Educate, Raise Awareness, Inspire, Take Action
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) will host its 6th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference in Chicago, IL, on Saturday, April 10, 2010, with activities throughout the weekend. The international conference will provide education and outreach to families, employers/employees, and scientists throughout the world as part of ADAO's continuing effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ban its use, and encourage research efforts to improve treatment options. Prominent physicians, scientists, and safety and health care professionals who are experts in the area of asbestos representing the United States, Canada, England, Brazil, and Germany will present current information regarding the status and impact of asbestos in the United States and globally. Discussion will include facts on exposure, asbestos-related diseases and how to prevent them, and where to turn for help. The international conference is made possible by ADAO, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat.
Linda Reinstein, executive director and co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, knows first hand the pain that can result from asbestos exposure and the impact it has on families. Reinstein lost her husband Alan to asbestos exposure in 2006 and is passionate and committed to raise awareness of asbestos-related diseases and encourage action to prevent families from going through the anguish of losing a loved one due to asbestos exposure. Reinstein has taken ADAO's message of unity in action to many other countries and has represented the organization at landmark asbestos conferences in Tokyo, Bangkok, London, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong. This year, Reinstein will bring ADAO's conference to Chicago.
The weekend will provide information and inspiration for those impacted by asbestos-related disease as well as others who advocate for safe environments. There will be a private gathering for family, patients, and caregivers on the evening of April 9 followed by a welcome reception for all registered participants. Our special guest will be entertainer Jordan Zevon whose father, rock musician Warren Zevon, died of mesothelioma caused from asbestos exposure. There will also be a recognition segment to the April 10 conference to honor those who have demonstrated exceptional service to enhance asbestos awareness. In addition, the Unity and Hope Brunch on April 11 will honor and remember loved ones lost to asbestos disease, as well as show support for those still suffering.
WHAT: | Â | ADAO's 6th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference |
Global Mission: Call to Action to Prevent, Detect and Treat Asbestos-Related Diseases | ||
Science and Technology Prove Asbestos is a Carcinogen | ||
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SCHEDULED EVENTS: | ||
Friday, April 9, 5 - 6 p.m.: Private Gathering for families, patients and caregivers | ||
Friday, April 9, 7 - 9 p.m.: Evening Reception with entertainer Jordan Zevon | ||
Saturday, April 10, 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Conference | ||
Sunday, April 11, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Unity and Hope Brunch | ||
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WHERE: | Marriott Renaissance Hotel | |
| 1 Wacker Drive | ||
| Chicago, Illinois | ||
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WHY: | To share information and provide support to those affected by asbestos-related diseases, including survivors, families, and physicians. Prominent physicians, scientists, safety and health directors, and survivors will present current and up-to-date information regarding the status of asbestos in the United States and worldwide. | |
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WHO: | Brad Black, M.D., medical director, Center for Asbestos Related Disease; Barry Castleman, ScD, environmental consultant; Jeff Camplin, CSP, CPEA; Sean Fitzgerald, PG; Arthur Frank, M.D., Ph.D., chair, Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Drexel University's School of Public Health; Patrick Gerkin, Ph.D., assistant professor, Grand Valley State University; Fernanda Giannasi, ABREA; Michael Harbut, M.D., MPH, FCCP, co-director, National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers, Karmanos Cancer Institute; Tanis Hernandez, LCSW, Center of Asbestos Related Disease; Laurie Kazan-Allen, founder and coordinator, IBAS; Hedy Lee Kindler, M.D., University of Chicago, and president, International Mesothelioma Interest Group; Richard Lemen, Ph.D., MSPH, former Assistant Surgeon General; Terry Lynch, International Vice President, Insulators Union; The Honorable Patrick Martin, member, Canadian Parliament; Linda Reinstein, executive director and co-founder, ADAO; Kimberly Rowse, RN, Center for Asbestos Related Disease; Jordan Summer, musician; James Webber, Ph.D., research scientist, Wadsworth Center; Jordan Zevon, ADAO national spokesman and musician. | |
In addition, six individuals will be recognized for their tireless work to raise awareness of asbestos exposure. They are:
- The Honorable Richard Durbin, United States Senator will receive the Tribute of Hope Award
- Dr. Hedy Kindler will be recognized with the Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
- Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD), Libby, MT, will receive the Tribute of Unity Award
- Fernanda Giannasi will be honored with the Tribute of Inspiration Award
- Honoree to be announced, the Warren Zevon"Keep me in Your Heart" Memorial Tribute
- June Breit will be honored posthumously with The Alan Reinstein Memorial Award
HOW: | Â | Â | Â | Registration for the April 10 conference includes lunch and the April 9 evening reception. Cost is $150 for survivors, caregivers, families, and students. Cost for physicians and healthcare professionals is $300 each. |
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| Cost for the Remembrance Brunch on April 11 is an additional $25 for those attending the conference, and $50 for non-conference guests. | ||||
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Registration is limited. To reserve your registration or for more information go to www.adao.us. Please note that parking fees are not included in registration fees. | ||||
About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), founded by Linda
Reinstein and Doug Larkin, and asbestos victims and their families in
2004, seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united
voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
ADAO is the largest independent non-profit organization dedicated to
preventing asbestos-related diseases through education and legislation.
ADAO's mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing
asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and
resources for asbestos-related disease.
www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org
About Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Karmanos is southeastern Michigan's most preferred hospital for cancer care according to annual surveys conducted by the National Research Corporation. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org
About International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS)
The International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS), established in 2000, provides a conduit for the exchange of information between groups and individuals working to achieve a global asbestos ban and seeking to alleviate the damage caused by widespread asbestos use. Such use may be largely historical in the established economies of the West but is continuing in developing nations. Since its inception, IBAS has been involved in co-sponsoring and supporting national and international conferences furthering the above aims. In so doing, IBAS has sought to counter the asbestos industry's control of the information stream and provide a platform for victims to speak out against the injustices they have suffered. Through its coordinator, Laurie Kazan-Allen, IBAS channels the views of a global network of victims' groups, medical and legal professionals and concerned individuals. IBAS has a continuing role in raising public awareness of asbestos hazards and providing informed comment on current developments.
Contacts:
Media Contacts:
Asbestos Disease Awareness Association
Doug
Larkin, 202-391-1546
doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
or
Barbara
Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-576-8629
ellisp@karmanos.org
