiler room and the maintenance room are affected. 
Pinnacle Biologics, Inc., a bio-pharmaceutical company, has received FDA approval for an Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for their product PHOTOFRIN® (porfimer sodium). Pinnacle will evaluate the current clinical data, in hopes to bring this important treatment option to patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. 
  • Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Announces Honorees:  Dedicated to providing education, advocacy and community initiatives for asbestos victims, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) has announced its honorees and keynote speaker for the 8th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference. The event, which will be held March 30 to April 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, CA, will bring together experts, activists and asbestos victims in one single forum. The focus of which is to enhance asbestos awareness, education, treatment, and collaboration. The Simmons Firm is proud to support ADAO.
Posted on 1:37 PM | Categories:

Mesothelioma & Asbestos Information


As part of our commitment to offering news and information concerning asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, the mesothelioma lawyers at the Simmons Firm have rounded up some of this week’s headlines.
  • Recent Mesothelioma Treatment Innovations:
    This Brigham and Women’s Hospital article outlines a few innovative treatment options in respect to mesothelioma. Intracavitary chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, brachytherapy, and alternative medicines are among the mesothelioma treatment options discussed in the article.
  • Mesothelioma Patients Chosen to Review Federal Funding Program
    Three mesothelioma patients, nominated by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and accepted through the Department of Defense (DoD), will serve as consumer reviewers for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). Funded and directed by the DoD, the CDRMP distributes research funding for diseases that disproportionately affect veterans. The goal of this consumer review panel is to ensure that the needs of those veterans affected by mesothelioma are recognized.
  • ADAO's 8th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference Scheduled:
    The ADAO will host its 8th annual asbestos awareness conference, “Asbestos: An International Public Health Crisis,” from March 30 – April 1, 2012. Bringing together leaders from around the globe, the focus of the conference is to discuss how asbestos has impacted public health, the environment, and the economy. The Simmons Firm is proud to support ADAO.
  • Asbestos Exposure Danger in Yakima Valley
    After a fire destroyed two restaurants in Yakima Valley, WA last spring, residents have become aware of the presence of asbestos in a number of the area’s older buildings. Scheduled building demolition projects that may require the removal of asbestos include the Safari and El Conquistador restaurants as well as the Eisenhower High School.
  • Asbestos Exposure and the Dangers of Home Improvement
    This ABC report warns against the hidden dangers of home improvement. Due to its one-time popularity as a favorite building material, many older homes were constructed with asbestos. Because asbestos exposure is directly linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos related diseases, people who decide to take on “do-it-yourself projects” may place themselves at risk.
Please note that if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the mesothelioma lawyers from the Simmons Law Firm are here to offer guidance, information and legal counsel. We are committed to helping families affected by mesothelioma and are a leading supporter of mesothelioma research throughout the country. For more information, call our law firm today for a free consultation at 1-866-468-8631 or contact us online.
Posted on 1:36 PM | Categories:

Mesothelioma & Asbestos News Report


As part of our commitment to helping families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, the mesothelioma lawyers at the Simmons Firm are offering information on asbestos exposure, mesothelioma diagnosis, and treatment options.
  • Potential Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma:
    A chemotherapy drug has been granted Orphan Drug Designation for the possible treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. As a ‘novel synthetic compound,’ the drug, CBP501, has been approved for use in combination with Cisplatin. Phase II of this trial was completed in October 2011 and approved in January. Results of this trial should be released this summer, and they may lead to a larger phase III trial.
  • ATSDR: Guide on Asbestos Exposure:
    The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) offers information on asbestos, asbestos exposure, and asbestos related illness. This guide from the ASTDR is intended to help people understand the types of illnesses asbestos may cause and provide advice on where to look for additional help and information.
  • ADAO Goes To Washington:
    The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) will hold an educational senate briefing, Asbestos: The Impact on Public Health, the Environment, and the Economy. In addition to the briefing, the group of ADAO representatives will meet with government officials with the hopes of offering critical asbestos information, encouraging bipartisan collaboration, and addressing the threat of asbestos.
  • Mesothelioma Treatment Research:
    Researchers at the Asbestos Disease Research Institute in Sydney, Australia are reporting that they may have found a possible “Tumor Marker” in patients suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos related cancers. These markers, which are found in blood or tumor tissues, may offer evidence as to how aggressive the disease is, which in turn may ultimately offer insight into better treatment options.
  • Asbestos Found in Nursing Home:
    Parts of a Lehigh Valley, PA nursing home have been shut down after officials discovered high levels of asbestos. While the material was not found to be airborne in any of the patients’ rooms, the nursing home’s maintenance shop, carpenter shop, break room and a storage room have tested positive.
  • Asbestos Removal Complete at DOE Site in Ohio:
    A project to remove asbestos from a Department of Energy (DOE) process building near Piketon, OH has been completed. The removal process was the first step in a decontamination and decommissioning process that will result in the demolition of the building.
Posted on 1:35 PM | Categories:

Mesothelioma & Asbestos News Report


As part of our commitment to offering news and information on asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, the lawyers at the Simmons Firm have rounded up some of this week's headlines.
  • Additional Mesothelioma Funding through DoD:
    Mesothelioma will again be included on the list of diseases eligible for research funding through the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP). The disease first became eligible to receive funding in 2008 due to the disproportionate rate by which military personnel are affected by mesothelioma. Since this time, the DoD has funded $5.8 million in mesothelioma research.

  • Treatment of Mesothelioma Based on Extent of the Cancer:
    This article by the American Cancer Society offers information on mesothelioma treatment options. According to the article, “Mesothelioma can be hard to treat, no matter the stage of the cancer” For this reason it becomes important to understand the goal of the treatment before it begins. In addition to the stage of the disease, the patient’s health and preferences also help the doctor determine the type of treatment available.

  • Increasing Asbestos Awareness One Signature at a Time:
    The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and Canadian Voices of Asbestos Victims (CVAV) have seen success from their petition drive advocating increased awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure. Currently the petition has received support from more than 500 individuals and 40 organizations. Visit the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization for details or to sign the petition.

  • Cause of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers:
    This article looks at the causes and effects of lung cancer in non-smokers. After smoking, the causes of cancer can include secondhand smoke, exposure to radon gas, exposure to carcinogens at work, and air pollution. While the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is exposure to radon gas, the workplace as a source for exposure to carcinogens, like asbestos and diesel exhaust, has also attributed to a number of diagnoses.

  • Industrial Site Being Cleared of Asbestos:
    Demolition work and asbestos removal at an industrial site in Norristown, Pennsylvania is expected to be completed by midsummer. The site, which was purchased as a possible relocation spot for the Norristown Sewage Treatment plant, is currently contaminated with asbestos. The asbestos removal and demolition work is being conducted by the Environmental Consulting Inc. (ECI) of Norristown.
Posted on 1:35 PM | Categories:

Meso Foundation Awards $100,000 to Five Mesothelioma Research Projects


I’m pleased to share that the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation recently announced funding for five mesothelioma research grants.
Having seen first-hand the deadly impact this disease can have on patients and their families, my colleagues and I understand the critical need for research dollars for mesothelioma. Thanks to the work of the Meso Foundation that need is being fulfilled, but not fast enough. Every year 3,000 new Americans are newly diagnosed with mesothelioma, which is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.
A cure can’t come quick enough.
The foundation awards funding based on a rigorous peer-reviewed process. This means that all projects are reviewed and ranked by the members of the organization’s Science Advisory Board. The five were selected from a pool of 42 applicants.
This year’s projects include:
  • A study attempting to combine all genomic data of ten different pleural mesothelioma tumors and discover which genes are truly meaningful in disease treatment.
  • A study investigating how important proteins in the immune system are involved in regulating the response of mesothelioma cells to chemotherapy.
  • A study of WT1 peptide/MHS complexes and their use as a possible antigen that would help the immune system detect and kill mesothelioma cells.
  • A review of three experiments of BAP1 to character how the loss of BAP1 may cause mesothelioma to become more vulnerable to targeted therapy approaches.
  • A project to identify and validate miRNAs as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets diffuse in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
The five new grants bring the total number of grants funded by the Meso Foundation to 76 for a cumulative total of $7.6 million in funding. As the Meso Foundations highest cumulative donor, the Simmons Firm has been a proud supporter of the foundation since it started more than ten years ago. However, until a meso cure is found, more support is needed. No one deserves to suffer through a mesothelioma diagnosis.
For more information on these grants and more visit the Foundation’s website.
Posted on 1:34 PM | Categories:

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Updates for April


The mesothelioma lawyers at the Simmons Firm have brought together some of this month's headlines, offering information on asbestos exposure, mesothelioma research, and support. 
  • Proposed Budget Cuts Could Impact Public Health:
    As reported by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), “The U.S. Administration has announced a new budget that will significantly decrease funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other government agencies.” Cutting the EPA’s budget by 1/3, the impact of these cuts may result in a reduction in critical environment and health programs, halt updates to existing protective guidance, and eliminate the fibers program activities. In their posting, the ADAO warns that more than 10,000 Americans die every year from preventable asbestos-caused diseases, and is concerned of the negative impact these cuts will have on the health and safety of the American public.

  • Hidden Killer Campaign:
    In effort to raise continued awareness about the negative effects of asbestos exposure, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an awareness campaign entitled the “Hidden Killer.” According to the HSE, research indicates a number of tradespeople, including plumbers, electricians, joiners, tradesmen, and construction workers, are uninformed about the risks they face. The objective of the Hidden Killer campaign is to raise awareness of the risks of asbestos and to encourage tradesmen to take positive action in educating and protecting themselves.

  • Optimism Surrounding Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment Case Study:
    During a recent case study, a patient with Stage II pleural mesothelioma responded positively to chemotherapy prior to surgery. While it is important to note this is not a typical response, it demonstrates the potential ability of chemotherapy to eradicate the tumor.

  • Mesothelioma Victims Deserve Better Than Wasteful Legal Maneuvers:
    This Los Angeles Times article reviews the tactics used by asbestos industry lawyers. Citing the case of Michael Hiltzik, a Marine veteran and mesothelioma patient, the article asks the question, “Did asbestos industry lawyers deliberately drive Johnson to his death by putting him through a brutal series of depositions so their clients would save money?” According to the Los Angeles Times, Johnson’s family, lawyers and doctors believe that defense attorneys intentionally used “’delay tactics and stalling,’ in the expectation that he would die before he reached the finish line.”

  • Fred Couples Designates Portion of the Presidents Cup Proceeds to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation:
    Fred Couples, a 15-time PGA TOUR event winner and six-time Champions Tour event winner, recently designated $25,000 of the proceeds from The Presidents Cup golf tournament to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation). The President Cup does not offer a cash prize to participants. Instead, team captains allocate certain portions of the proceeds to charitable causes. The Meso Foundation is a leading organization, dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma as a form of life ending cancer. In addition to funding peer-reviewed mesothelioma research, the Meso foundation offers personalized and up-to-date information to patients and their families.

  • Crucial Supreme Court Ruling in "Take-Home" Asbestos Case:
    An Illinois Supreme Court ruling offers a mesothelioma law firm, the Simmons Firm, a chance to prove in court that a railroad had a duty of care to a Granite City woman who died of cancer. The women allegedly died of asbestos related cancer after her husband brought home toxic dust on his work clothing. According to Ted Gianaris, a partner in The Simmons Firm, "The implications are great and very important.” This ruling upholds precedence in Illinois case law that employers have a duty to warn the immediate family members of their employees who are at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Posted on 1:34 PM | Categories:

Mesothelioma and Asbestos News and Information Updates for May


The mesothelioma lawyers at the Simmons Firm have brought together some of this month's headlines, offering information on asbestos exposure, mesothelioma research, and support.
  • Pro Asbestos Lobbying Group DissolvesAs reported in this article by the Montreal Gazette, the Chrysotile Institute, a pro-asbestos lobbyist group, has announced plans to dissolve and close its doors. Despite the link between asbestos exposure and cancer, the institute had operated under the premise that “as long as asbestos is handled in a safe and controlled manner, it causes little risk to workers.” This article by the Montreal Gazette speculates that this announcement of the institute’s closure provides more evidence for the impending “collapse” of the asbestos industry Canada.
  • Recent Development in Earlier Mesothelioma DiagnosisAccording to this press release from the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), there has been a promising development for the earlier detection of mesothelioma. As presented at the 3rd European Lung Cancer Conference, “Australian researchers have identified a small molecule that is more abundant in the blood of people with the deadly lung disease mesothelioma than in healthy people.” Currently, a mesothelioma diagnosisdepends on the availability of a lung biopsy that contains enough tumor tissue. This new discovery of a possible tumor marker through a simple blood sample could “circumvent the problem of availability of tumor tissue and help to accelerate the diagnostic process.”
  • Virginia Announces Permanent Mesothelioma Awareness DayAccording to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, the state of Virginia has signed a permanent proclamation that will make every September 26th the state’s “Mesothelioma Awareness Day.”  According to the Virginia State Legislature, the Mesothelioma Awareness Day will be used to “remember the victims of mesothelioma, publicize the dangers of asbestos exposure, offer hope for those who suffer with the disease today, and focus on and highlight the need for research support and a cure for mesothelioma”
  • ADAO's Successful Trip to Washington
    The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) has announced the completion of a successful trip to Washington, D.C. During the trip, ADAO representatives met with members of Congress and continued their ongoing dialogue about preventing asbestos exposure and eliminating occupational and environmental asbestos-caused diseases.
  • MT. Everest Explorer Dies from Asbestos Exposure
    As reported by the Sydney Mountain Herald, Lincoln Hall, a world-renowned mountaineer and member of the first Australian Everest expedition, has passed away from complications due to mesothelioma. According to the news report, Hall suspected his disease was the result of asbestos exposure during his childhood.
  • Asbestos Found During Construction of North Carolina Gas Plant
    Construction on a new natural gas complex in Wilmington, North Carolina has been stopped after asbestos was found on site. Traces of asbestos were found when workers uncovered a structure that had been buried for more than 50 years. Officials report that construction will remain stopped until the issue can be resolved.  
Posted on 1:33 PM | Categories:

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Updates for June


Posted on 1:33 PM | Categories:

University of Pennsylvania's Treatment of Mesothelioma Showing Promising Results for Patients


Simmons Firm Proud To Support Penn Mesothelioma Program
Dr. Joseph S. Friedberg, head of UPenn’s Mesothelioma program, recently had a study published that includes some good news for mesothelioma patients. The study results show that after more than two years of undergoing lung-sparing surgery with photodynamic therapy, 27 out of 38 (or 71 percent) of patients are still alive.
The average survival time after a mesothelioma diagnosis rate ranges from a matter of months to just over a year. The Penn Mesothelioma Program is using a lung-sparing approach that combines conventional treatments, gene therapy, t-cell therapy and photodynamic therapy.
It’s still too soon to tell how reliable the treatment can be; it’s only been two years, and much more research is needed. However, there are differences that make Dr. Friedberg’s procedure stand out.
One of the most aggressive ways to treat pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, is to perform a extrapleural pneumonectomy. That means the entire diseased lung is removed. This is typically followed by chemotherapy or radiation. Dr. Friedberg, instead, has been leaving the lung. He spends anywhere from 10 to 14 hours stripping out the cancer while preserving the patient’s lung, then burns away any leftover, microscopic cancer cells with laser light therapy.
Laser light therapy, also known as photodynamic therapy, requires that the patient be injected with a liquid drug that makes cancer cells ultra-sensitive to regular light. When the drug is exposed to red light, it sets off a chemical reaction that destroys the cells, damages the blood vessels that feed the tumor and activates the immune system, according to aPhiladelphia Inquirer news article.
Through this approach, Dr. Friedberg believes patients are better able to fight the cancer when or if it reoccurs, increasing the median survival rate of his patients. His study was published in the June edition of the Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
As a supporter of Penn’s mesothelioma program, we’re all very excited at the Simmons Firm that Dr. Friedberg and his staff are doing such important work for mesothelioma patients.
Read the summary of Dr. Friedberg’s newest study on malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Posted on 1:32 PM | Categories:

Keep Running: Remembering Larry Davis, Mesothelioma Advocate


This morning we received word Larry Davis, our client, has passed away. Larry was a true warrior in his fight against mesothelioma. He inspired people throughout the country, including many at our firm. He was the founder of the South Florida Miles for Meso, and he was our friend. 
To his family and friends, all of us at the Simmons Firm offer our most heartfelt condolences.
 
There have already been several tributes posted online, including one from his daughter, Courtney, and the good folks at the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and theAsbestos Disease Awareness Organization.
 

It’s difficult, virtually impossible, to accurately capture who Larry was and what he means to the meso community.  But, among many other things, Larry was a runner. In fact, Larry was - in one form or another - always running, always pushing those around him. His pace was swift and purposeful. He dared us to match his stride.
 

Even at rest, Larry will continue to run with us. 
 

On those days when the hills feel too steep, the weather too cold and our legs too tired, Larry will be there, step after step. The memory of his courage, his tenacity and his smile will rally us all to breathe deeply, live life fully, and keep racing for a cure.
Posted on 1:31 PM | Categories:

Mesothelioma Warriors Storm Capitol Hill Today! Show Them Your Virtual Support!


Today, several mesothelioma survivors and their families will visit Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to share their stories about mesothelioma and the desperate need for meso research funding.
Your help is needed! Jessica Barker, Director of Government Affairs with the Mesothelioma Foundation, is asking that people who have been impacted by mesothelioma from across the nation to spend a few minutes and support their efforts.
Joining the Virtual Hill Day takes the following simple steps.
Contact your legislators by visiting the Meso Foundation’s Online Action Center. There you can select your elected officials and send them an e-mail asking them to keep the $5 million in mesothelioma research funding in the 2013 fiscal year budget.
Then, take action and spread the word to your social media friends about today’s opportunity to remind our elected officials about this orphan disease that claims so many American lives each year.
Today, with just a few clicks, you can make a difference.
Posted on 1:31 PM | Categories:

Mesothelioma Survivors Can Weigh In Over Federally Funded Medical Research


There are multiple ways to get involved in the mesothelioma community. Some people are good at fundraising like our client Shelly Kozicki, who has fund-raised over $250,000 for the mesothelioma research grant named after her late husband Craig. Others regularly visit their legislators and advocate for awareness like mesothelioma survivor Bonnie Anderson, who played a key role in helping secure Mesothelioma Awareness Day at the federal level.
Another way to participate is to become a consumer advocate for cancer research. During the 2012 Meso Foundation Symposium, mesothelioma survivor Julie Gundlach invited other mesothelioma survivors and their families to get involved with the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program.
The program was started by the U.S. Congress through the Department of Defense. Its goal is to fill research funding gaps by focusing on high-risk, high-gain research. What makes this program especially commendable is its emphasis on eradicating diseases that affect those who serve in the armed forces.
The program creates a unique partnership between medical experts, the public and the government. In the review process, cancer survivors – known as “consumer members” – are encouraged to participate and help other members of the review panel award approximately $15 million to programs available for grant funding.
Julie served as a consumer member earlier this year. During her presentation, she invited others to join her.
“They’re always looking for more people to participate,” she said. “My job as a consumer member is to focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal from the patient’s perspective.”
She explained that mesothelioma patients who have experienced the challenges of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and other procedures bring a unique perspective to the process.
“You can look at a grant request and tell if what they’re proposing is feasible or not based on what you went through,” she said.
She said one good part about her participation in the program is that she’s able to see right away that steps are being taken to fill research gaps and fund orphan diseases like mesothelioma.
“It’s really, really rewarding to know something is being done,” she said.
To be considered for the program, a person must have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other disease, condition or injury associated with a funded program. Caregivers of such a person or their families also qualify for participation. In addition, they must be nominated by a community organization like the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
Posted on 1:31 PM | Categories:

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Updates for October


The mesothelioma lawyers at the Simmons Firm have brought together some of this month's headlines highlighting the dangers of asbestos exposure and some important results concerning mesothelioma research.
  • Cars Containing Asbestos Recalled in Australia:
    Australian car importer, Azteco Automotive, is calling for a recall of over 23,000 cars. The vehicles, which were manufactured by Great Wall Motor Co. and the Chery Automobile Co, were found to have asbestos within their engine and exhaust gaskets. To date, over 30 different gaskets have been discovered containing asbestos. While the cause is currently unknown, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union is asking for further investigation into the matter. 
  • US Consumption of Asbestos Increased 13% in 2011:
    According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), U.S consumption of asbestos increased by 13% in 2011. Despite having been linked to a number of respiratory diseases and cancers, including Mesothelioma, the USGS reports that “consumption of asbestos was calculated to be 1,180 metric tons in 2011, a 13% increase from 1,040 metric tons.”
  • Study Investigates Link Between  Childhood Asbestos Exposure and Cancer:
    An Australian study, published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, has investigated the long-term health effects of children from the Western Australia mining town of Wittenoom – a town and mine that were shut down in 1966 after growing concerns of possible adverse health effects from crocidolite asbestos exposure. The study found that girls up to the age of 15 who lived in Wittenoom “were more likely to develop the asbestos-related disease mesothelioma, ovarian and brain cancers.” The study also found that boys who lived in the town between 1943 and 1966 “had higher rates of mesothelioma, leukemia, prostate, brain and colorectal cancer.” 
  • ADAO to Present at International ANDEVA Conference:
    The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) will join 250 delegates from over 20 countries at the French National Association of Asbestos Victim’s (ANDEVA) conference this month. Taking place on October 12th and 13th, the conference is intended to “crease diffusion of scientific knowledge and to develop an international public health movement.” In addition to the ADAO, a number of scientists, doctors, NGO activists, and individuals personally impacted by asbestos will be presenting on the status of asbestos regulations, disease prevention efforts, and victim compensation in countries throughout the world. Persons interested in learning more about the conference can visit this link. 

Posted on 1:30 PM | Categories:

Healthy Lung Month & Mesothelioma Awareness


The month of October is Healthy Lung Month. This health observance is sponsored by the American Lung Association and strives to increase national awareness pertaining to the warning signs of diseases of the lungs along with promoting healthy maintenance of the lungs.
Throughout Healthy Lung Month, activities and events will occur all over the U.S. in support of education and healthy living for strong, healthy lungs. The American Lung Association offers ways for all people to get involved including community events, social media activity, volunteering, and advocating for lung health-related public policy initiatives.
Healthy Lung Month’s goal is to educate people on the warning signs of diseases of the lungs; this includes asbestos-related diseases like pleural mesothelioma, a disease our clients at the Simmons Firm struggle with daily. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the smooth lining of the lungs and is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma. It exhibits a long latency period, with symptoms appearing years after exposure to asbestos. Symptoms associated with lung disease are also commonly associated with pleural mesothelioma, including:
  • Chronic fluid production: Mucus, a fluid produced by the airways, is a defense response to infection or irritants. Mucus production that lasts for long periods of time could indicate mesothelioma or lung disease.
  • Chronic cough: A persistent cough that does not go away.
  • Difficulty breathing: Wheezing or difficulty taking breaths could point to a bigger problem within the chest or lungs.
  • Chronic chest pain: Unexplained chest pain that lasts for longer than a month can be a warning sign of mesothelioma or lung disease. It’s especially critical if it gets worse when breathing or coughing.
  • Unexplained weight loss: A decrease in weight loss that is not voluntary by dieting or an increase in exercise can be a warning sign of mesothelioma or lung disease. It’s especially concerning if a significant amount of weight is lost in a short period of time.
Take part in Healthy Lung Month and help spread the word on warning signs of pleural mesothelioma and any other disease affecting the lungs.  Learn more today.
Posted on 1:30 PM | Categories:

Occupational Lung Disease


People are often surprised at how many conditions of the lungs are caused by workplace exposures. These conditions fall into the category of occupational lung disease and are caused by extended exposure to harmful, toxic particles that mix with the air and enter the lungs of workers. 
According to the American Lung Association, there are two main categories of occupational lung disease: non-occupation specific diseases and lung diseases linked to a specific occupation. Non-occupation specific diseases are conditions that can only be aggravated at work like asthma. Lung conditions linked to a specific occupation means the person’s occupation is the sole cause of the disease like a coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (black lung) or mesothelioma. 
Mesothelioma is considered an occupational lung disease; the majority of mesothelioma sufferers were exposed to asbestos on the job. Some of the occupations linked to asbestos exposure include:
  • Auto mechanics
  • Military members
  • Plumbers
  • Pipefitters/Steamfitters
  • Factory workers
  • Mechanical engineers
  • Miners
  • Firefighters
  • Electricians
  • And more

MESOTHELIOMA AS AN OCCUPATIONAL LUNG DISEASE

Despite being regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asbestos use continued well into the 70s and, in some cases, beyond. Mesothelioma has a long latency period. So many workers exposed to asbestos fibers decades ago may just now begin to notice mesothelioma symptoms.
The Simmons Firm has represented thousands of individuals with mesothelioma. Between the years 1999 and 2005, approximately 18,000 mesothelioma deaths were reported. TheAmerican Lung Association states those deaths were 81 percent men, 95 percent of which were Caucasian.
As part of Healthy Lung Month, please help us raise mesothelioma awareness. Share this article or others you find about mesothelioma and lung disease. You can also learn about more occupations and asbestos exposure now on our website.
Posted on 1:29 PM | Categories:

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Updates: November 2012


The mesothelioma lawyers at the Simmons Firm have brought together recent headlines highlighting the dangers of asbestos exposure and new information concerning mesothelioma research from throughout the nation and world.
  • Baucus, Tester urge EPA to finish Libby asbestos risk study.
    Lawmakers are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to move forward with a proposed asbestos safety standard that is meant to guide in the clean-up of Libby, Montana. Libby is a mountain town where hundreds of people have been killed from asbestos-related diseases.
  • EPA investigating report of asbestos in Shamokin demolition pile.
    A demolition pile full of building debris in Shamokin is being tested for possible asbestos contamination by the Environmental Protection Agency. Samples were collected to be used in laboratory analyses to determine if asbestos particles are present.
  • Cwmcarn High School asbestos: Parent and pupil concerns.
    A high school in Europe closed unexpectedly due to the discovery of asbestos following a structural investigation. About 900 students are unable to attend school because of the asbestos. Parents are concerned their children’s exposure to asbestos will negatively impact their health in 30 to 40 years time.
  • Meadowbank mine workers warned of asbestos in Ore.
    Individuals working in a Meadowbank gold mine have been warned they could be mining ore containing harmful asbestos. The mine currently employs about 750 employees itself, with another 300 contractor employees, all of which work directly with the ore to some extent.
Posted on 1:29 PM | Categories:

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Updates: December 2012


The mesothelioma lawyers at the Simmons Firm have brought together recent headlines highlighting the dangers of asbestos exposure and new information concerning mesothelioma research from throughout the nation and world.
  • Developer pleads guilty in Sweet Home asbestos case.
    Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Potter argued that failed land developer Dan Desler cared more about making a profit for himself than he did about the health of other people after he released a hazardous pollutant, asbestos, into the air. Read more about Desler’s sentencing and court case now.
  • Developer told to pay $1.6M in asbestos case.
    The Associated Press reports on the case surrounding Dan Desler, who planned to redevelop a sawmill in Sweet Home, but during the demolition process released millions of pounds of dangerous asbestos particles into nearby neighborhoods.
  • Asbestos may pose health hazards in hurricane Sandy’s wake.
    Because of the massive amounts of wreckage, debris and damage wreaked by hurricane Sandy on the east coast, the chances of the presence of asbestos are high. Roofing materials, commonly known to contain asbestos, were damaged, broken and blown off buildings.
  • Asbestos risk for female renovators.
    Along with the growing craze of do-it-yourself-themed renovation shows on television comes the fear of the next wave of asbestos victims, predicted to be made up of mostly women. Increasing asbestos awareness among renovators is crucial to prevent a growing wave of mesothelioma victims.
Posted on 1:28 PM | Categories:

Mesothelioma: Families Share Hope, Strength at Miles for Meso 2012


Most people have never heard of mesothelioma. They don’t understand the devastation involved in a mesothelioma diagnosis. They don’t realize there is no cure or thatmesothelioma is one of the lowest-funded cancers by the National Cancer Institute. For the families and friends of those diagnosed with the disease, opportunities to raise awareness and funds are important because they can make a difference.
Miles for Meso is an annual “fun run and walk” that brings together mesothelioma survivors, individuals recently diagnosed, and family members of mesothelioma victims to raise awareness and research funding. This is an event our firm has been honored to create and sponsor since the first run in 2009.
Every year, races are held in Illinois, Indiana, Virginia and Florida. Throughout the past four years, the races have raised over $160,000 in proceeds for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding better treatments and a cure for this life-changing disease. The race is a fun, educational event for people of all ages and athletic abilities. 
“People ask me why I keep doing it since [my husband] passed away,” says Shelly Kozicki, spouse of a meso victim, in the video below. “I do it because I’ve made friends who are still fighting.”
To see for yourself the significance of Miles for Meso, the dedication and passion among those who participate, or to learn more about the mesothelioma cause, view the video below.
Posted on 1:27 PM | Categories:

ADAO Candle Lighting Events to Honor Mesothelioma Warriors


A candle is a symbol of comfort shining through the darkness. On Friday, Dec. 28, and Friday, Jan. 4 the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) will hold an Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR) mesothelioma group tradition by urging all to “light a candle” both virtually and in our homes to honor Mesothelioma Warriors. 

THE DECEMBER 28 CANDLE LIGHTING

The lighting on Dec. 28 will be held in memory of these Mesothelioma Warriors who lost their lives to the deadly cancer. This ceremony will take place to reflect and renew the inner strength of all those affected by a loved one who lost their battle with mesothelioma. For those who choose, online messages may be written to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to others.
The December 28 ceremony will involve four candle lightings: one for grief, one for courage, one for memories and one for love. You can light your virtual candle here, following these steps:
LIGHT THE FIRST CANDLE:  “The light of this first candle represents our grief. The pain of losing you is intense. It reminds us of the depth of our love for you.”
LIGHT THE SECOND CANDLE: “The light of this second candle represents the courage it takes to confront our sorrow, to comfort each other, to change our lives.”
LIGHT THE THIRD CANDLE: “This third candle is a light to all of our memories of you. To the times we laughed, the times we cried, the times we were angry with each other, the silly things you did, the caring and the joy you gave us.”
LIGHT THE FOURTH CANDLE: “This fourth candle is the light of our love. As we go forward, day by day we cherish the special place in our hearts that will always be reserved for you. We thank you for the gift your life brought to each of us. We love you always.”

THE JANUARY 4 CANDLE LIGHTING

The candle lighting on Friday, Jan. 4 will take place to honor and support current Mesothelioma Warriors who are still fighting the disease and who serve as an inspiration to the entire mesothelioma community. The lighting of four candles will involve the following steps:
LIGHT THE FIRST CANDLE: Remind us of love
LIGHT THE SECOND CANDLE: Renew our hope
LIGHT THE THIRD CANDLE: Give us courage
LIGHT THE FOURTH CANDLE: Strengthen our pledge to continue
Join the cause to honor mesothelioma victims and current warriors. Light your candles on December 28 and January 4, either virtually or in your home. For more information on the Mesothelioma Warriors being honored, view this list. 
Posted on 1:27 PM | Categories:

KSDK to Air Report on Coldwater Creek Contamination


The two-part series to air on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 during Channel 5 News 
KSDK Channel Five News will air a two-part series about the contamination of Coldwater Creek in north St. Louis County this coming week. The investigative piece will air during the channel’s 10 o’clock news hour and provide a further look into residents’ concerns that nuclear waste dumped in the creek decades ago is now causing a variety of illnesses, including cancer.
As early as the 1940s, radioactive waste from uranium processing at the former Mallinckrodt Chemical Plant in downtown St. Louis was dumped at one of two storage facilities near the St. Louis Lambert Airport. Coldwater Creek bordered both sites. The waste was stored in drums that later leaked or was dumped into one of two piles. The runoff from the unsecured storage areas flowed into area ditches and the creek.
In 1989, both sites were designated Superfund sites by the Environmental Protection Agency. Cleanup is expected to finish sometime this year. However, hundreds of residents have reporting an unusual number of illnesses in their community like leukemia, multiple myeloma thyroid cancer, lung cancer and more. Many are now questioning the link between the illnesses and the creek.
Be sure to tune into News Channel 5 this Thursday and Friday night to learn more about this serious public health hazard.
If you believe you or someone you love may have been harmed by contamination in Coldwater Creek, click here to learn more.
Posted on 1:26 PM | Categories:

Residents Concerned About High Rate of Cancers, Illnesses Linked to Coldwater Creek


There are a staggering number of cancers, illnesses and birth defects within a 4-mile radius in North St. Louis County, according to a KSDK Channel 5 News report that aired last night. A data expert says the incidence rates are statically impossible.
The news report tells the story of Janell Wright and several of her high school classmates from McClure North who became concerned with the number of classmates being diagnosed with cancer. They started a Facebook group to keep track.
Wright started with 30 cases and tracked them on a map of North County. Within two months, the number had grown to 200. Now she has 700 self-reported cases within 4 square miles. The illnesses her classmates reported include brain cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, multiple sclerosis, lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, birth defects and more.
Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach, another McClure North graduate and now an economist at Northwestern University, ran her own report. She told reporters her calculations showed the likelihood of so many cancers occurring among her high school classmates was a statistical improbability.
Residents believe the cancer cluster is linked to radioactive waste processed by Mallinckrodt Chemical Works and dumped on 21-acres near the St. Louis airport. The waste was stored in barrels or in open piles. In the 1960s, government records showed the barrels were rusting and leaking into Coldwater Creek - the same creek that runs through the neighborhoods of many North County communities.
Lawsuits are now being filed alleging the contamination of Coldwater Creek is linked to the unusually high rate of cancer in the community.
Tonight, a follow-up investigation will run during the 10 o’clock news hour detailing how a portion of the radioactive waste was transported to West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton and the troubling concerns residents are facing there.
Posted on 1:26 PM | Categories:

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Updates: February 2013


The mesothelioma lawyers at the Simmons Firm have brought together recent headlines highlighting the dangers of asbestos exposure and new information concerning mesothelioma research from throughout the nation and world.
  • Casper Officials Extend Deadline for Skyline Towers to Address Asbestos
    A low-income senior housing center in Casper, WY, was given an extension to meet the city's deadline to install a fire sprinkler and alarm system after asbestos was found in its Sheetrock drywall.  The center was built in the 1960s, a time when asbestos was commonly used in building materials.
  • Montevallo Elementary Reopens after Mold, Asbestos Concerns
    After conducting cleaning and other work throughout the building of Montevallo Elementary school in Montevallo, Alabama, the school has reopened at the start of the new year. The school was closed on Dec. 12 after air quality tests unleashed concerns about mold and asbestos in the building. 
  • Investigator: Students Gut Asbestos-Filled Building
    A small religious school near Cleveland, OH is under criminal investigation after it allowed several students and volunteers to gut a building that contained asbestos, according to interviews and records. All of the students were as young as 13 years old and did not wear any protective gear during the excavation. A video taken of the students and volunteers working shows a large cloud of dust dispersing in the air after debris was dropped into a dumpster. 
Posted on 1:25 PM | Categories:


MESOTHELIOMA LAW FIRM WITH PROVEN ASBESTOS LAWYERS READY TO HELP YOUR FAMILY

    As one of the best mesothelioma law firms, the Simmons Firm has a proven track record.  Every asbestos andmesothelioma lawyer at the Simmons Law Firm is committed to helping families affected by mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases. Our mesothelioma attorneys have been working with people diagnosed with mesothelioma for nearly a decade, and in that time our mesothelioma attorneys have represented thousands of individuals from all areas of the United States.
     
    Our asbestos lawyers have seen firsthand the pain amesothelioma diagnosis can cause and are passionate about helping victims and families affected by mesothelioma. At the Simmons Law Firm, each asbestos attorney focuses on providing clients with the personal attention they deserve. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our best asbestos lawyers will come to you, no matter your location.
    For more information on the mesothelioma lawyers at Simmons Law Firm, please visit the Attorneys page.

    MESOTHELIOMA ATTORNEYS

    A mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming news, but our asbestos lawyers are standing by to help in any way they can. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact a lawyer at the Simmons Law Firm today for a free consultation with any mesothelioma questions - legal or otherwise - you may have.

    Since 1999, the attorneys of our mesothelioma law firm has recovered over $4 billion in verdicts and settlements for thousands of clients.* If you're looking for the best mesothelioma lawyer who understands your case and can help you get the compensation you deserve, learn more about the experience team at the Simmons Law Firm. Read about results attained by our asbestos lawyers by visiting the Verdicts and Settlements page.
    Recent Results for Our Clients
    • A lifetime HVAC worker from North Carolina receives a $3.6 million settlement. 
    • Shipyard worker and engineer from Nevada receives $2.9 million settlement.
    • Engineer from Missouri receives $3.9 million settlement.
    • Wisconsin man with lifetime navy asbestos exposure receives $2.9 million settlement.
    • Plastics factory worker from Iowa receives $2.5 million settlement.
    • Powerhouse worker from Illinois receives $2 million settlement.
    • St. Louis area man and his family received a $3.5 million settlement after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a deadly asbestos cancer.  Read more.
    • A Montana man's family received a $4.9 million settlement after he was exposed to asbestos and contracted pleural mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs. Read more.
    Further, our mesothelioma attorneys have made giving back to our clients and finding a cure for mesothelioma a priority. We are one of the nation's leading supporters of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and have pledged $10 million to support cancer research at theSimmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University.
    In 2010 the firm launched the Simmons Mesothelioma Foundation, a private non-profit organization with a mission to help expert medical and scientific researchers make dramatic advances in mesothelioma treatment options for patients and their families. The firm is also the national sponsor of the Foundation's Miles for Meso fundraising event. 
    Our mesothelioma law firm was built on one principle: to give clients and their families the care and respect they deserve. The best mesothelioma lawyers know that while each case is unique, they all have one thing in common: every mesothelioma client is a person whose life has been destroyed by someone else’s negligence. When you come to the Simmons Law Firm, you can expect your case to get the respect and attention it deserves from a seasoned attorney.
    Our law firm and team of experienced mesothelioma lawyers are extremely knowledgeable about asbestos and, in particular, mesothelioma.  As an experienced asbestos law firm, we have learned that one of the most powerful weapons we can offer clients and prospective clients is information. The links on this page will help you learn about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit and what you can do if you are sick due to asbestos exposure.
    Looking for information about mesothelioma symptoms and treatment options?  Visit our Mesothelioma DiagnosisCenter.  
    Posted on 1:24 PM | Categories:
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