International mesothelioma symposium to feature seventh grade speaker

Joseph Miletto died of peritoneal mesothelioma in 2005, just ten weeks after diagnosis. This year, on June 27, his granddaughter Lexi Miletto will speak at the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma gala dinner, about her grandfather and about the importance of finding a cure for mesothelioma. Lexi said, “I’m speaking at the Gala because we are the future and we have to pick up the torch to end asbestos and find a cure for meso. And because I think it’s important to tell my story of what happened in my family. I know Pop-pop would want me to talk about it …and I want him to still be proud of me.” Joseph Miletto worked as an aide for Laidlaw Transportation, was a brick-maker, and was in the Navy. At some point, he was exposed to asbestos, a substance so deadly there is no safe level of exposure. Lexi Miletto is an Honors student at Lower Macungie Middle School in Macungie, Pennsylvania, and will begin eighth grade in the fall. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma will be held Thursday June 26 through to Saturday June 28 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C. It will be attended by leading international experts as well as people with mesothelioma, their families, friends, and caregivers, and mesothelioma advocates. The Symposium is an annual event designed to highlight the latest advances in research and treatment for mesothelioma, to provide support for patients, families, and caregivers, and provide advocacy and volunteer opportunities for those who wish to provide their own support. Chris Hahn, Executive Director of the Meso Foundation, says that more than one hundred patients, family members, caregivers, advocates, researchers, and clinicians are expected to attend the symposium. The planned three-day program includes a gala dinner on the evening of Friday June 27, as well as daily meetings and discussions. Lexi Miletto will speak at the Friday gala dinner. Thursday June 26 is designated as advocacy day, and will highlight the need for legislation banning asbestos, and the need for more funding for mesothelioma research. Friday June 27, has been designated as science day, and will include discussions by international mesothelioma experts about recent advances in mesothelioma research and treatment, as well as upcoming developments. This day will also provide patients, family members, and caregivers the chance to talk with specialists and experts. Saturday June 28, is designated as community day, and is devoted to the mesothelioma community of patients, family members, friends, and caregivers. This will include support sessions for people coping with the effects of mesothelioma, and a tribute ceremony to memorialize people who have died from the disease. People interested in participating can register at www.curemeso.org. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)