Dr. Bruce Robinson (AU) and Linda Reinstein
Posted on September 11, 2012
The International Mesothelioma Interest Group (iMig) has carried the torch of hope for mesothelioma patients and their families around the world. In just a few hours, hundreds of international experts will gather at the opening reception as we begin the three-day conference.
When I was setting up the ADAO booth, I could feel the excitement in the air as colleagues embraced and shared news from our countries. The first doctor I saw was my dear friend, Dr. Bruce Robinson, from Australia. Dr. Robinson, an iMig co-founder, had one heck of an idea 21 years ago!
In the United States, on the eve of 9/11, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), expanded the list of illnesses covered under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to include approximately 50 cancers, including mesothelioma. According to ABC news, currently “40,000 9/11 responders and survivors receive monitoring and 20,000 get treatment under the 9/11 health program.
Tragically, the circle has widened with natural and man-made disasters and the need for iMig to improve treatment and find a cure has expanded. Recently the New York City Fire Department etched nine more firefighters’ names into the existing memorial wall in honor of the 55 firefighters who died of illnesses related to Ground Zero rescue and recovery work. The hidden collateral damages have yet to be felt as an estimated 400,000 people are believed to have been heavily exposed to toxic dust from the disaster. These are powerful reminders of how important iMig’s work is to all of us.
You can be part of the iMig conference too! Join us in two ways:
Join the global conversation as we share our six-word quotes for the leading mesothelioma experts. It’s easy –tweet to @Linda_adao or post on the Facebook iMig note page.
Together, change is possible.
Linda