Wednesday, August 16, 2006

9/11 rescue workers get expanded benefits in N.Y.

From Rossana Shokrian CNN
Tuesday, August 15, 2006; Posted: 2:25 p.m. EDT (18:25 GMT)

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Three bills signed by New York Gov. George Pataki expand health and death benefits to 9/11 rescue workers who became sick or have died in the nearly five years since the attacks on the World Trade Center.

One of the laws, all of which Pataki signed Monday, gives families of those who died after the terrorist attacks the same benefits as those who were killed on September 11, 2001.
Another one allows recovery workers who became ill after a two-year deadline to reapply for workers' compensation benefits, according to the governor's office.

"As it is clear that many champions of 9/11 have developed debilitating illnesses over time resulting from their selfless acts, these New Yorkers need to know that New York state will not abandon them," Pataki said.

"New York will never forget the heroes of September 11, the men and women who tirelessly worked at the site of the world's most horrific terror attacks, to help save lives, recover the remains of loved ones and begin the rebuilding process in Lower Manhattan."
A third law will allow those recovery workers who have retired from public service to have their retirement status reclassified as accidental disability if they later become ill due to their efforts at Ground Zero.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Monday criticized the new laws, saying they could cost the city up to $500 million.

"It's just another example of the state of New York doing something that they want to do, but making the city pay," said Bloomberg, who like Pataki is a Republican.
The governor's office was unable to give any immediate estimates as to how many workers the laws will cover or how much money will be needed.

Responding to the criticism, Pataki said, "First of all, we don't think the cost will be anything like some of the estimates. ... Second of all, a significant part of those costs will be picked up by the state. Finally, when it comes to honoring those who risked their lives or gave their lives helping us get through the worst attack on America, we have got to do what it takes to help them and to help their families. "

Until recently, the state of New York had not directly linked any death or illness of a 9/11 recovery worker to the conditions at Ground Zero after the attacks.

But that position changed after the January death of 34-year-old retired police Detective James Zadroga from brain and respiratory diseases. A medical examiner and coroner's office in New Jersey concluded in April that Zadroga's death was directly linked to the September 11 recovery operations.

The new legislation was created for Zadroga and other victims of the 9/11 efforts, said Joanna Rose, a spokeswoman for the governor's office.

"The bill was created for him to ensure he received full line-of-duty benefits and also encompasses any first responders to 9/11 who could die of any complications," she said.
"Mr. Zadroga was the first person that the medical community had found a link to; therefore, the bills were created to directly impact him as well as others who are affected by 9/11."

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/08/15/911.health.benefits/

Historic Wins for Mesothelioma Research Funding

I thought Id share an email sent to me by The Meso Foundation's Director Christopher Hahn!
Dear Joseph,

Were very happy to share this exciting news:
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Achieves First-Ever Federal Appropriations for Asbestos-Cancer Research
Santa Barbara , CA , August 15, 2006 -- The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation), the national nonprofit dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma as a life-ending disease, announced today two historic victories in federal research funding to combat the deadly asbestos-related cancer.

Meso was just included as an eligible disease in the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program, enabling meso investigators from across the nation to compete for research funding under the programs $45 million budget for 2007. At the same time, the National Mesothelioma Registry, which is being created through a 2006 year-end appropriation to the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), was just awarded another $1 million for 2007.

The inclusion of meso in the DOD Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program, and the allocation to NIOSH for the National Mesothelioma Registry, represent the first federal appropriations for meso research ever. They resulted from an intense advocacy effort by the Foundation. In May, Meso Foundation Executive Director Chris Hahn testified before the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcomittee on the high proportion of military veterans who develop mesothelioma. He, the Foundations government affairs representatives, the Foundations Scientific Advisory Chairman Harvey Pass , M.D., and other scientific representatives met extensively with Senators and their staffs, educating them on the disease and the exciting potential for treatment breakthroughs if research funding were available. The Foundation also organized a large grass-roots campaign, and many meso investigators, patients, families and volunteers contacted their states Senators to urge their support.

The meso community is incredibly excited about these research opportunities. Meso has been an orphan disease for far too long. But, the growing energy and support by public leaders, committed investigators, and our patient community is helping to shine a spotlight on this deadly cancer. The commitment of these new federal dollars to support meso research is a reflection of the significant progress weve made, Hahn said.

The DOD Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program was established to provide funding opportunities for medical research projects of clear scientific merit and direct relevance to military health. The connection between mesothelioma and military service makes it an appropriate and deserving area of research to include in the program, said Dr. Nicholas Vogelzang , Meso Foundation Board Chairman. We are also thrilled that in addition to the research opportunities through the DOD, the newly established National Mesothelioma Registry continues to receive considerable support.

The National Mesothelioma Registry was established as a pilot project through the FY 2006 LHHS appropriations legislation. Ultimately, the registry and associated tissue bank will provide vital tools necessary to understand the disease better and advance meso research. NIOSH is expected to announce its initial grant award to commence the registry in the next two months.

Our research community, physicians, patients and families are grateful to the continued support and leadership of our champions in the U.S. Senate. Together, we will continue to make strides against this deadly cancer, said Hahn.

For more information, contact the Meso Foundation, http://www.curemeso.org/
Christopher E. Hahn
Executive Director
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
(877) End Meso (363.6376) toll free

http://www.curemeso.org/

Monday, August 14, 2006

NEW NAME, SAME GREAT FOUNDATION


Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation has changed its name and is now known as the MESO Foundation. From the new MESO Foundation website: Charity Navigator awarded the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation four out of a possible four stars. In earning Charity Navigator's highest four star rating, the Meso Foundation has demonstrated exceptional financial health, outperforming most of its peers in its efforts to manage and grow its finances in the most fiscally responsible way possible.