Mesothelioma Awareness Day is celebrated every year on September 26 to support those with this deadly cancer and raise money to find a cure. In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many Mesothelioma Awareness Day activities have gone online to keep everyone safe. See how you can show your support this year.
How the Coronavirus Affects Mesothelioma Awareness Day
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the dynamics of Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2020. Nearly all of the in-person events will be digital or socially distanced. This is to keep patients with mesothelioma — who have a higher risk of coronavirus complications — and everyone else safe.
These changes won’t affect the impact that Mesothelioma Awareness Day has, though. By participating safely, you can honor those with mesothelioma and do your part to help find a cure.
Showing Support on Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2020
There are many ways you can participate in Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2020, from connecting with loved ones digitally to participating in virtual fundraisers. Keep reading to learn more about how you can make an impact this year.
Digital and Socially Distanced Events
Digital events are a good substitute for in-person ones that attract large crowds, and they have easily been adapted to the pandemic. Some events are still being held in-person with strict social distancing enforced.
Notable events include:
- 5k Run/Walks: Annual runs won’t take place in large groups this year. For example, the 2020 Miles for Meso 5K Run in Alton, Illinois is registering participants online, but having them run or walk in their local neighborhoods individually.
- Golf Tournaments: Golf tournaments are still happening too. The John Slagle Memorial Golf Tournament is holding an in-person event but has removed its raffle and set up a tent outdoors for a socially distanced lunch.
- Kayaking: Much like the 5k races, the annual Kayaking 4 Meso event is allowing participants to register online and then paddle in their communities at their leisure.
A full list of digital events going on this year can be found online at the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) website. You can also start your own digital fundraiser for mesothelioma research organizations.
Call Loved Ones With Mesothelioma
You might not be able to safely visit a family member with mesothelioma this year — especially if they live far away or are receiving treatment in a hospital. In these cases, you can call them or use a video conferencing app like FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom.
Calling your loved ones is a great way to stay connected and let them know how much you care about them during these trying times.
Connect With Mesothelioma Groups
Notable groups like the Meso Foundation and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) are still celebrating Mesothelioma Awareness Day this year. These non-profit organizations were founded by medical experts and loved ones of those with mesothelioma to raise funds for cancer research.
You can help these groups by:
- Following them on social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
- Making an online donation (both the Meso Foundation and ADAO accept donations)
- Spreading the word about these organizations and their missions
Connecting with these groups online can help them to grow their donation base and promote awareness for mesothelioma.
Wearing Mesothelioma Facemasks and Apparel
It’s an annual tradition to wear blue on Mesothelioma Awareness Day — and newly available this year is a blue facemask from the Meso Foundation. You can also buy blue t-shirts, wristbands, or other apparel. You can find these online for purchase at the Meso Foundation’s official website.
When you have your mesothelioma apparel, you can take a picture of yourself wearing it and send it to the Meso Foundation to show your support. Don’t forget to post your photo on social media with hashtags for Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2020 as well.
Share Your Story
If you feel up to it, opening up about your own experiences with mesothelioma can help encourage and inspire others — which is especially important this year since we can’t connect in person.
The ADAO invites you to share your story via their online form. The Meso Foundation also allows you to create tribute pages for your loved ones.
Finally, you can connect with a local news outlet and see if they’ll do a story about living with mesothelioma during COVID-19.
Stay Safe and Supportive on Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2020
The coronavirus pandemic does not have to stop you and your loved ones from showing support on Mesothelioma Awareness Day. By exploring the options listed above, you can raise money for mesothelioma research and help others feel less alone.
With your help and participation, this year’s Mesothelioma Awareness Day can have just as much of an impact as it always does. Your effort can make a difference and help drive donations and awareness around the world.
