Giving Back

We continue to support research to find a cure for mesothelioma and advance asbestos awareness around the globe.

The law firm of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen remains firmly committed to supporting prominent asbestos and mesothelioma organizations. The vast majority of ELSM clients are mesothelioma victims and/or their family members.

In working with our clients, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of asbestos disease, and this has strengthened our resolve to continue to provide financial support to organizations that work to find a mesothelioma cure and to increase asbestos awareness worldwide. Two organizations that we sponsor on an ongoing basis are the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.

Our Work With the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (formerly known as MARF) is a nonprofit collaboration of patients, physicians, researchers and advocates dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma, an asbestos related cancer that affects over 3,000 people in the United States each year.

The primary work of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is to provide funding for mesothelioma research and to help mesothelioma patients gain access to the nation's top mesothelioma experts and doctors. The Foundation believes in a cure for mesothelioma. Given the great suffering the disease causes, the compassion and energy of the mesothelioma community, and the benefits of mesothelioma research to cancer research generally, the Foundation believes that the resources to accomplish this cure are currently available and should be mobilized. The Foundation seeks to utilize these resources responsibly and as effectively as possible.

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is funded entirely through the commitment and generosity of its supporters. These supporters include patients, their families and loved ones, Legal Partners for a Cure, pharmaceutical and other corporate supporters and foundations.

ELSM Pledges its Continued Support to the Foundation

Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen is a dedicated supporter of the mission and vision of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Through its continued financial support for the Foundation, ELSM demonstrates its continued commitment to helping find a cure for mesothelioma. Together, ELSM stands with the entire mesothelioma community in this effort.

While the mesothelioma victims that Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen have represented to date have not been able to benefit from a cure, they can rest a little easier knowing that the law firm they have chosen to represent them cares enough to be a major supporter in the search for a cure. ELSM is proud to be a "Partner in a Cure for Mesothelioma" with the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.

What is Happening at the Foundation now?

• If you were just diagnosed with mesothelioma, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation has a Nurse Practitioner on staff that can answer your questions and help you get expert advice with diagnosis and treatment options. Learn more at www.curemeso.org.
• The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation helps fund the highest quality and most promising mesothelioma research projects from around the world through rigorous peer-review. The Foundation has awarded over $10.5 million dollars to research programs around the globe since the inception of the program in 2000. Applications are now being accepted for the current year.
• The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation welcomes and encourages volunteers to take part, actively and directly, in the battle against mesothelioma. Learn more at www.curemeso.org.
• The foundation's website offers a blog that facilitates support and information sharing within the mesothelioma community. Recent changes have made the information even more accessible to users. Financial assistance is available for those currently diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. Patients can inquire with the foundation about obtaining assistance to cover travel expenses to consult with a mesothelioma doctor, housing costs and prescription costs.

Our Work with the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is an independent organization, founded by asbestos victims and their families, dedicated to promoting asbestos awareness through education, advocacy and community. Their work benefits the thousands of individuals that are diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer and other asbestos-related diseases each year.

The primary mission of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is to advance asbestos awareness around the globe by educating the public on the hazards of asbestos exposure. They accomplish this through creating a supportive community for asbestos disease victims and their families, playing an active advocacy role in Washington D.C. and by funding ongoing research to develop new and improved treatment methods and to search for a cure.

The ADAO community is comprised of a group of individuals joined in a common goal to provide a strong, unified “Voice of the Victims”. As a result of the consistent, unyielding dedication and commitment of everyone in the community, this “voice” continues to strengthen each year. Together, the ADAO community has worked to influence important asbestos legislation, created important educational tools to promote public awareness and supported medical research to develop new and emerging treatment protocols. Most importantly they have fostered strong personal bonds and friendships that, in many instances, have proven to be the best “medicine” of all.

ELSM Offers Continued Support to ADAO

Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen remains firmly committed to ADAO’s mission and vision of promoting global asbestos awareness. The vast majority of ELSM clients are mesothelioma victims and/or their family members. Because of our work with our clients, we are inspired to continue to provide financial support to organizations, like ADAO, that are dedicated to increasing awareness about the harmful effects of asbestos and ending the suffering that is caused by it.

Current Events Sponsored by ADAO

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization held its 20th Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference on September 14, 2024 at The Westin Crystal City Reagan National Airport in Arlington, VA. The event was once again an overwhelming success thanks to the hard work and dedication of the conference speakers, honorees, volunteers, and sponsors. Over the course of the event, more than 30 renowned asbestos experts and asbestos victims presented on several areas including: Two Decades of Advocacy, Asbestos Prevention and Health Impacts, The Asbestos Policy Journey and Strategic Advocacy, and Navigating Asbestos Law. The event also featured an exhibit by American documentary photographer Earl Dotter, who presented a collection of posters called “Badges: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers.” The law firm of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen was proud to support the 2024 ADAO conference as a Silver Sponsor.