Mesothelioma Support Groups

Mesothelioma Support Foundations:

The Meso Foundation (formerly MARF)

The Meso Foundation is a non-profit collection of patients, families, physicians, advocates, and researchers focused on ending mesothelioma.

International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG)

The International Mesothelioma Interest Group represents an independent group of scientists focused on expanding mesothelioma research, developing cures and finding treatment solutions.

Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation (CMF)

The Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation (CMF) offers private, invite-only online support groups for mesothelioma patients, caregivers, family and the bereaved. For information on how to join visit the CMF website.

Specific Support Groups

Support groups provide an invaluable resource to mesothelioma patients. These groups offer a place to express your concerns, but also a place to receive encouragement from other survivors, caregivers, or current patients.

This group is an orientation program for patients newly diagnosed with mesothelioma. Patients are presented with information from Dr. Bueno, the research team, social work and chaplaincy.

Contact: Charlene Haouiliya, LICSW at 617-732-5500 ext 32819. Meetings: Tuesdays 8:30-10:30am.

Mesothelioma Support Group for Family Members

Group is co-led by Social Work and Chaplaincy.
A support group for family members of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. A focused discussion about caregiver issues and encouraging good self-care.

Contact: Charlene Haouiliya, LICSW at 617-732-5500 ext 32819.
Meetings: Wednesdays from 12-1:00pm in the Multipurpose Room on the 11th floor. Lunch is served.

Phone-Based Support Groups

Hearing a comforting voice of someone who understands what you’re going through is very helpful. A series of phone-based support groups that you can join are listed below.

Mesothelioma Foundation Phone Groups

The Mesothelioma Foundation offers a variety of options for patients to take part in teleconference-style support groups.
Visit the Mesothelioma Foundation website

Cancer Support Helpline

The Cancer Support Community offers support for those that have been recently diagnosed or are long-time cancer patients.
Visit the Cancer Support Community website.

Online Support Groups

Many people who have just been diagnosed with mesothelioma will turn to the internet to find answers to their questions. While we offer a wide-array of information and support (such as our Mesothelioma Guide), online support groups give patients a first-hand opportunity to tell their stories and share their experience.

• Mesothelioma Guide Facebook Group
  This open group is managed by Mesothelioma Guide and offers news about research and other information regarding mesothelioma.
  Visit Mesothelioma Guide Facebook page
• Mesothelioma Foundation Facebook Group
  This open group is for sharing information about mesothelioma for patients and their families.
  Visit Mesothelioma Foundation Facebook page
• MD Junction
  A meeting place for people who deal with health challenges, with over 800 support groups.
  Visit the MD Junction website
• Cancer Support Community
  Speak with others facing a series of similar health challenges from the convenience of your home
  Visit the Cancer Support Community website
• Daily Strength
  Daily Strength was created to provide a community sharing information and insights.
  Visit the Daily Strength website
• Share the Care
  Provides valuable information on caring for an ill friend or family member with a step-by-step guidebook.
  Visit the Share the Care website

Message Boards

Message boards and forums for cancer-related issues are a place where people come together and thrive as a community. You can get involved and start sharing today.

• Topix Forums
  Visit the Topix Forum website
• The Cancer Forums
  Visit the Cancer Forums website

2018 Support Events

National Mesothelioma Awareness Day

September 26th, 2018

Global Asbestos Awareness Week

April 1-7, 2018

The 2018 International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma

June 8, 2018 – Minneapolis, MN
October 5, 2018 – New York City, NY
The Meso Foundation’s symposium is an event featuring scientists, medical professionals, and mesothelioma advocates.
View more information on the Meso Foundation website.

International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference

April 13–15, 2018 – Washington D.C.
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s conference features speakers from diverse backgrounds who hope to spread awareness about asbestos diseases.
View more information on the ADAO website.

3rd Annual George Dreith Memorial Golf Tournament

April 21, 2018 – Godfrey, IL
This event begins at 12 PM.
For more information contact Alison Dreith at alidreith@gmail.com.

Mother’s Day Weekend Meso Run 2018

May 12, 2018 – Los Angeles, CA
This event is in honor of Patty Forgiewill and takes place at 9 AM.
For more information contact mothersdaymesorun@gmail.com.

Washington Memorial 5k Run/Walk

July 4, 2018 – Federal Way, WA
This 5K is in memory of Dick Dyhrman, Bud Hatley, and Bob Stewart. Proceeds will go to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. For more information contact Kimberly Shelton at
253-835-6932. The event begins at 9 AM.

8th Annual Kayaking 4 Meso

September 8, 2018 – Waterford, NY
Kayakers will journey down the Hudson River. The event raises donations for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Kayak launch starts at 9:30 AM, and there will be three breaks along the 8-mile trip.
For more information contact Mark Wells at markwells@kayaking4meso.org.