October 25th, 2004

The first ever International Symposium on mesothelioma was held at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas on 14th October 2004. This was the first event of its kind, brining together experts, politicians, spokespeople and sufferers in a bid to improve funding and resources, enhance education and look towards finding ways to treat and cure this disease.

Although full details of the symposium are yet to be released, the agenda for the day provides an insight into the items that were discussed and some of the people that gave their time and dedication to attend with a view to improving the outlook for mesothelioma sufferers and their families. Details of the agenda for the first day, 14th October, included:

Welcome and Opening Remarks Christopher E. Hahn, MARF Executive Director

Curing Mesothelioma: Where are the Resources? Roger G. Worthington, MARF Founding Director

The Role U.S. Corporations Can Play Philip McWeeny, Vice President, General Corporate Counsel, Owens Illinois

Federal Efforts to Identify Mesothelioma and Asbestos Related Disease Vikas Kapil, DO, MPH, FACOEM, Senior Medical Officer, U.S. Agency For Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Centers for Disease Control

Working to Eradicate Mesothelioma Christopher E. Hahn, MARF Executive Director

Mesothelioma Medical Treatment – Practical Aspects Mary Hesdorffer, RN, Clinical Research Nurse, NY Presbyterian Hosp/Columbia University Laura Roy, RN, Clinical Coordinator, Multidisciplinary Thoracic Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute

* Understanding Malignant Mesothelioma * The ABC’s of Clinical Trials * Current and Future Treatment Options * Symptom and Side Effect Management * Working with Your Medical Team for Maximum Effectiveness * Educational Resources * Questions and Answers/Discussion

Cancer and the Whole Person: Strategies for Emotional Recovery through Diagnosis, Treatment, Caregiving and Loss Presented in collaboration with the Association of Oncology Social Workers Linda Diaz, MSW, ACSW, AOSW Education Chair Les Gallo-Silver, MSW Roelina VanZanten, MSW, OSWC Judy Buckles, ASW, and Kim Buckles-Tucker, BSW (Judy Buckles and Kim Buckles-Tucker lost their husband / father, Lewis Buckles, to mesothelioma in 1997)

Practical Strategies for Managing Anger, Regret, Fear and Social Injustice

Self Care for the Caregiver

Managing your Role as an Advocate: Navigating the Emotional Waters

Surviving After the Loss of a Loved One

Networking

Summary: The Definition of Healing

Pain Management Matt Loscalzo, MSW

A Tribute to Our Heroes - Ceremony of Remembrance for Loved Ones Lost to Mesothelioma

Group Reception