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The Simmons Firm, a leading national law firm representing victims of mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases, announced today its renewed support of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding peer-reviewed cancer research. The firm has donated $100,000 to support the Foundation’s 10th Annual Symposium on Mesothelioma on March 7-8 in Las Vegas. "We appreciate all the work the Meso Foundation does for the firm’s clients, and for all patients and families affected by this preventable disease,” said Simmons Firm Shareholder John Barnerd. "We are proud to play a role in supporting their mission to eradicate this terrible disease.” The foundation unites doctors, researchers, patients, families and legal advocates in a collaborative effort to advance mesothelioma research and awareness. To date, the foundation has funded over $7.6 million in mesothelioma research through its peer-reviewed grants program. The Simmons Firm is the foundation’s largest cumulative donor with more than $2 million contributed to its programming. Every year, approximately 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer that aggressively invades the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure and can take decades to develop following a person’s exposure to microscopic asbestos fibers. The danger caused by asbestos exposure was known as early as the 1930s; however, companies still used the deadly mineral in products like pipes, cement, automobile brakes, floor tiles, insulation, shingles and more. As a result, countless workers and consumers were exposed to asbestos dust in the workplace and at home. Today, asbestos is not banned and still present in millions of older houses, office buildings and schools. "As a national mesothelioma law firm, we have seen the devastation of this disease firsthand and are committed to supporting mesothelioma victims in and out of the courtroom,” Barnerd said. "By supporting non-profit organizations like the Meso Foundation, we hope that someday a cure will be found.” The two-day symposium presents a unique opportunity to learn more about mesothelioma. Topics covered include: the latest research in mesothelioma genetics, new treatment drugs and therapies, sessions for caregivers and patients, a legislative update covering federal funding for mesothelioma, and a multidisciplinary panel featuring top clinicians and researchers. For those who cannot attend, many sessions will be streamed live through the Meso Foundation’s website. For more information about this year’s symposium, visit the Meso Foundation website at http://www.curemeso.org. About Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC:
The Simmons Firm is a national leader in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation. Headquartered in Alton, Ill., with offices in Illinois, Missouri and California, the firm has represented thousands of patients and families affected by mesothelioma throughout the country. The Simmons Firm has pledged nearly $20 million to cancer research and proudly supports mesothelioma research throughout the country. For more information about the Simmons Firm, visit http://www.simmonsfirm.com.
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