2008 ADAO Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference Program

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Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute International Ban Asbestos Secretariat

4th Annual Asbestos Awareness Day Conference CALL TO ACTION TO PREVENT, DETECT AND TREAT ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASES AND TRAUMA Friday, March 28th Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center Meet and Greet with Jordan Zevon 7:00 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, March 29th Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute 4100 John R – Detroit, Michigan Conference 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30th Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center Remembrance Service 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.


ADAO 2008 Conference Advances to Prevent, Detect and Treat Asbestos‐related Diseases and Trauma

8:00‐8:30 Session 1: 8:30‐8:40 8:40‐8:50 8:50‐ 9:10

Session 2: 9:10‐9:30 9:30‐9:50 9:50‐10.10

10:10‐10:30 10:30‐10:50

10:50‐11:10 11:10‐11:40 11:40‐12:10 12:10‐12:30

12:30‐1:30

Registration and Continental Breakfast Introduction Welcome: Linda Reinstein, ADAO Executive Director and Cofounder Welcome: John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., president and CEO, Karmanos Cancer Institute Opening Address: History of Asbestos Disease and Preventing Exposure ‐ Prevention is the Best Cure! ‐ Richard Lemen, PhD, MSPH Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS (Ret.) ADAO Science Advisory Board Co‐Chair Diagnosis and Treatment: Chair: Michael Harbut, M.D., MPH, FCCP, Non‐malignant ARD, Michael R. Harbut, MD, MPH, FCCP CoDirector, National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos‐Related Cancers Karmanos Cancer Institute Malignant ARD, John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., president and CEO, Karmanos Cancer Institute Psycho‐Social Impact of ARD – Rebecca J. W. Cline, PhD, Senior Scientist, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University Patient Advocacy and Matrix of Care: Linda Reinstein, ADAO Executive Director and Cofounder Pleural Plaques eh? A Canadian Experience Dealing with Asbestos‐exposed Workers, Warren Teel, M.D., Consultant Physician Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers, Sarnia‐ Lambton Break Patients Q & A Awards ʺMesothelioma and the Asbestos Workers: Father, Spouse, Contemporary and Daughter. A Short Story of Their Exposure and Diseaseʺ, Terry Lynch, Intʹl Vice President, Political & Legislative Director/Health Hazard Administrator, Insulators Union Lunch

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


Session 3:

1:30‐1:50

1:50‐2:10 2:10‐2:30 2:30‐2:50 2:50–3:00 3:00‐3:10 3:10‐3:30 Session 4: 3:30‐3:45 3:45‐4:00 4:00‐4:15

4:00‐4:15 4:15‐4:30 4:30‐5:00 5:00‐5:20 5:20‐5:30

North American Action on Asbestos: Chair: Arthur L. Frank, MD, PhD Chair, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Drexel University School of Public Health ADAO Science Advisory Board Co‐Chair Asbestos Disease in Sarnia Ontario: A case study into a Canadian blue‐collar community living a preventable cancer tragedy. – Jim Brophy, PhD Executive Director, Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers, Sarnia Canadian Asbestos: A Global Concern ‐ Pat Martin, Canadian Member of Parliament Card Clinic & Community Action in Libby – Brad Black, MD, Medical Director, Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) EPA (NOA and Superfund Sites) – Aubrey Miller, MD, MPH, Senior Medical Officer & Toxicologist, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ADAO Product Testing Report ‐ Paul Zygielbaum, ADAO Project Manager and Mesothelioma Patient 2008 Update: Asbestos Under the Steps of the U.S. Capitol – John Thayer, Former U.S. Capitol Tunnel Worker Supervisor Break Global Contamination and Advocacy: Chair: Laurie Kazan‐Allen Case Study: The Canadian Autoworkers’ Asbestos Campaign, Lyle Hargrove, Director of CAW Health and Safety Training Fund and Sari Sairanen, CAW National Health & Safety Director U.S. Developments: Legal/ Judicial ‐ Barry Castleman, ScD, Environmental Consultant Asbestos in Shipbreaking: A Deadly Reality in Bangladesh: Dr. Bishakha Ghose, Head, Department of Community Medicine BGC Trust Medical College Chandanaish Chittagong, Bangladesh Trail of Tears: South African Communities at Risk from Environmental Exposures, Robert Jones, Environmental Researcher ‐ Rhodes University Global Panorama 2008‐ Laurie Kazan‐Allen, International Ban Asbestos Secretariat General Conference Q & A Concluding Session Jordan Zevon, ADAO National Spokesperson and Musician Linda Reinstein, Dr. John C. Ruckdeschel, Dr. Michael Harbut and Laurie Kazan‐Allen

Sunday, March 30th Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center Remembrance Service 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ”A time to remember those we will never forget” The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 “United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure.” www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


Dear Registrants, Speakers, Honorees, Volunteers and Guests: Dedicated victims, families, friends, doctors and environmentalists, among many others, have joined our crusade to fight for asbestos disease awareness. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization sincerely thanks each of you for unselfishly giving your time, support and contributions during the past year. Our office is the Internet, fueled not by large corporate donations, but by the power of the people. In the last three years, ADAO has made significant advances in asbestos disease awareness. Thank you, one and all, for a year of endless support. Three important volunteers who are unable to attend our conference deserve special recognition for their unselfish support and dedication to ADAO. Ellen, our Webmaster, Margy, our National Director, and Herman, our Executive Assistant, are incredible volunteers. Jordan, you are a man of great distinction, quietly humble, enormously gifted and possessed of kindness beyond belief. We are blessed that you are the National Spokesperson for ADAO. Asbestos Awareness Day offers a beacon of hope for hundreds of thousands of current and future victims of asbestos diseases. ADAO is elated that the United States Senate has seen fit to acknowledge the severity of the asbestos problem in the United States and around the world. We strongly encourage the Senate to build on the righteousness of this day, by promptly enacting a complete ban on asbestos. That is the only way we can hope to eliminate this insidious epidemic. Fear, despair and isolation are paralyzing, but knowledge is power. We can’t change history, but we can give hope to the future. ~ Linda Reinstein Executive Director and Cofounder

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


Welcome to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Patients across the country seek treatment at our National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers. If you've been exposed to vermiculite or asbestos contaminated materials - either at work or home early detection is important. Make an appointment with one of our internationally recognized specialists by calling 1-800-KARMANOS.

National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers Co-Directors John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., President and CEO, Karmanos Cancer Institute

Michael R. Harbut, M.D., M.P.H., F.C.C.P. Chief of the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine

1-800-KARMANOS • www.karmanos.org Hear cancer. Think Karmanos.


Speakers and Honorees – Asbestos Awareness Day - 2008 Brad Black MD is the Medical Director for the Center for Asbestos Related Disease and has been a leading advocate for healthcare, treatment, and research to benefit those impacted by Libby amphibole asbestos. A pediatrician by specialty, he additionally spent 10 years as the Medical Director for the urgent care center and as an emergency room physician. Since 2000, emerging out of his role as County Health Officer, Dr. Black has become dedicated to developing the healthcare infrastructure for asbestos related disease healthcare, including the planning and implementation of the original ATSDR screening program and the developing the CARD. The Libby medical community believes in the importance of the CARD for specialized care and research efforts. Dr. Black brings to Libby a level of experience, enthusiasm, and dedication that is appreciated greatly by the CARD as well as the community.

Jim Brophy, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) in Sarnia, Ontario Canada. He is involved in the international movement to ban asbestos. He is examining possible health problems associated with environmental pollution arising from the petrochemical industry. Jim is using worker-based research methods to document occupational health problems in both Canada and Brazil. He and his partner, Margaret Keith, were instrumental in launching the first systematic collection of occupational histories of cancer patients in Windsor, Ontario. They have co-principal a case control study investigating possible links between female breast cancer and male head and neck cancer with workplace exposures. A preceding study identified an elevated breast cancer risk among women who had engaged in farming. He has published articles in peer review journals such as the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Environmental Health Perspectives, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health and New Solutions.

Rebecca J. W. Cline, PhD, is a Senior Scientist in Communication and Behavioral Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University. She is recognized in the communication, health education, and public health disciplines as a long-standing leader in health communication. Dr. Cline has published extensively on the role of interpersonal communication in health (both everyday interpersonal communication and communication that occurs in formal health care and promotion contexts). Under a partnership between the National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos Related Cancers and CARD, Dr. Cline recently conducted a community-based focus group investigation in Libby, MT on psychosocial issues related to vermiculite/asbestos exposure, and currently is leading a related population-based survey investigation in that community.

Barry Castleman, ScD, is an Environmental Consultant trained in chemical and environmental engineering He holds a Doctor of Science degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. He has been a consultant to numerous agencies of the US government and other governments, international bodies, and environmental groups dealing with a wide range of public health issues. He has testified as an expert in civil litigation in the US, on the history of asbestos as a public health problem and the reasons for failures to properly control asbestos hazards. Dr. Castleman has spent the past 35 years working on asbestos as a public health problem.


Speakers and Honorees – Asbestos Awareness Day - 2008 Arthur L. Frank, PhD, MD is co-chair of ADAO's Science Advisory Board and serves as Professor of Public Health and Chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine at the Drexel University School of Public Health in Philadelphia. Trained in both occupational medicine and internal medicine, Dr. Frank has been interested in the health hazards of asbestos for more than 35 years. He has published extensively on the hazards of asbestos, and clinically cared for asbestos effected patients. He has lectured internationally about the problems of asbestos, and worked in many settings looking at the diseases caused by this material.

Dr. Bishakha Ghose , MBBS, MPH, EOC, C-Ultra is Head of the Department of Community Medicine, BGC Trust Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh. Her fields of interests are Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS, Health Education and Occupational Health. During her dynamic carrier of 10 years she worked for UNDP, USAID, ADB and different NGO projects in Bangladesh but teaching always remained her ultimate passion.

Michael R. Harbut, MD, MPH, FCCP is Chief of the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine: Clinical Assistant Professor, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan. An Internationally known expert in the diagnosis and treatment of environmental and workplace diseases Dr. Harbut has been named coDirector of the National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos Related Cancers. He is the co-author of the American Thoracic Society’s 2004 Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Non-Malignant Disease Caused by Asbestos Exposure. Dr. Harbut is a past chair of the occupational and environmental health section of the American College of Chest Physicians and has served on the Board of Directors of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Dr. Harbut brings his expertise to address the need for early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of asbestos related diseases.

Lyle Hargrove is the Director of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) Healthy and Safety Training Fun. The Fund develops Health and Safety Training programs, along with Videos for the Auto Sector of our union. He also supports research and environmental projects that are important to workers in the union. He coordinates comprehensive wellness programs for the CAW National office, Daimler Chrysler, General Motors and Ford Motor Company. He is also the Chair of the Board for the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW).He works in his community with United Way of Durham Region and the Lions Club of North Oshawa.

Laurie Kazan-Allan is Founder and Coordinator of the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS), an independent body set up in 1999 to campaign for a global ban on asbestos and justice for all asbestos victims. As the editor and publisher of the British Asbestos Newsletter, she has been writing about international asbestos issues for more than 15 years. Ms. Kazan-Allen is an adviser to the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health and was Guest Editor of asbestos special issues of the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health in 2003 & 2004 and Joint Editor of the Annals of the Global Asbestos Congress 2004. In 2005, she received the ADAO Tribute of Unity Award in 2005 as well as the Antonio Raposo Tavares Medal from the City of Osasco, Brazil.


Speakers and Honorees – Asbestos Awareness Day - 2008

Doug Larkin is the Communications Director and Co-Founder of Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) – which works to help raise awareness about asbestos related diseases, while serving as a global community for asbestos victims and their families. Doug holds a B.A. in political science from Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio. “Congress responds to their constituents. It’s through your letters, phone calls, stories, and donations to ADAO, that enables us to advocate fair and just legislation for present and future victims. That is the power of grassroots.” Doug has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to advocate fair and just legislation to present to Congress. Doug’s father-in-law William D. Shields was a victim of mesothelioma.

Richard Lemen, PhD, is co-chair of ADAO's Science Advisory committee. He is a former Assistant Surgeon General of the United States and also served as the Acting Director and the Deputy Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health before his retirement. He has been a practicing epidemiologist for more than thirty years and has taught graduate level classes on environmental and occupational health issues, including asbestos, at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He has also testified in litigation on behalf of asbestos victims, Dr. Lemen is a world-renowned author, speaker, and lecturer on this topic.

The Honorable Patrick Martin is a Canadian politician. He has been a member of the Canadian House of Commons since 1997, representing the riding of Winnipeg Centre for the New Democratic Party. Martin graduated from Argyle High School in 1974. He worked as a journeyman carpenter for several years, and was employed in forest service, mines and construction. Martin also served as business manager of the Manitoba Carpenters Union from 1989 to 1997, and was vice-president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour for a time. He has been an executive member of the Manitoba Building Trades Council, and was part of the Winnipeg 2000 Economic Development Committee.. He is a strong opponent of asbestos and introduced legislation advocating April 1 as Asbestos Awareness Day in Canada. Captain Aubrey K. Miller, M.D., M.P.H. of the US Public Health Service, is currently a Senior Medical Officer and Toxicologist for the US EPA Regional office in Denver performing health investigations and risk assessments of hazardous environmental exposures. Formerly, Captain Miller worked for HHS Regional Health and CDC (NIOSH) program offices, promoting emergency preparedness and occupational health. Captain Miller has been extensively involved with the response to asbestos contamination in Libby, Montana; assessing health effects, exposures, and facilitating improved access to health care for members of Community. He has also provided assistance during a number of nationally significant events including: Hurricane Katrina, Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, WTC attack, and the anthrax response in Washington, DC. He is Board Certified in Occupational Medicine.

Keynote Speaker, Peter Orris, MD. MPH, serves as Professor and Associate Director of the Great Lakes Center for Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health of the University Of Illinois School Of Public Health (a World Health Organization Collaborating Center) and is the Director of its Occupational Health Service Institute and Global Toxics Policy Program. He maintains an active clinical and teaching practice in Occupational Medicine and is the chief of the clinical department at the University of Illinois Medical Center. He is a Senior Attending physician in the Division of Occupational Medicine at the Stroger Hospital of Cook County (formerly Cook County Hospital) where he has been for close to 35 years.


Speakers and Honorees – Asbestos Awareness Day - 2008 Linda Reinstein is Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). Reinstein became an activist when her husband Alan was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2003. Since the co-founding of ADAO in 2004, Reinstein has globally united countless individuals and families who have been affected by asbestos related diseases, giving a voice to the victims. Reinstein has written and produced the slideshow “Asbestos Kills” and numerous educational materials including “Asbestos: The Dust, Disease, and Death” and "Reflections", an internationally distributed online asbestos disease book with articles from renowned global experts. Reinstein also established a growing web-based medical resource center for victims which provide critical information on asbestos and related diseases. In 2006, Reinstein presented the Asian Asbestos Conference “Alan Reinstein Memorial Award” to the Thai Director-General of the Department of Disease Control in Bangkok. As a global speaker and author, Reinstein has presented in Japan, Thailand, before the British House of Commons, to U.S. Congress, the White House, and victims groups, businesses, and health and safety organizations across the globe. Reinstein continues to work domestically and internationally to help promote awareness about this deadly mineral, fuel research for treatment and a cure, and implement a worldwide asbestos ban. John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., is president and chief executive officer of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and Cancer Center, as well as associate dean of cancer affairs at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Ruckdeschel is also the co-director of the National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers. An internationally recognized lung cancer physician and researcher, Dr. Ruckdeschel earned a B.S. in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York and in 1971 completed his medical degree at the Albany Medical College. He interned at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, followed by a fellowship at the National Cancer Institute in Washington, D.C. He completed his residency at Boston's Beth Israel Hospital in 1976. His clinical and research interests focus on lung cancer and behavioral oncology with a focus on patient-physician communication. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians as well as the American College of Chest Physicians and has served as a consultant to the National Cancer Institute and several university cancer centers. He chairs the external advisory boards for the Wake Forest, University of Texas at San Antonio and Penn State cancer centers.

Sari Sairanen is National Health and Safety Director at the CAW, responsible for the content of health and safety training programs, submissions for better laws, information on workplace substances, the establishment of programs to eliminate hazardous workplace conditions and the publication of the Health and Safety & Environment Newsletter. Sari comes to the National union from the Airline division which represents members from coast to coast to coast in Canada. Sari began her union activism as a health & safety representative in a call center where she confronted ergonomic and working condition issues such as computer workstations, task design, stress and electronic monitoring. In addition, she served on the Air Canada bargaining committee as a regional representative and as President of the Local during the companies’ creditors’ arrangement act (bankruptcy) proceedings. Sari is on the HRDC OSH Regulatory Review Committee, the CSA’s Strategic Steering Committee and the Canadian Labour Congress’ Occupational Health & Safety Committee.

Warren Teel M.D., has been with the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers, in Sarnia, for the last 7 years. The clinic exists mainly to assist workers with establishing work-relatedness of occupational diseases, the majority of whom have asbestos-related diseases. For the last 3 years he has been working on a study with Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto using low-dose CT scans of the chest in asbestos-exposed workers for the early detection of lung cancer and mesothelioma. He is also working with Brock University on a study of other effects of asbestos-related diseases. Dr. Teel writes newsletters for physicians on topics in occupational medicine. Prior to his career in occupational medicine he worked for 10 years as an emergency physician.


Speakers and Honorees – Asbestos Awareness Day - 2008 John Thayer, is a Supervisor for the Tunnel Workers and has worked at the AOC in Washington DC for the past 22 years. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible to the United States Congress for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex, which includes the Capitol, the congressional office buildings, the Library of Congress buildings, the Supreme Court building, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power Plant, and other facilities. He is a member of Local 5 Ironworkers and a highly trained steamfitter. John is also a Navy veteran of five years. He is married to Vikki, an RN and they have 2 children, Christina and Michael and 5 basset hounds.

Jordan Zevon, ADAO's tremendous National Spokesman, is a teacher, singer, and songwriter. Jordan was executive producer of his father, Warren Zevon's, final album The Wind. He also co-produced "Enjoy Every Sandwich: The Songs of Warren Zevon" which features an all-Star cast of singers and musicians. Jordan recently released his own EP entitled Jordan Zevon which is available from CDBaby.com. Jordan's immeasurable commitment to asbestos victims and concerned citizens has provided a united voice that will continue to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, while raising public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and often deadly asbestos related diseases.

Paul Zygielbaum is a veteran business executive whose career spans the aerospace, electric utility, electronic communications and biomedical device industries. He holds masters degrees in engineering and business administration. Paul has published technical papers, articles and reviews in the fields of aerospace research, energy technology, and medicine. He is a co-founder and vice president of C8 MediSensors, a corporation developing non-invasive medical sensors. An experienced community volunteer, Paul has chaired the Sonoma County Human Services Commission and served on the boards of his local United Way and other organizations. Since his 2004 diagnosis with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, Paul and his wife, Michelle, have become activists in grass-roots campaigns to ban asbestos, to protect the rights of asbestos-related disease victims and their families, and to improve medical treatment and seek cures. Paul and Michelle have three grown children.

In Unity and Hope ADAO would like to invite you to light a candle with us on March 30, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (EST) in remembrance of those we love.

The light of this candle reminds us of love. The light of this candle heals our grief The light of this candle gives us courage The light of this candle honors our memories The light of this candle strengthens our pledge to continue


2008 Asbestos Awareness Day Conference

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Asbestos Awareness Resolution

Floor Speech for Senator Max Baucus February 27, 2008 Mr. President, I rise today to talk about an important resolution I am introducing this morning – The Asbestos Awareness Week Resolution. This resolution has passed the Senate for three years, and I am pleased to introduce it again this year. This issue is of great personal importance to me. I have lost many friends to asbestos-related disease. On January 21, 2007, my friend Les Skramstad lost his battle with mesothelioma, one of many asbestos-related diseases. Les was a husband and a father of four. Three of Les’ four children and his wife now also suffer from asbestos-related disease. Until the day he died, Les was a leading advocate for Libby and shared his story with others. His picture sits on my desk, reminding me of the devastating effects of asbestos exposure on the town of Libby, Montana. He shared his story with me and challenged me to continue to fight for what is right for the Libby community. Les was one of many in the small community of Libby, Montana to suffer from asbestos-related disease. I have stood here in the Senate Chamber many times before to talk about Libby, Montana. Located in the northwest corner of my State, Libby is nestled among the beautiful Cabinet Mountains. Hundreds of people in Libby are sick or have died because of exposure to asbestos. The asbestos fibers were released into the air around Libby, and asbestos filled-products were used all over the town. In the high school track. In local yards. And along the riverbanks where local children used to play. Those exposed in Libby suffer from asbestos-related diseases at a rate 40-to-60 times the national average. This is a terrible, terrible tragedy that has devastated this community. These diseases can take 40 years to appear. Many more – in Libby and across the country – will fall victim to these diseases in the future. That is why I stand here today to ask the Senate to designate the first week in April, 2008, as National Asbestos Awareness Week, to educate and inform others of these dangers. Spreading the word about asbestos exposure is crucial so that those exposed in the past get the health care they need to fight these diseases. This resolution acknowledges the dangers of inhaling airborne asbestos fibers, that can cause asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other health problems. There are many who work tirelessly to educate the public and provide services to those who suffer asbestos-related disease. Because of the hard work of Les and others in Libby and elsewhere, we launched the Center for Asbestos Related Disease, or the CARD clinic. Since 1999, the CARD clinic has provided long-term screening, disease diagnosis, and specialty care to those who have suffered – or may one day suffer – from asbestos-related disease. I’d also like to thank the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization for its commitment to asbestos related disease prevention through education, research and raising public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. We owe it to future generations to educate them about the dangers of asbestos exposure. And I will continue to fight for what is right for those in Libby, Montana.


Senate Resolution 462 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 110th CONGRESS 2nd Session Designating the first week of April 2008 as `National Asbestos Awareness Week'. Whereas dangerous asbestos fibers are invisible and cannot be smelled or tasted; Whereas the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers can cause significant damage; Whereas these fibers can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other health problems; Whereas asbestos-related diseases can take 10 to 50 years to present themselves; Whereas the expected survival time for those diagnosed with mesothelioma is between 6 and 24 months; Whereas generally little is known about late stage treatment and there is no cure for asbestos-related diseases; Whereas early detection of asbestos-related diseases may give some patients increased treatment options and might improve their prognosis; Whereas the United States has substantially reduced its consumption of asbestos yet continues to consume almost 2,000 metric tons of the fibrous mineral for use in certain products throughout the Nation; Whereas asbestos-related diseases have killed thousands of people in the United States; Whereas asbestos exposures continue and safety and prevention will reduce and has reduced significantly asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases; Whereas asbestos has been a cause of occupational cancer; Whereas thousands of workers in the United States face significant asbestos exposure; Whereas thousands of people in the United States die from asbestos-related diseases every year; Whereas a significant percentage of all asbestos-related disease victims were exposed to asbestos on naval ships and in shipyards; Whereas asbestos was used in the construction of a significant number of office buildings and public facilities built before 1975; Whereas people in the small community of Libby, Montana have asbestos-related diseases at a significantly higher rate than the national average and suffer from mesothelioma at a significantly higher rate than the national average; and Whereas the establishment of a `National Asbestos Awareness Week' would raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate -designates the first week of April 2008 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week�; urges the Surgeon General, as a public health issue, to warn and educate people that asbestos exposure may be hazardous to their health; and respectfully requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Surgeon General.


Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Asbestos Awareness Day Conference Event Hosts

Meet and Greet Host Lee Giannini

Asbestos Awareness Day Conference Lunch Hosts Paul and Michelle Zygielbaum

Remembrance Brunch Host The John McNamara Foundation

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 路 Redondo Beach 路 California 路 90278 路 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is an independent volunteer organization founded by Linda Reinstein and Doug Larkin on April 1, 2004. ADAO will not be influenced by outside sources such as drug companies, law firms or companies that manufacture or use asbestos. ADAO is funded primarily through voluntary contributions.

ADAO’s Goals: •

Serve as the united voice for all asbestos victims

Unite asbestos victims

Educate the public and medical community about asbestos related diseases

Support research that leads to early detection, prevention and a cure

Ensure equitable compensation for victims and their families

Ban the use of asbestos

ADAO Will: Seek to give asbestos victims a united voice to help ensure that our rights are fairly represented and protected, including: •

Our right to medical research and treatments aimed at early detection, prevention and a cure for asbestos related diseases;

Our right to file suit based on the merits of our individual asbestos related injustices;

Our right to fair compensation.

ADAO strives to implement an asbestos national asbestos disease database registry - to help unite victims of these tragic asbestos-related diseases.

ADAO also works to support efforts to ban the use of asbestos and help protect future generations.

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, while raising public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is an independent organization funded through voluntary contributions and staffed by volunteers. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org ADAO summary of accomplishments include: • Organized 4th Annual Asbestos Awareness Day International Conference to be held at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit , Michigan on March 28 - 30, 2008 • Launched online Asbestos Video Library featuring 2007 AAD conference presentations on August 1st, 2007 • Testified before the EPW full Senate Committee on June 12, 2007 about the health effects of asbestos and added support to Senator Patty Murray's bill, S.742, the Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007 • Presented at the House of Commons Occupational Safety And Health in London , England • Met in the White House with Domestic Policy Counsel to President Bush for the third time • Assisted in drafting and passage of Senate Resolution 108 declaring the week of April 1 – 7 as National Asbestos Week and urged the Surgeon General to warn and educate Americans that asbestos exposure may be hazardous to their health • Published 2006 Asbestos Awareness Day conference selected papers and proceedings in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine • Established a memorial tribute photo page to those who have lost their fight against asbestos related diseases • Produced ADAO “Survivor” Video featuring Paul Zygielbaum, Mesothelioma Patient • Organized 3rd 2007 Annual Asbestos Awareness Day International Conference held at Drexel University School of Public Health and is co-sponsored by Drexel University School of Public Health and International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS) The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 “United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure.” www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


• Organized the 2nd 2006 Annual Asbestos Awareness Day International Conference held at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and was co-sponsored by MSSM and NYCOSH • Organized the 1st International Asbestos Awareness Day on April 1, 2005 • Published “Reflections” , an online global publication, which reviews the tragic history of asbestos use; provides information about preventing exposure and early detection of asbestos related diseases, and presents new research information • Spoken at Health and Safely conferences in Thailand and California • Produced the "Asbestos Kills" slideshow. "Keep Me in Your Heart," a song from Warren Zevon's Grammy-winning album "The Wind", narrates the slideshow alerting viewers to the dangers of asbestos. Many of the photographs in the slideshow are from photographer/producer Bill Ravenesi's award-winning exhibit, "Breath Taken: The Landscape and Biography of Asbestos" • Established database distribution where over 2,500 supporters will receive bi-monthly ADAO eNewsletters with links to important resources • CNBC Live Debate - 1/7/05 Linda Reinstein, ADAO Executive Director & Cofounder debated Mike Baroody, Executive VP of the National Association of Manufacturers and Chairman of the Asbestos Alliance Steering Committee • Represented ADAO at the Asian Asbestos Conference in Bangkok , Thailand in 2006 • Represented ADAO at the Global Asbestos Congress 2004 in Tokyo 2004 • Developed resources, tools and support systems for victims and their families in both English, Spanish and French • Assisted in drafting and passage Senate Resolution 448/43 designating April 1st 2005 as National Asbestos Awareness Day • Assisted in drafting and passage Senate Resolution designating April 1st 2006 as National Asbestos Awareness Day • Established collaborative support resources with The Wellness Community • Met and/or contacted every U.S. Senator, special assistant to President Bush and Union Health and Safety Directors • Unleashed the power of unity, brought together over a thousand of asbestos victims, concerned citizens, doctors and environmentalist around the world

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886

“United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure.” www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


For Immediate Release November 15, 2007

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Awards Top Honors to Leading Voices in Asbestos Awareness Awards to be Received at Fourth Annual National Asbestos Awareness Day Conference, March 28 – 30, 2008 Redondo Beach, CA … November 15, 2007 --- The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) today announced five award winners for their outstanding work and dedication to asbestos awareness related activities. Tributes include: • • •

• •

Aubrey K. Miller, MD, MPH, Senior Medical Officer & Toxicologist, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be presented with the Tribute to Hope Award for his quest to ban asbestos. The Canadian Auto Workers will receive the Tribute to Unity Award for its global work to unite, educate and empower asbestos victims, and public health workers. Barry Castleman, ScD, Environmental Consultant will be recognized with the Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his dedicated research into the social and medical impact asbestos has had on humankind. John Thayer, former U.S. Capitol Tunnel Worker Supervisor and asbestos victim will be presented with the Tribute to Inspiration Award for being a bridge to hope and strength of victims of asbestos exposure. John McNamara, mesothelioma victim, will be honored posthumously, with the Alan Reinstein Memorial Award for his commitment to advocacy to eradicate mesothelioma and offer support to patients and their families.

The honorees will receive their awards at the fourth Annual Asbestos Awareness Day Conference to be held on March 29 – 30, 2008 at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Michigan. This conference is made possible with the support and collaborative efforts from Karmanos’ National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS). Asbestos Awareness Day is an opportunity to recognize accomplishments, remember and honor loved ones and increase awareness about the present dangers of asbestos. More information is available on the ADAO website, www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org. Registration begins on December 1. “The dedication and guidance that these amazing individuals have shown is deeply moving. Dr. Aubrey Miller, Dr. Barry Castleman, the Canadian Auto Workers and John Thayer have inspired the victims of asbestos related illnesses, giving them hope to look towards the future,” said Linda Reinstein, Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “We look forward to the Fourth Annual Asbestos Awareness Day so that we may spread awareness and further educate the public as we continue our global fight to permanently ban asbestos. These incurable diseases are not going to go away on their own.”

“United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure.” The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310·437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


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Delivering asbestos disease awareness information to the world‌.

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization TV Available now at adaotv.com

Viewers anywhere in the world can now access ADAO’s Asbestos Video Library 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, from any internet connected computer. The library currently includes all sessions of the 2007 Asbestos Disease Awareness Conference and will contain all of the sessions from the 2008 Asbestos Disease Awareness Conference as well.

ADAO TV is powered by ZeelTV On the web at www.zeeltv.com


2008 Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Honoree

Barry Castleman, ScD. Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award by Laurie Kazan-Allen and Joe La Dou Dr. Barry Castleman began his investigation of all things asbestos as a graduate student. In the intervening 30 years, he has amassed a wealth of knowledge on its: history, uses, threshold limit values, the transfer of discredited technology, the behaviour of the asbestos lobby, the role of trade unions and governments in the asbestos scandal, the availability of substitutes, the influence of industry on national governments and international organizations and much else. His analysis of the public health history of asbestos, Asbestos: Its Medical and Legal Aspects is the definitive book on the subject. This 900 page tome has achieved an iconic status and is refered to by some asbestos activists as “the bible.” For those of us who are pre-internet, it is the first book you reach for when you have a question; for the others, it is the book they consult, after their trawl of the net proves futile. Barry has been instrumental in organizing international conferences to promote the spread of national bans on asbestos. His asbestos activism has taken him to Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, India, Japan, the UK, Italy, South Africa, the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, Canada and Malaysia to take part in formal events such as conferences and workshops and engage in informal discussions and meetings with people only just setting off on the asbestos trail. It is true to say that without Barry’s assistance the Global Asbestos Congress in Brazil (2000), regarded by many as the seminal event which marked the globalization of the ban asbestos movement, could not have taken place. As a consultant to federal agencies, international organizations, asbestos-impacted communities and asbestos sufferers, his caseload has been prodigious. His input to the European Union defenders of the French asbestos ban during the World Trade Organization case was pivotal; collaborations with the Collegium Ramazzini, the World Bank and the World Health Organization have also been productive. Barry’s leadership on asbestos issues is exemplary; he expends personal resources in helping sufferers and groups representing them. In his “down-time,” he initiates public health projects, speaks to the media, and travels to remote places to examine the use of non-asbestos technology. The global family has benefited from his dedication and commitment to the ban asbestos campaign. He is a worthy recipient of the Irving J. Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award. Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


2008 Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Honoree

Aubrey K. Miller, MD, MPH Tribute of Hope By Laurie Kazan‐Allen and Dr. Richard Lemen

Women have played a large part in Dr. Miller’s professional life: Hurricanes Katrina and Lili to name but two. Throughout his career, Aubrey has been involved with many natural and manmade disasters. He was part of the emergency responses after the attacks on the World Trade Center, the anthrax releases at the Senate, the floods in North Dakota, Ohio and Kentucky. When he rode into Libby, Montana, and found a human catastrophe that has become synonymous with corporate greed and government incompetence around the world, he was a man well used to dealing with disasters. Nevertheless, even he was surprised by what he found. Aubrey played a leading role in the EPA’s response to the human tragedy which was created in Libby by the operations of the vermiculite mine owned by W R Grace. He coordinated federal and state public health responses, epidemiologic and environmental investigations and the acquisition of a new community health center. But, he did much more than that. He put a human face on the long awaited bureaucratic action which the town sorely needed; he unlocked log jams and made things happen. That he did all this whilst retaining his sense of humor, was remarkable in and of itself. That he continues to represent the interests of the townspeople of Libby is an indication of his deep concern and personal involvement. Aubrey is the EPA National Expert on Asbestos Issues and the Co-Chairman of National EPA Superfund Asbestos Technical Workgroup as well as a member of the EPA national science policy council asbestos working group. He has organized and co-chaired several national conferences to advance government policies and responses to instances of environmental asbestos contamination. For his commitment to the folks in Libby and his determination to remove the asbestos scourge from society, Dr. Aubrey Miller deserves to receive the Tribute of Hope Award.

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


2008 Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Honoree

The Canadian Auto Workers Tribute of Unity By Cathy Walker

The CAW (Canadian Auto Workers Union) is the largest private sector union in Canada, representing 260,000 members employed throughout the country in a wide variety of industries. Confronting occupational health and safety problems in the workplace and throughout the surrounding environment are issues that unite the membership. Nowhere is this more true than in the case of asbestos. In a number of workplaces, CAW members worked with asbestos, producing products such as insulation and automotive brakes. Many have died as a result of this work. Today, CAW members continue to be exposed to asbestos in a variety of settings including insulation in buildings, around boilers and pipes and in asbestos cement. Many have suffered ill health and death as a result of these exposures. Today, the courage of CAW members refusing to work with this deadly product has led to bans on the use of asbestos in many collective agreements, including the master agreements with General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. Airline members, mostly women passenger agents, have successfully fought in airports across the country to ensure the safe removal of asbestos insulation. Although, asbestos is rarely used in Canada these days, only a few applications such as the use of sprayed asbestos insulation are prohibited by law. But, to Canada’s shame, the country continues to mine and export asbestos. The CAW has consistently called for a ban on the mining, production and export of asbestos and insisted that the handful of asbestos miners who remain be provided with retraining and relocation assistance as well as pensions for those unable to continue to work. The union is one of the founding members of Ban Asbestos Canada and has participated with other unions, community groups, victims’ groups, academics, public health advocates, occupational health clinics and environmental organizations such as the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat to lobby the Canadian government to stop supporting the asbestos industry. The CAW Ban Asbestos Campaign has been under the strong leadership and support of President Buzz Hargrove, Secretary-Treasurer Jim O’Neil and the National Executive Board. Sari Sairanen, Director of the CAW Health and Safety Department, and Lyle Hargrove, Director of the CAW Health and Safety Training Fund, have worked tirelessly to alert the membership, the public, the government and people throughout the world to the dangers of this deadly dust. For its work on behalf of its members, its collaboration with other like-minded groups in Canada and abroad, and its commitment to banning asbestos in Canada, the CAW has been awarded the Tribute of Unity Award 2008.

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


2008 Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Honoree

John Thayer Tribute of Inspiration Award Written by Freddi Segal–Gidan, P.A., Ph.D Heroes are in short supply these days and courage is not often seen in our society, but John Thayer embodies both. He is a courageous man who has placed his livelihood and that of his family at risk by stepping forward, speaking out and refusing to allow criminal behavior to continue unchecked. He embodies everything any parent would want in their son, any sibling in their brother, any clergy in their congregant, any teacher in their student, any company in their worker, and any country in their citizen. He does not ask for recognition, only justice. Instead, of being recognized for his bravery, John and his fellow workers have been retaliated against for asserting the most basic liberty American’s enjoy, freedom of speech. John is a humble man, who worked in the tunnels beneath our nation’s Capitol for 22 years. He was the supervisor of the Capitol Power Plant Tunnel Crew, comprised of ten men who work for the Architect of the Capitol maintaining the five miles of underground utility tunnels that supply heat and cooling to all of Congress and twenty other office buildings on Capitol Hill. These are not easy or comfortable places to work. The tunnels are cramped concrete passages where the temperature can get up to 160 degrees. There is no communication system in the tunnels and access is so limited that the D.C. Fire Dept. will not even attempt to enter them for an emergency rescue. Big chunks of concrete fall from the ceilings and the air is filled with welding fumes, concrete dust and pulverized asbestos. The concentration of airborne asbestos is 30-40 times above the legal limit and this asbestos is then released into the air through sidewalk grates. None of the men on the Tunnel Crew, including John, knew they were risking their health (and that of their family members) every day they went to work. They only made the connection between their breathing difficulties and other health problems to their workplace when the Office of Compliance filed an unprecedented complaint again the Architect for not fixing the safety problems that had been identified by the AOC 7 years earlier!! Their employer, the Architect, knew about the health hazards of the tunnel, and not only kept this information hidden, but never disclosed to the workers documented health problems from their annual physical examinations. The Architect also failed to provide the workers with respirators or decontamination equipment. The tunnel workers, under John’s leadership, sought answers on their own and undertook medical exams at their own costs. What they found out is frightening; seven have documented asbestosis and all now know they are at increased risk for lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is an honor to recognize John Thayer for his courage, honesty, integrity and determination to shine a light into the unhealthy world beneath the Capitol. ADAO is proud to recognize John for his willingness to speak out not just for himself, and not just for his co-workers, but for all of us, by calling for a ban on asbestos in all workplaces. Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


2008 Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Honoree

John McNamara Honored posthumously The Alan Reinstein Memorial Award by Linda Reinstein

Irrepressible, indomitable, courageous and irresistible are adjectives which spring to mind when I think about my friend John McNamara. He was a man of great passion, huge funds of energy and an inexhaustible supply of good will. At the age of 61, John was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a diagnosis which set him off on the ultimate quest for a cure not only for himself but for all fellow sufferers. He was a highly visible supporter of asbestos research charities, a Congressional lobbyist for the needs of asbestos victims and an activist in the ban asbestos in America campaign. His search for a cure took him to UCLA where the treatment he received from thoracic surgeon Dr. Robert Cameron bought him two more precious years. Appreciating the good fortune of easy access to Dr. Cameron through the happenstance of living near Los Angeles, John and his wife, the formidable T.C., made an apartment in L.A. available for mesothelioma patients who traveled to LA to consult Dr. Cameron. A man of boundless energy, one of John’s goals for 2007 was to climb Half Dome in Yosemite. He would have too but for the tumor which metastasized on his spine. Instead of staying at home to prepare for an operation, John set off for the 2007 Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation conference in Washington D.C. He met up with old friends and made new friends of everyone he met; he took part in the candlelight vigil held by the mesothelioma community on Capitol hill and gave his wholehearted support to Senator Patty Murray’s Ban Asbestos Act. As so often is the case with mesothelioma, the end came like a bolt from the blue. Upon returning to California, John was taken to the UCLA emergency room, a few hours later he was gone. The world was a better place with John McNamara in it. His loss is keenly felt not only by his beloved wife T.C. and his daughters Nicolette, Shannon and Katherine, but by all of us in the U.S. mesothelioma community. We have lost a dear friend and comrade. To honor his memory, he has been chosen to receive the Alan Reinstein Memorial 2008 for his commitment to advocacy to eradicate mesothelioma and offer support to patients and their families. Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 10, 2007

ADAO Demands Justice for Congressional Tunnel Workers Washington, DC …April 10, 2007 --- The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an organization dedicated to serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today demanded justice for the Congressional tunnel workers affected by asbestos exposure. “It is amazing that any employer tries to get away with an asbestos cover up these days and still more amazing when the employer is Congress,” according to Linda Reinstein Executive Director and Co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “Nearly a decade ago, the Architect of the Capitol (AoC)’s own investigations documented deadly airborne asbestos in the utility tunnels housing the systems that keep Congress warm in winter and cool in summer. One year ago the power plant tunnel crew wrote to members of Congress pleading for help because nothing had been done to protect them in the intervening time. One year ago my husband died of mesothelioma, an unwitting victim of asbestos. The cycle of exposure and lies and inaction and death continues, unbroken.” Reinstein continued: “Congress must immediately appropriate funds to fix the tunnels and to compensate the tunnel workers for life-threatening injuries they incurred just because they showed up for work each day and did their jobs. Congress must compensate their families, who were almost certainly contaminated with fibers carried home on work clothes, and who are now condemned to live under the perpetual shadow of asbestos disease. For those of us who have lost loved ones, it's too late. It's not too late for Congress to do the right thing by its own employees, and to make sure this doesn't happen again.” According to Dr. Richard A. Lemen, former Assistant Surgeon General (ret) United States Public Health Service and CoScience Director of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization: “To observe a deplorable situation like this in the tunnels of our United States Capitol is shocking - 37 years after the deliberative bodies housed there passed landmark public health legislation aimed to protect America's workers and our environment. This tragedy was unfolding right underneath the location of those historic deliberations that resulted in the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.” “ADAO has been assured by the U.S. Senate that it is working to protect and uphold the rights of asbestos victims, making this egregious discovery all the more inexcusable,” according to Douglas Larkin, Communications Director and Co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “It is not only time for the truth to be told; it is time for justice to be enacted for these workers and their families.” Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


In Loving Memory of

Alan Reinstein Former ADAO President Alan was an incredible husband, father and friend. It is because of his mesothelioma diagnosis almost five years ago, that ADAO was founded. Prior to Alan’s diagnosis, he was a successful regional manager for an IT consulting company, skied black diamond runs, climbed Half Dome and even ran NY and LA marathons. Alan was a valiant and selfless leader who, with dignity and compassion, gave enormous strength to those suffering from asbestos disease, and spoke extensively about the need for prevention, education and research to create a future where asbestos no longer needlessly takes lives. Alan knew first hand, that hope was medicine that every patient needed. Alan was diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 63, on the day after Father’s Day in 2003, with mesothelioma, an incurable cancer caused by inhaling perhaps a single fiber of asbestos up to 50 years ago. In July 2003, Alan chose the radical Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP) which involved the removal of his lung, pleura, pericardium, and diaphragm as a ‘treatment’. This surgery is one of the most horrific surgeries that a person can undergo. In May 2005 Alan was diagnosed with a reoccurrence. Alan faced his new treatment with courage, hope and faith. Alan has a special goal in mind, Emily’s Bat Mitzvah in January of 2006. Enduring chemotherapy and additional surgeries to prolong his life, Alan proudly watch Emily chant Torah. My courageous husband insisted on making the trip from California to New York City for the 2nd Annual Asbestos Awareness Day at the Mt. Sinai Medical Center. On May 22nd 2006, with us by his side, Alan lost his three year battle with mesothelioma. Even though our lives are shattered, we are grateful for the years of love, laughter and family. Alan taught us the true meaning of courage, hope and strength and to live life without regrets. Love, Linda and Emily

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization

"United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


Ron Diana

R

February 3, 1946 to July 1, 2005

on Diana loved to laugh; the party didn’t get started until Ron was there. As much as he loved to belly laugh, he also loved philosophy, to examine life’s purpose: how he could experience it all in just one lifetime.

When Ron’s daughter, Kate was growing up they both looked forward every year to the annual “Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance.” Kate and Ron most of all though loved to go fast on anything, wagons, bicycles, riding mowers, skies, skates, and cars. Nothing could get in their way of searching for that thrill of the ride. Ron also enjoyed parties and company at the house all the time. Kate’s sweet sixteen, Easter, Christmas, New Years or just a gorgeous summer evening to sit on the deck by the pool watching the sun go down behind the pine trees on his much loved home at Coles Crossing with friends and family. Ron was a much dedicated advocate of Taoist & Chinese healing philosophy’s and was a beloved teacher to many in his 25 years of teaching meditation and Tai Chi. He loved to travel and went all over the globe teaching what he felt was the truest way to maintain good health and fitness. At Ron’s memorial service one friend said, “Ron’s secret medicine was his laughter and sense of humor.” The saddest day for his family is July 1, 2005 but we shall always be blessed with the memory of his smile, how broad it was, and how it touched so many. We miss him so much that it’s just too difficult to really believe he is truly gone. Pictures: Center: Ron's beautiful smile; Clockwise from Left: Ron teaching Tai Chi; Ron scaled this mountain in China in 2001; Ron and little Katie; and Ron between Sweet 16 Katie and wife Bonnie with Ron’s mom Olga.


1.

In order to honor the memory of my father, Ronald Johnson, I must also honor the memory of all who have lost their lives to asbestos related diseases in Libby, Montana. These two pages are but a sampling of those now gone. This past year, my two dearest childhood friends lost their mothers after watching them suffer excruciated pain. Les Skramstad also lost his battle after years of advocacy and standing up for the rights of asbestos victims. We will never forget you and never give up the fight. Please visit our Memorial Tribute Page

http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/patients_supporters/tribute.html Margy (Johnson) Urnberg


Bud Cole

Myra Cole

Sept 15, 1923 –Apr 14, 2001 Apr 5, 1926 –Oct 11, 2007 Libby, Montana

My dad was a rough, tough mountain man who loved life, horses, fishing, hunting, and his garden. He ran a logging crew in the mountains he dearly loved. He had the most wonderful sense of humor, especially with his grandchildren. He was awarded the Purple Heart while serving in Italy during WWII. One of the men in his company was wounded as they lay in a ditch, and my father put this soldier over his shoulder and carried him to safety. Mom worked in the Seattle shipyards and at Fairchild Air Force Base during WWII. Dad provided the first horseshoe service in Libby and was a member of the Sheriff’s Posse. He and my mother loved to fish together where dad was famous for his smoked fish. Mom loved to cook, make jam from local berries, and can vegetables from dad’s garden. Dad was always generous to others with the bounty. When I was a toddler, my mom would carry me in the saddle with her as we rode horses to the high lakes in the Cabinet Mountains. Mom was very active at the St. John’s Lutheran church, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, volunteered at the Libby Care Center, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital and the Libby Heritage Museum. Asbestosis took both of my parents. It robbed my dad of his inner strength during his long struggles against this terrible disease to the point that he prayed to be released from the shell of a man he had become. My memories of him will always be of the strong resolute man he was. I love and miss you mom and dad.

Lynda Hanley-Cole

Cliff & Thelma Moss

Dale – Katherine – Mel Bowker Former residents of Libby, Montana

In loving memory of our parents and brother Kenny and Karen Moss


John, I think about you every day and remember all the sweet moments we shared. You were my life, my love- my everything. You will always be in my heart. I miss you. Love, your wife, Lee In loving memory of my beloved son, John. It’s been three years since you left me. Although the pain, sorrow and tears have not subsided, my memories of you have only intensified. My memories of your brief fifty years are now treasures that I often visit. They keep you close, make me happy, and always make me smile. Your spirit will always be a part of me, now and forever. Mom John was our son-in-law, although he seemed more like a son to us. He was kind, caring and thoughtful. He is in our thoughts and prayers every day. We miss him very much. Joann & Leo Pazdziorko I think of my younger brother John in my own special way, forever cherishing the picture of two brothers given to me many years before. I view the photo each morning as I dress for the day. The memories of his warm smile comforts me once more. Sincerely, Tom & Mary Remembering our brother, John: Some people are a blessing to everyone they meet, and their passing leaves fond memories behind, both sad and sweet. John was a blessing in so many ways and to so many people- friends, colleagues, clients, team members, as was clearly evidenced at his untimely funeral. John left behind such a rich legacy of good deeds, kind words and very special memories. Memories, like flowers, make beautiful bouquets. John has left us with a beautiful bouquet. Donald, Loretta, Robert, Kenneth and Thomas

John J. Giannini September 3, 1954 - February 13, 2005

John, You were one of the most intelligent persons we have known; yet you were never showy about it. You were a kind and generous person with a mischievous side to you. We often look at your picture and, as a family, share stories about you. We are so grateful for having shared moments in time with you. We miss you! Jeff, Marsha and Robert Sister- & brother-in-law John Giannini should be here with us. He should not have been taken away from his wife and loving family because of a disease that never should have existed and has been allowed to proliferate. John is missed because he meant so much to the people he touched in this world- people who let that be known after his passing. John was strong for the people who couldn’t be strong for themselves- a legacy we should all aspire to. How sad that this inspiration should have left this world so quickly because of an unkind and deadly disease. Claudia & Gregg Wilczynski Sister- & brother-in-law John, We truly miss your laughter, wit and warmth every day. We will always remember the good times and share them with Zoey. She asks about you when she sees your picture. She knows that you are in heaven with other relatives and Frank Yankovic too! You would have a good laugh knowing that Zoey has you listening to polka music in heaven. We will never forget you and we miss you with all our hearts. Love, Brian, Nancy & Zoey Wisniewski Brother- & sister-in-law


John, The fond memories I have of you are so numerous. You will forever be in my heart. A day does not pass that I do not think of you. Your sister, Lorry

John J. Giannini September 3, 1954 - February 13, 2005

Uncle John, We miss the way you always made us laugh. Your sense of humor was such a huge part of your personality and it’s what made you such a unique person and one of the many reasons we love you so much. xoxox Sandy, Julia and Christian Uncle John, As a child growing up in your presence, I always idolized you. When I became an adult, it was a pleasant surprise to witness that you did not let me down in that regard. You continue to be my hero today and always. All my love, Shari My Uncle John was instrumental in the development of my love for music and was one of my biggest supporters when I started my career in music writing. I always enjoyed all of our

conversations about bands and styles of music (even when he was teasing me for getting my facts wrong, which was often). Melissa

My Uncle John was the type of man who gave lawyers a good name (an amazing gift but not even his most impressive). He cared about those he represented and dedicated his short time with us to causes he believed in. He was a just and honorable man. During those tortured days leading up to his last I had wished to comfort him, give him hope, but it was he who comforted me, who gave me hope. This disease took my Godfather from me, and from all who knew him in life too soon, for I know he had so much more to give and so much good left to do. Thank you Uncle John. Jason Giannini

I never dreamed of this sorrow, I never thought I’d have reason to lament, I hoped I’d never know heartbreak, How I wish I could change the way things went! I wanted nothing but goodness, I wanted reason to prevail, N0t this bare emptiness. But I refuse to feel tragic, I am aching for more than pain and grief. There has got to be meaning, Most of all when a life has been so brief. I have got to learn something, How can I give him any less? I want life to go on. We all have to believe that there is a reason to hope and we have to believe that the cure for this disease will come. We can’t let this defeat us. We must fight to keep John here within us. Believe that John will always matter and that he always will. He will always be with us. He’ll be part of the days we’ve yet to feel! He will live as we carry on our lives. So we’ll carry on Full of hope He’ll be there… Taken in part from the song Days of Plenty I will love you always, Lee


JOHN, WAS A MAN WHO POSSESSED THE QUALITIES OF A NEWBORN, BABIES, PUPPIES, KITTENS, AND LAMBS. HE WAS FRAGILE, GENTLE, NOT YET FIRMLY ESTABLISHED IN MATERIALITY. HE HAD AN INNOCENCE, SWEETNESS, A BEAUTY THAT IS NOT OF THIS WORLD, SHINE THROUGH HIM. HE DELIGHTED RELATIVATELY INSENSITIVE HUMANS WITH JUST HIS TOUCH AND ABILITY TO ALWAYS PROVIDE HOPE AND A SMILE. HE WAS TRUELY A GENTLE MAN, OUTSTANDING FATHER, FRIEND AND MY HERO. TC McNamara


In loving memory of

Veronica Hirschman “Pat” McCarthy taken by mesothelioma October 27, 2001

Dear Mom – you used to say that being a grandparent was the best job you ever had. Thought you would enjoy hearing about the progress of your grandkids. We owe so much of what they have become to you. SeanLiam – 8 years old

reads at a 6th grade level obtained his black belt in Tae Kwon Do in October!

can read loves fruits and vegetables is more beautiful than a “lily”

Patrick – 5 years old

loves to sing and dance he is smart and funny can use a razor and skateboard

Lilly – 6 years old

Ben - 14 years old

Rourke – 4 years old

loves baseball – especially the Angels can hit a pitched baseball can count to 20

Jenny – 16 years old

does really well in school (when he concentrates) she is beautiful makes friends very easily super smart loves to play the saxophone

Clarence – 11 years old was in the local paper again sharing his science project on the human brain

Clare – 10 years old smart, beautiful and a stellar student, loves reading and science, squeezes fun out of every moment

Baird – 3 years old knows the name of every dinosaur, has an infinite capacity for play, knows his letters and counts pretty well.

Mom – here is a note from your devoted husband, our dad and grandpa:

We miss you

We love you

Thank you for watching over us and for keeping us out of trouble

Thank you for listening to our prayers


James Ernest “Doc” Robinson 1925-2005 WW II - Five bronze stars

Gone Fishin’ Wow, This is a fishing trip of a lifetime! What a reunion-why just today, I saw several buddies who’d gone before You wouldn’t believe how pretty this place is.. The streets-they’re paved in gold And my pole - it’s made of jewels! When I got here, Everyone welcomed me with their arms opened wide I pulled out my cap, so excited about… The Fishin’ Trip They said-“Oh No” “We have a cap for you” Funny thing-it looks a lot like a crown And it’s full of the most beautiful stones. (Seems he thought I put my best into everything I did) Better go now, got lots of catchin’ up to do-remember I love each and every one of you and will Miss you,

With all our love your loving family

So, Please, don’t be sad and start wishin’ Just think of me as….. Gone Fishin’

Written by a family friend


JEFFREY FARNSWORTH 1946-2003 IN LOVING MEMORY

I’LL STILL BE LOVING YOU You changed my life with your love, Your love made life easy for me Never before did I know just how easy loving you could be, We were meant for a lifetime, but now each day is just a memory for me. I will love you until the sun doesn’t shine I will love you until the last moon is rising I will love you until all the mountains are valleys and every ocean is dry… Every day is just a memory to me, but I’ll still be loving you God Bless you my love, Debra


Held in Our Thoughts, Taken to Our Dreams, Kept in Our Hearts

W

arren Zevon died of mesothelioma on Sept. 7, 2003. The news made headlines all over the world. His distinctive body of work, the grace with which he handled his diagnosis and his determination to die as he had lived – making amazing music -– combined to add a special heartbreak to the news. Mr. Zevon’s fellow professionals were especially aware of his worth: A stunning array of popular music royalty perform on his final album, “The Wind,” which Mr. Zevon began after being told he had only months to live. And top artists from Jackson Browne to Bob Dylan had already sung or played on his recordings over the years. “The Wind” was honored with two Grammy Awards, and Mr. Zevon and his song, “Keep Me In Your Heart,” formed the centerpiece of a Grammy ceremony tribute to industry members who had passed away. Thought, passion, humor, and precision characterized Mr. Zevon’s lyrics. Those qualities drew many writers who eagerly collaborated with him on songs –- Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon, Carl Hiaasen, Mitch Albom –- as well as those who simply counted him as a friend, such as Dave Barry and Jonathan Kellerman. Surely, no other “heavy metal folk singer,” as he called himself, had so many books dedicated to him. Then again, there was and will be no other heavy metal folk singer –- no other Warren Zevon. On Nov. 6, a few months after his death, the official Warren Zevon Bulletin Board (WZBB found at www.warrenzevon.com) made its debut, and his most dedicated fans –- or “customers,” as Mr. Zevon preferred –- gathered there online. Like Mr. Zevon, the WZBB is unique. It is a true community, perhaps because its members came together in grief. When we first joined to celebrate Mr. Zevon’s life, we also began to learn about mesothelioma, and about ADAO.

It seems incomprehensible that such a brilliant artist could be taken from us by a disease that is so easily preventable –- and that asbestos is still not banned. The simple fact that none of us will ever again eagerly await a CD filled with brand-new Warren Zevon compositions, or arrive at a concert venue absurdly early in hope of speaking to the man himself, because of a deadly material that is still not banned is mind-boggling -- and infuriating. Warren Zevon is irreplaceable, but with ADAO’s help, tragic deaths like his can be stopped. The members of the WZBB wholeheartedly support ADAO and the work it is doing to help mesothelioma victims and to prevent, detect and treat asbestos-related disease. We’re proud that Jordan Zevon, Warren’s son, is ADAO’s national spokesperson.

www.adao.us


Warren Zevon 1947 - 2003 Warren was the smartest guy I‘ve ever met. Don’t get into an argument with him; he’ll best you in every instance. He had an amazing amount of information stored in that incredible mind of his, stuff that he could pull out at random without warning. It was quite evident in his music, whose lyrics were full of allusions to famous outlaws, historical events most textbooks no longer mention and the peculiarities of authors and physicists. But he could do that in person, too – once we were talking on the phone and from out of nowhere, he talks about Gustav Klimt, the Austrian Secessionist painter best known for “The Kiss.” Every conversation was a learning experience with him, and I couldn’t tell you if it was intentional or not. Warren said he really didn’t want to be a teacher, that his job was to make music. However, I can hardly think of anyone from whom I learned more. Warren taught me the importance of words. At the time, I was a funky 25 year old who thought of herself as a nice pretentious poet-type who had license to bend words. Warren laughed at that, and demanded that I use the right word for whatever it was I was trying to describe. My vocabulary grew immensely; I now use words like archilochian (pertaining to bitter or sarcastic verse) and supralacular (to the last drop) on a regular basis. Warren also taught me about God with a classic exchange of e-mails: Me: How do you build a relationship with God? Through experience? Warren: No, that’s how you build a relationship with American Express. In addition, I learned how not to schedule a tour, how much money a personal manager really makes, why tact is important, why Dr. Zhivago is among the most beautiful books ever written and why I should never accept Federal Express packages from Hunter S. Thompson. These are very, very important things to know. Especially to friends who appreciate these things. The current catchphrase regarding Warren’s life is “Enjoy Every Sandwich,” the ability to indulge in every moment. But Warren’s life also held another meaning, one that resonates deeply in my life. Like Warren, I had a semi-infamous father. I often feel compelled to live up to him. But through my friendship with Warren, I discovered that in the end the legacy I leave belongs to no one else. Warren owed no one anything. He is recognizable on his own terms through his intellectually stimulating music, his storied, fiery personality, and his instantly quotable lines. He left to me the legacy of becoming myself without worrying about those who have come before me. It is rare that a friend with such a gift comes along. It is the legacy we will pass on together. Deep peace, KT Lowe, The Warren Zevon Other Page zevonaticism.tripod.com

www.adao.us


TRIBUTE TO EDMOND GRANT

For thirty years we were two halves of one person until exposure to asbestos dust developed into Mesothelioma and robbed you of your life, decades before your time. Ten years later, I am still half a person without you. Those who distribute and profit from asbestos in any form are no different than common drug dealers. The only difference is that you can recover from a drug addiction but asbestos exposure is far less forgiving…it’s deadly. We must ban asbestos and find a treatment and cure for future victims, in the names of those less fortunate who have gone innocently before them. Tim Devlin

In Memory of Ron Simkins Rancho Mirage, CA 9/17/41 – 12/8/03 You were a warrior And fought so bravely. Loving you always… Janet

In loving memory Albert Black Mt. Holly, NJ 1926 - 2003

Asbestos took this loyal unsuspecting veteran. Asbestos can never take his memory. Sadly missed by his loving family and friends. Raye Black


A wonderful person, mother, wife, daughter and sister to the family. It is so sad that this terrible disease took you away from us. With out any fault of your own, MESO has taken one of the most beautiful and wonderful people in the world away. Your loving, caring, devotion to us will never be forgotten or replaced. We all love you and miss you, forever and for always.

The Allgaier and Golebiewski families.

from Martin & Lois Schwarting


Congratulations to the ADAO on its Fourth Annual Asbestos Awareness Day Conference and to all the Honorees May we all continue to fight successfully for greater public awareness of the hazards of asbestos, for greater protection of the rights of victims and their families, and for improved medical treatments and eventual cures.

Paul & Michelle Zygielbaum


Congratulations To ADAO, Linda Reinstein, Doug Larkin, and all volunteers who make this conference a success. As a Meso survivor and a phone volunteer at MD Anderson Network and Bloc Cancer Center for over 18 years, I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet many Meso families. The ACOR website has also been a great source of information, support and meeting of lasting relationships from sharing in the War on Meso. My husband and I would like to honor the Caregivers and Meso Warriors who are fighting. And, to the memory of those Meso friends that have gone on before us ‌

"Another songbird falls silent on Earth,

œ

And in the heavens another star Blinks into existence In the evening skies To help light the way for the rest of us."

Bud and Jill Vaughn

http://www.acor.org


Congratulations to

John Thayer Former U.S. Capitol Tunnel Worker Supervisor

ADAO Tribute of Inspiration Award Honoree

Thank you for your leadership Scotty and Joyce Smith


Congratulating a Toxic Radical, Par Excellence! Members of the global ban asbestos network are delighted to congratulate Dr. Barry Castleman on receiving the Irving J. Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award at the ADAO Conference on March 29, 2008. This honor is a fitting recognition of Barry's dedication to the global ban asbestos campaign over 30+ years. Signed: Individuals

Organizations

Fernanda Giannasi, Brazil Dr. Annie Thebaud-Mony, France Laurie Kazan-Allen, UK Rory O’Neill, UK Fiona Murie, Switzerland MP Pat Martin, Canada Gopal Krishna, India Dr. TK Joshi, India Dr. Noor Jehan, Pakistan Sugio Furuya, Japan Sanjiv Pandita, Hong Kong Eric Jonckheere, Belgium Yvonne Waterman, Holland Professor Neonila Szeszenia-Dabrowska, Poland Linda Reinstein, US Dr. Arthur Frank, US Professor Joe LaDou, US Steven Kazan, US David McClain, US Denise Abrams, US Dianna Lyons, US Gordon Greenwood , US Philip Harley, US Eduardo Rodriguez, Argentina Ana Digon, Argentina Professor Domyung Paek, Korea Dr. Morris Greenberg, UK Dr. Richard Lemen, US

ABREA, Osasco, Brazil ABREA, Rio de Janeiro ABREA, Simões Filho ABREA, Vale do Paraíba ABREA, São José dos Pinhais AGEA (ABREA), Minaçu ABREA, São Caetano do Sul ABEA (ABREA), Poções Virtual-Citizens’ Network for the Banishment of Asbestos from Latin America Ban Asbestos France Ban Asbestos Korea Ban Asbestos Network Japan ADAO, US Building & Woodworkers, Switzerland Hazards, UK IBAS, UK Asia Monitor Center, India Asia Monitor Centre, Hong Kong IBAS, UK Kazan, McClain, Abrams, Lyons, Greenwood & Harley, PLC ABEVA, Belgium


~ We salute ~

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and sponsors

Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute International Ban Asbestos Secretariat ~ for ~

Giving a Voice to Asbestos Victims ~ and congratulations to ~

Dr. Barry Castleman With thanks for his scholarship on the history of asbestos’ dangers and for his leadership in the global struggle to ban asbestos

Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree

Kazan McClain Abrams Lyons Greenwood & Harley A Professional Law Corporation 171 Twelfth Street 3rd Floor Oakland, California 94607 (510) 302-1000 (510) 835-4913 (fax)

On the Web at www.kazanlaw.com


We congratulate ADAO on their 4th annual Conference as you commemorate and come together with hopes of cure, treatment, and resolution. We dedicate this Tribute page to all victims of asbestos-related diseases and to their families

www.elslaw.com




Scientific Analytical Institute, Inc. Thanks the ADAO For going the extra mile… For looking a little closer, And caring a little more, To increase Awareness. Where there is so much Sorrow and Silence... We applaud your Commitment To build Community, And bring Voice and Hope.

Scientific Analytical Institute (SAI, Inc.) is an Independent owner-operated laboratory specializing in environmental analyses, with a focus on Quality.

Asbestos ● Indoor Air Quality ● Lead ● Mold ● Materials ● Forensics ● Research & Development 877-292-3888 www.sailab.com


Baron & Budd, P.C. Salutes The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization For Raising Public Awareness About The Dangers Of Asbestos.

www.baronandbudd.com

•

800.946.9646


We Remember and Honor John McNamara A Fallen Hero

BELIEVE IN A CURE

Empowering individuals like John and his family Waters & Kraus LLP Attorneys and Counselors 222 North Sepulveda Blvd, Ste. 1900 El Segundo, CA 90245 (800) 226-9880 (310) 414-8146


“Life is not measured by the breathes you take, but the memories that take your breath away.” We remember all the heroes and their families that have fought the fight against mesothelioma and we applaud the Asbestos Disease Awareness Foundation for their tireless efforts. ADAO is on the forefront, demanding changes in the law, increasing research and educational funding, and providing comfort and support to those in need. Within minutes of meeting John “JMac” McNamara, I realized he was special. No nonsense, engaging, tell it as it was, he was upbeat, despite coming from a round of radiation therapy. His passion and presence were palpable, I knew I would have my hands full in the coming months and boy did I. Working with both JMac and TC I came to appreciate their focus on family and their unrelenting efforts to help others struggling with mesothelioma. The stories surrounding the life of JMac are legion and anyone who met him has a special JMac story. Operating his crane broken legged with a self-made brace; meals prepared and served to coworkers working long hours in the field; trips bearing truckloads of toys to local children’s hospitals; engaging total strangers in conversation; the apartment lovingly provided for other mesothelioma victims, decorated by JMac and TC’s daughter. My own favorite JMac story reflects the priority of family in his life. Trial was starting however it conflicted with a preplanned trip to Washington DC with his family. There was no choice, JMac went AWOL from the trial. The judge could wait, his girls could not. Following the trial I received a special visit, JMac and TC loaded down with dozens of cases of Diet Coke, the perfect thank you. I saw JMac and TC a month before his passing at the dedication of their apartment for mesothelioma victims. His passion for life, his girls and others remained at his core and he spoke excitedly about the coming Mesothelioma Symposium in Washington DC. TC continues on showing the world that JMac, was her “special someone.” The memory of JMac is forever seared in my thoughts and he will not be forgotten. - Joy L. Sparling

Waters & Kraus LLP

222 North Sepulveda Blvd, Ste. 1900 El Segundo, CA 90245 (800) 226-9880 (310) 414-8146


John and T.C. McNamara Voices of Justice

John McNamara speaks to us today with the same power, conviction, enthusiasm, and vitality that he always did. Although John passed away from pleural mesothelioma on October 8, 2007, the cancer failed to rob him of his voice. John’s voice lives first and foremost inside our hearts and our minds as we recall the things he said about struggle, about the good fight, and about never giving up or surrendering so much as an inch. His voice lives with us as well through his wife T.C. No woman ever loved a man more deeply than T.C. loved John. No wife ever honored her husband more than T.C. honored John. And no advocate ever carried on a cause with more conviction and sincerity than T.C.’s actions on behalf of asbestos disease victims. Where mesothelioma has ravaged families, ruined lives, and left misery in its wake, T.C. has taken the memory of John and her experiences living through his illness and transformed them into a powerful voice for positive change. When T.C. speaks, we all listen. We have been honored to know these two courageous people and to be inspired by their goodness. We have been awed by what they have accomplished out of an irrepressible desire to do what is right. We have seen that the love and courage they sowed has resulted in a harvest of hope among friends, loved ones, and complete strangers. ADAO’s commitment to the cause is reflected in its work and its honoring of people like John and T.C. We are both humbled and proud to stand by their side.

The Law Office of Roger G. Worthington San Pedro, California


We and our clients thank the ADAO for a job well done in bringing asbestos disease awareness to the public conscience.

Stutzman, Bromberg, Esserman and Plifka, a Professional Corporation, congratulate ADAO on their conference and the efforts of the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS) and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and their courageous

Michael B. Serling, P.C. Birmingham, MI 1.800.995.6991 www.mesothelioma-cancer.com

work to promote public awareness of asbestos related disease. http://www.sbep-law.com

In Memory of Roger A. Hamilton

Harowitz & Tigerman. LLP http://www.htlaw.info

Rose, Klein & Marias LLP Los Angeles http://www.RKMlaw.net


THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HEAT AND FROST INSULATORS AND ALLIED WORKERS Salutes

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Our organization is proud to join with them in their efforts to end Asbestos exposure and support the good doctors who are working to find a cure

JAMES A. GROGAN

JAMES P. McCOURT

General President

General Secretary-Treasurer

INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS William Mahoney Kenneth Schneider Anthony Ceraldi

Fred DeMartino Terry Lynch Doug Gamble Terry Larkin

Greg Revard Fred Clare Mark Selby

INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Rob Hall

Eugene Leclerc

Tom Haun

William G. Bernard General President Emeritus Jack Keane, Gary Fujawa, Andre Chartrand, Harvey Hartsook International Vice Presidents Emeritus Affiliated with the AFL-CIO, Building and Construction Trades Department, Metal Trades Department and Canadian Labour Congress


SALUTES The

ASBESTOS DISEASE AWARENESS ORGANIZATION FOR ITS VITAL, UNIQUE AND EFFECTIVE WORK

AS AN ADVOCATE FOR VICTIMS OF ASBESTOS EXPOSURE AND THEIR FAMILIES.

As long-time defenders of asbestos victims, Public Justice joins ADAO in its determined fight to right wrongs, educate the public, secure justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.

W WEE EEXXTTEEN NSS TTO O TTH ND HIISS YYEEAARR’’SS H DH HEEAARRTT--FFEELLTT C HO ON NO CO ORREEEESS.. ON NG GRRAATTU ULLAATTIIO ON

is dedicated to using trial lawyers’ and other attorneys’ skills and resources to advance the public good, Public Justice is supported by – and can call on – a nationwide network of more than 3,000 of the nation’s top lawyers to pursue precedent-setting and socially significant litigation. It has a wide-ranging litigation docket in the areas of consumer rights, worker safety, civil rights and liberties, toxic torts, environmental protection, and access to the courts. Public Justice is the principal project of The Public Justice Foundation, a not-for-profit membership organization headquartered in Washington, DC, with a West Coast office in Oakland, California. To learn more about Public Justice or to join and support us, visit us on the web at www.publicjustice.net


Congratulations ADAO On this

4th Annual Asbestos Awareness Day From

Mesothelioma Survivor, Paul Kraus and Cancer Monthly

In June 1997, Paul Kraus was diagnosed with mesothelioma and given a prognosis of only a few months to live. Over ten years later, he is alive with a good quality of life. In his best-selling book Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient's Guide, Mr. Kraus offers solid practical advice on what he did to beat the odds so that others can too. Available from: www.survivingmesothelioma.com Published by: Cancer Monthly www.cancermonthly.com



ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION ASSOCIATION

The Association’s multi-disciplinary membership will collect, generate and disseminate information concerning environmental health hazards to occupants of buildings, industrial sites and other facility operations.

EIA Salutes the work of the ADAO The Environmental Information Association applauds the good work of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. We support the mission of the ADAO, and pay tribute to the unfortunate victims of asbestos disease and their families.

T h e E nvi r o n me n ta l I nf o rm a ti o n Association, with its beginnings as the National Asbestos Council, has spent 25 years at the forefront in providing the environmental industry with the i n f o r m a ti o n n e ed e d t o r em a i n k no wl ed geab le, re sp on si bl e, a nd competitive in the environmental health and safety industry. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION ASSOCIATION 6935 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 306 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 www.eia-usa.org Phone: 888-343-4342 Fax: 301-961-3094 Email: info@eia-usa.org



CONGRATULATIONS to

ADAO on the Fourth Annual Asbestos Awareness Conference

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all previous and future asbestos victims.

Raymond Turpin, Executive Director ADAO New York Representative 2495 Main Street, Suite 118 Buffalo, New York 14214 (716) 838-6850 www.thesafetyandhealthcenter.com


The White Lung Association Supports the 4th Annual Asbestos Awareness Day Conference Global Mission: To Ban the Sale and Use of all Asbestos, to clean up asbestos pollution and to bring just compensation to all victims of asbestos exposure. The White Lung Association (WLA) fully supports the Conference and thanks its organizers for the dedication, hard work and principled unity that have brought us all together in Detroit, Michigan. For twenty-eight years the WLA has been working to raise awareness of the asbestos hazard throughout the United States; in our shipyards and steel mills, schools and workplaces, Americans were exposed to the dangers of asbestos. To prevent hazardous exposures from spreading, we have advocated and continue to advocate the importance of the safe removal of asbestos from public and private buildings. The marginalization of asbestos victims, lack of medical research and aggressive propaganda campaigns by the asbestos industry have been amongst our prime concerns. Federal legislation to compensate victims must be fair. The WLA has fought for twenty years to ban asbestos in the U.S. The White Lung Association supports legislation to ban asbestos and hopes the Congress will pass it in 2008. For the National Board of Directors,

James Fite, National Secretary


5th Annual Asbestos Awareness Day Conference Advances to Prevent, Detect and Treat Asbestos‐related Diseases and Trauma March 27 – 29, 2009 | Manhattan Beach, California | WWW.ADAO.US

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


Killing the Future – Asbestos Use in Asia by Laurie Kazan-Allen Asbestos, a carcinogenic substance banned in the industrialized world, is being off-loaded to developing countries. Although major international agencies agree that exposure to asbestos is deadly, the consumption of white asbestos (chrysotile) is increasing in many countries. As shown by the experience in the U.S., UK and Australia, the repercussions of using this discredited substance are as predictable as they are deadly; exposure to asbestos has proved fatal for generations of workers. The continuing asbestos contamination of national infrastructures remains an imminent hazard for all members of society. Figures released in 2007, confirm the prominence of Asian asbestos markets; 90% of the countries with the highest percent increases in consumption are in Asia. Within the region, there are few, if any, regulations preventing hazardous exposures and asbestos is regarded by many as just another raw material. Factory workers handle sacks of raw fiber with no breathing equipment or protective clothing, barefoot shipyard workers use their hands to strip asbestos insulation from redundant vessels. A monograph entitled: Killing the Future - Asbestos Use in Asia documents the status of the regional debate on asbestos, with particular reference to the ground-breaking Global Asbestos Congress held in Tokyo (2004) and the subsequent Asian Asbestos Conference in Bangkok (2006). Placing national policies and practices within the regional context, the author highlights the work of pioneering victims’ associations, non-governmental organizations and labor activists in raising the profile of asbestos issues in Asia. The money raised from the sale of this report at the ADAO conference will be donated to the ADAO.


IMIG 2008, the 9th International Conference of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group, will take place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe from September 25-27, 2008 The Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital will organize this event. Since its first conference, the IMIG has underlined the need to translate new discoveries in cancer research into clinical practice. In this tradition, we hope that the next meeting again will be a platform where new discoveries and insights in the genetics, epidemiology, biology, pathology and clinics of mesothelioma will be presented to a multidisciplinary forum. We hope that the cross-fertilization between the different scientific cultures will be a source of new ideas and will help to unravel some of the unsolved problems in this fatal disease. We have been approached by the European Association on Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) which was planning a meeting on mesothelioma late 2008. We felt that combining forces would increase the value of both meetings and lead to a more wide spread interest in research and development of mesothelioma treatment. Therefore we have planned a joint meeting on Friday 26 September. More information can be found at http://www.imig.org Dr. Paul Baas, Conference Chair

p.baas@nki.nl

Dr. Sjaak Burgers, Conference Chair

s.burgers@nki.nl

Jolanda Remmelzwaal, Coordinator

j.remmelzwaal@nki.nl


Asbestos Awareness Around the World Day of Asbestos Action in the UK By Laurie Kazan-Allen and John Flanagan

They say timing is everything. By some strange convergence of cosmic forces, the UK’s annual asbestos day finished just hours before the latest Congressional hearings on the Ban Asbestos in America Act began. The rising tide of asbestos mobilization throughout the UK was clearly apparent from the numerous events held on February 27, 2008: the 3rd national Action Mesothelioma Day (AMD). Blessed by blue skies and unseasonably warm weather, asbestos victims and their supporters mounted rallies, balloon releases, conferences and public events to highlight the on-going national asbestos epidemic which is claiming more than 3,000 lives every year. In Portsmouth, the Hampshire Asbestos Support and Awareness Group (HASAG) held its 1st AMD event. Supporters turned out in droves for the balloon release by popular TV personality and HASAG supporter Fred Dinenage and a public meeting.

HASAG organizers and Fred Dinenage February 27th also provided the opportunity for the first public meeting by the newly independent June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund (JHMRF), a group first set up in 1997 to sponsor medical research, raise public awareness, disseminate up-todate information and lobby for best quality care for all sufferers.

In Liverpool, an event held at the Town Hall was organized by the Merseyside and Cheshire Asbestos Victims’ Support Groups which, between them, have helped more than 120 newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients during 2007. Children from the Holy Cross School helped AMD in Liverpool visualize the impact asbestos illness has had in this part of the country.

In Manchester, another asbestos hotspot, the Greater Manchester Asbestos Victim Support Group held a well-attended meeting after releasing hundreds of balloons at a rally at the Town Hall. A few miles away, events were held in Rochdale, sometimes referred to as the UK’s asbestos ground zero because of the operations of the Turner & Newall Asbestos Group headquartered in the town. On AMD, the local group: Save Spodden Valley organized a memorial service at the International Asbestos Memorial in front of Rochdale Town Hall.

AMD in Rochdale

Within just three years, AMD has become a widely recognized focal point for UK campaigners who work 365 years a day to ensure that asbestos victims and their families receive the support and care which they deserve.


ADAO Asbestos Awareness Day Committee Fourth Annual Asbestos Awareness Day Conference and Remembrance Service March 28th - March 30th, 2008 Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Detroit, Michigan Event Chairperson Bonnie Diana Committee Chairpersons Science Advisory Board

Arthur L. Frank, MD, PhD Chair, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Drexel University School of Public Health Richard Lemen, PhD, MSPH, Assistant Surgeon General (retired), Former Deputy Director of NIOSH

IBAS Co-Sponsor

Laurie Kazan-Allen

National Spokesperson

Jordan Zevon

Speaker Liaison and Remembrance Service

Sharry Erzinger

Registration

Margy Urnberg

Program Tributes

Lee Giannini & Marsha Po Thomas

Agenda and Sponsorship

Linda Reinstein

Executive Assistant

Herman Hamilton

Publicity

Doug Larkin

Event Assistants

Kate Diana and Caitlin Burton

Website

Ellen Tunkelrott

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 路 Redondo Beach 路 California 路 90278 路 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization would like to thank the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Team for their efforts in making this conference a success. We gratefully acknowledge the following: Audio Visual Support

Brad Wigginton

Tamara Collins

Building Operations

Cliff Crabtree

Lou Poineau

Catering arrangements

Sharon Lukas

Chrissy Parker

Outreach to AFL-CIO, Canadian and Veterans’ groups

Dr. Mike Harbut

Cynthia Noraian

Program Content

Dr. Mike Harbut

Linda Remington

Promotion

Mary Short Patricia Ellis

Linda Remington

Secondary Location

Julia Carlson

Mary Short

Speakers’ Dinner

Deb Bensett

Meeting arrangements

Linda Remington

Volunteer Support

Pat Fadell


Help Support Asbestos Awareness Your donation will help ADAO continue the fight for asbestos victims' rights, to raise public awareness of asbestos exposure dangers and related diseases, and to seek a ban on asbestos. ADAO is an independent, volunteer run organization funded solely through sustaining voluntary contributions like yours!

Blue "Asbestos Awareness" wristbands make people aware that asbestos use in the United States is still not banned and to raise the level of awareness of asbestos dangers.

October 19, 2006 - The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) announced an online awareness campaign designed to spread the word about the dangers of asbestos. The effort centers on a powerful educational video that can be easily forwarded through e-mail. Through a "viral marketing" effect, the e-mail ad aims to save lives by raising awareness about the widespread use of asbestos, which takes 10,000 lives annually in the United States alone. "Many people do not realize that asbestos continues to permeate our lives and that it is not banned in the United States, making this kind of educational e-mail-driven campaign more important than ever," stated ADAO Executive Director Linda Reinstein. "Paul Zygielbaum, who is featured in the video, is fighting asbestos disease and reminds us all that there is hope and strength in unity. We must continue to work together to ban its use and fuel critical research and education efforts that can save lives."

Wristbands $5 each

Survivor Video $10 each

Click the PayPal button at www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org or Mail checks to: ADAO 1525 Aviation Blvd., Suite 318 Redondo Beach, CA 90278 Email questions to: info@AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 路 Redondo Beach 路 California 路 90278 路 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


Thank you from the program Editor It has been a privilege to be a volunteer for ADAO for the past 4 years and to help put this program together. I honor the memory of those lost by hosting a memorial/tribute page on the ADAO website. In 2005 we started with 4 names; we now have more than 400. The tribute pages can be viewed at: http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/patients_supporters/tribute.html These tributes submitted for this program are so full of love and bring comfort to others. Thank you for attending our conference and supporting ADAO. Margy (Johnson) Urnberg "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


● Linda Reinstein, Executive Director and Co-Founder ● Doug Larkin, Communication Director and CoFounder ● Jordan Zevon, National Spokesperson ●

Ellen Tunkelrott,

Webmaster ● Herman Hamilton,

Executive Director's Assistant ● Richard Lemen, PhD, Science Advisory Co-chair ● Arthur Frank, MD, Science Advisory Co-chair ● Bonnie Diana, Co-Chairman AAD 2007 and New Jersey Representative ● Sharry

Erzinger, Co-Chairman AAD 2007 Conference and Colorado Representative ● Lee Gianinni and Marsha Po Thomas, 2007 AAD Tributes ● Margy Urnberg, National Representative Director and Nevada Representative ● Alicia Bodner and Jeanne Singer, Legislative Co-coordinators ● Nancy Karabacz, Caregiver Support ● Andy Oberta, Environmental ● Sean Shields, Graphic Designer ● Mike Mason, Firefighter’s Representative ● June Breit, R.N., Patient Support ● Jan Grossi and AWC Joseph R. Grossi, U. S. Navy, Veterans' Representative and Ohio Representative ● Jill Vaughn, ACOR Representative ● Lorraine Kember, Lynda

Considine, Australian Representatives ● Tim Devlin, Sandy Kinart, Canadian Representatives ● Terry Britton, United Kingdom Representative ● Gopal Krishna, India Representative ● Nikolaos Klissiotis, Greece Representative ● Melissa Rose, Alabama Representative ● Kenny Moss, Alaska Representative ● Lori Payne, California Representative ● David Allgier, Connecticut Representative ● Lindsey S. Fillman, Delaware Representative ● Valerie Brady, Florida Representative ● Robert Gatling, Georgia Representative ● Lisa

Warner, Illinois Representative ● Debra Swagart, Indiana Representative ● Ellen Patton, Maryland Representative ● Elaine Masten, Michigan Representative ● Jeanette Kochsiek, Minnesota Representative ●

Shelly Kozicki, Care Giver Support Team and Missouri Representative ● Gayla Benefield, Montana Representative ●Ray Turpin, New York Representative ● Charlene Storey, New York City Representative ●

Lynn Robinson, Tennessee Representative ● Elane Cuell, Utah Representative ● Wendy Stoeckler, Wisconsin Representative ● Lucy Pfeffa, Warren Zevon Bulletin Board Liaison

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit volunteer organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, Support and a Cure" 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 · Redondo Beach · California · 90278 · 310.437.3886 www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org


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