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December 2024 – Celebrating 20 Years and Building Momentum
As 2024 draws to an end, I am filled with gratitude, pride, and hope as we continue to celebrate the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization's (ADAO) 20th anniversary. Next week marks Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity and action, and we invite you to join us in supporting ADAO’s mission. Over the past two decades, one truth has remained clear: our strength lies in solidarity, which empowers us to achieve lasting change. Together, we can honor our progress and build on the momentum needed to achieve a world free from asbestos-related diseases. We are also excited to share our December Spotlight: A Strategic Look at 2025 — Awareness, Action, and the Power of Giving.
This year, we’ve taken bold steps to amplify awareness and drive meaningful change. From our NYC Times Square Ban Asbestos billboard, which was created in partnership with the International Association of Fire Fighters, to the release of our new Shared Stories: How Asbestos Changed Our Lives Forever book, we’ve elevated the voices of survivors and advocates to a global stage. Our Every 13 Minutes campaign powerfully highlights that devastating fact that someone in the U.S. dies every 13 minutes from preventable asbestos-related diseases. The campaign inspires both communities and policymakers to take action.
We also crossed the finish line in a unique way this year through our partnership with EIA at the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship. This groundbreaking collaboration brought asbestos advocacy and awareness to a broader audience, leveraging the power of sports to spotlight the importance of prevention and policy reform.
In addition, we introduced a meaningful update to our annual traditions, honoring Mesothelioma Warriors with candle lighting ceremonies on both April 7 during Global Asbestos Awareness Week and September 26, Mesothelioma Awareness Day. These moments of reflection allow us to unite as a community, remembering those we’ve lost and strengthening our resolve to fight for a future without asbestos-related diseases.
The 19th National Asbestos Awareness Day Resolution and Global Asbestos Awareness Week united people worldwide, emphasizing education and prevention as critical components of our mission. In line with these efforts, ADAO led a congressional staff briefing in July to advance policy reform. September’s 20th Anniversary Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference brought together advocates, experts, and leaders, renewing our shared commitment to banning asbestos.
None of this would have been possible without individuals, families, and corporate partners like you. Your contributions fuel every campaign, educational resource, and legislative effort we undertake. As we look ahead to 2025, we need your continued support to expand our advocacy, education, and community programs.
December: Donate and Take Action with ADAO — Together, We Can Save Lives
Your support has never been more vital in helping us save lives and protect future generations. Here’s how you can help:
As we reflect on this season of giving, we also recognize that the holidays can be a deeply painful time for those who have lost a loved one. The absence of those we’ve cherished often feels more acute during this time, casting a shadow over festivities. If you are navigating grief this season, know that you are not alone. I encourage you to read our blog, Navigating the Tides of Grief and Loss: Finding Support and Resources During the Holidays, which offers solace and guidance for this challenging time.
Make this December a season of impact and hope by donating today. Together, we can turn awareness into action and create a safer future for all. Thank you for being an essential part of the ADAO family — your passion, generosity, and commitment inspire hope and fuel our mission.
ADAO is deeply grateful to our 2024 Donors and Sponsors, especially our Platinum Sponsor Simmons Hanly Conroy, LLP, Gold Sponsors The Gori Law Firm and Motley Rice LLC and Silver Sponsor Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen. You are the wind beneath our wings.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a hopeful new year. Let’s make 2025 a year of impactful action, advocacy, and progress.
With gratitude and determination,
Linda Reinstein, President and Co-Founder
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