My father was never sick. He worked hard everyday to raise his family and did the best he could. At the age of 65 my father retired and was looking forward to moving to the Jersey shore, living out his golden years and meeting his grandchildren someday. This was not to be. Suddenly, my father developed chest pains and shortness of breath. We later discovered he had an incurable cancer called mesothelioma, caused by asbestos exposure 30 years prior. In only six months my father was gone.

On September 11, 2001 400 tons of deadly asbestos was released into the air at the WTC. I was so moved by the events of the day, that I was inspired to update the "I Love New York" symbol and am creating a new venture for charities, called artists4hope.org. It is my intention to use all net profits from the sale of the symbol on tee shirt, as well as other merchandise to help find a cure to my fathers killer.

After extensive research, I have concluded that the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) is the right charity for this "I Love New York" symbol. I know that the fallout from September 11th is not over. The rescue workers and people at ground zero who were exposed to airborne asbestos can develop mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer many years from now. I know this all too well, I think about my father’s tragic death everyday. It is my motivation.

Please help find a cure before it’s too late. Every dollar donated will bring us closer to a cure.

Mike