It's a Wrap! The Sun Sets on the Best Asbestos Awareness Conference Ever!
 

This past week, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization held our 8th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference at the Manhattan Beach Marriott Hotel in Manhattan Beach, CA. The theme of the conference this year was Asbestos: An International Public Health Crisis and it was a tremendous success all across the board. Beginning on Friday March 30th with a private reception for speakers, honorees, and our wonderful sponsors, everything went off without a hitch. Over 100 people from across 9 different countries attended, giving credence to our international theme. 

On Saturday, nearly 30 speakers gave presentations ranging from the deadly effects asbestos continues to have as it is exported across the world, to innovative ways in which to push for a global ban, to different options victims may have as they face their battle. One of the truly touching moments of the weekend came when Jordan Zevon, son of the late Warren Zevon and ADAO National Spokesman presented Barbara McQueen, widow of the great Steve McQueen, with the Warren Zevon "Keep Me in Your Heart" Memorial Tribute Award. Barbara was one of 8 honorees being presented with an award over the weekend, from politicians like Rep. Steve Cohen (D - TN), to doctors like Arthur Frank, and patients like Debbie Brewer, all who are tirelessly battling asbestos and mesothelioma in their own ways. Later that evening marked a first for ADAO, as a tribute dinner to the late actor Steve McQueen was held, featuring great entertainment from Jordan Zevon, a wonderfully successful silent auction, and an inspiring conversation with Barbara McQueen, who also signed copies of her book "The Last Mile," which contains photographs personally taken by Barbara during her and Steve's relationship together. Concluding the weekend, on Sunday, a brunch and candle lighting were held to honor all those we have lost to asbestos-related diseases, and to remember their memory as we pledge to keep fighting. 

Sunday also marked the beginning of Global Asbestos Awareness Week, and each day in the coming week we at ADAO will publish new and helpful information to help those battling an asbestos-related disease or educate those who may not know the dangerous of asbestos. Yesterday, we published, "Prevent Asbestos Exposure: 7 Reasons for 7 Days" and today features content from our very own Drs. Richard Lemen and Arthur Frank. Those blogs can be viewed here: "Asbestos: What is It?" by Dr. Richard Lemen and "Why is Asbestos Bad for My Health?" by Dr. Arthur Frank.

This conference would not have been possible if not for the generous support from our 2012 sponsors , Simmons Firm LLC, Baron & Budd PC, Motely Rice LLC, Early, Lucarelli, Sweeny & Straus, and Levy Phillips & Konigsberg. Each sponsor made such a tremendous impact it is impossible to thank them each enough, our gratitude is never ending. 

We would also like to give many thanks to our wonderful volunteers as well! Without your help, this would never have gone so smoothly.  

Click to view the conference photographs and 2012 AAC Program.

Stay tuned for more updates about Global Asbestos Awareness Week and mark your calendars for this Wednesday, April 4, as director Niccol� Bruna will be showing his documentary "Dust" at the University of Southern California, which will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Niccol�, ADAO President and Co-Founder Linda Reinstein, and USC professor and School of Cinematic Arts Vice Dean Michael Renov. Join us for this amazing screening!

In unity, Linda's
  
2012 ADAO Conference Program