WASHINGTON, March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF), the national organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma as a life-ending disease, today voiced its continued support for S.1115 -- the Ban Asbestos in America Act -- Sponsored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). MARF, which seeks to find a cure for mesothelioma -- a life threatening cancer caused by exposure to asbestos -- made its comments at a press conference led by Senator Murray in the Dirksen Senate Office Building at 11 AM EST.
Dr. Harvey Pass, a mesothelioma medical expert and Chairman of MARF's Science Advisory Board and Dr. Bret Williams, a physician and recently diagnosed mesothelioma patient -- both spoke on behalf of MARF in support of S.1115, highlighting the importance of banning asbestos and funding research aimed at finding a cure for mesothelioma. Other speakers included Senator Murray, Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senator Mark Dayton (D-MN). Attendees included approximately 30 mesothelioma patients and family members who traveled from across the nation to show support for the Ban Asbestos in America Act.
"Senator Patty Murray deserves much credit for taking the asbestos issue into its most critical direction -- the path towards ending exposure to asbestos, and finding a cure for the life-threatening diseases caused by exposure," according to MARF Executive Director Christopher Hahn. "The fact that approximately 30 mesothelioma patients and their families joined together today to voice support for the Ban Asbestos in America Act is a huge indicator that what we need most is a cure."
"Mesothelioma patients themselves are some of the greatest donators in order to move the field forward, and serve as an incredible example of compassion in the face of adversity," stated MARF Science Advisory Board Chairman Dr. Harvey Pass at today's press conference. "The medical, legal, industrial, and governmental community must now join as a team to promote programs which will lessen the anxiety for individuals at high risk for asbestos related cancers, by focusing on early detection, prevention strategies, and innovative treatments."
"I have never worked in a shipyard, nor in construction. My exposure to asbestos demonstrates how commonplace this carcinogen is in our lives," stated mesothelioma patient Dr. Bret Williams in remarks made at today's event. "There are millions with exposure histories like mine, including many of you. Ladies and gentlemen, any exposure places you at risk. The only way to protect future generations from asbestos is to ban the use of this substance."