Giving Patients a Lift ( Travel Grant Program F...)

Giving Patients a Lift

Date:2/20/2008

Travel Grant Program For Mesothelioma Patients

CHICAGO, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) has established the Mary and Bob Cosentino Travel Grant Program to help newly-diagnosed patients consult with an expert on this very grave asbestos-related cancer.

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that aggressively and painfully invades the lining of the lungs, heart or stomach until it destroys the vital organs. Research to understand mesothelioma and to develop effective treatments has lagged far behind other cancers. As a result, most available treatments are experimental and available only at one of the handful of medical centers that specialize in mesothelioma.

"Mesothelioma patients and their families typically face huge financial losses," explained Chris Hahn, Executive Director of The Meso Foundation. "They lose employment income due to disability and the need for the caregiver to stay at home with the patient. The available treatments often are not covered by medical insurance, and even accessing those treatments are expensive because many patients do not live in close proximity to centers with mesothelioma expertise, and travel and lodging can be costly."

Mary Cosentino served on the Board of Directors of the Meso Foundation. Mary passed away last month last month, on January 26, from peritoneal mesothelioma, more than five years after she was diagnosed. Statistically, the disease's prognosis is only about a year, but Mary sought and benefited from several clinical trials and experimental protocols offered by specialists across the country. She and her husband Bob have been long time supporters of The Meso Foundation.

"There are some patients unable to consult with experts at major mesothelioma centers because they cannot afford travel expenses," said Bob Cosentino. "Those concerns are what prompted us to contribute to the Travel Grant Program established by The
'/>"/>

0

GOOD

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Informational handout key to giving parents a better understanding of CT radiation risks
2. Giving CPR Kits to Kids Nudges Parents to Learn
3. Mothers milk a gift that keeps on giving
4. Giving emergency nurses aromatherapy massages with music dramatically reduced stress levels
5. Elder Caregiving Site ShirleyBOARD.com Wins WebAward for Outstanding Online Community
6. Giving emergency nurses aromatherapy massages with music dramatically reduced stress levels
7. NEWSWEEK: Cover: Giving Globally: How to Heal the World
8. Novartis Vaccines Launches National Gift-Giving Program to Help Protect Loved Ones by Reserving an Influenza Vaccination
9. AUDIO from Medialink and AARP: Giving Flu Prevention a Shot in the Arm
10. Giving Back to the Community Golden Corral Style
11. USC study examines effects of caregiving

Post Your Comments:

Giving Patients a Lift( Travel Grant Program F...),Health