WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which combines education, advocacy, and community to provide a unified voice for asbestos victims, will be joining the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and others around the world in observing World Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2011. On this day, millions of patients and their families will share their stories and focus a spotlight on rare diseases as an important global public health concern.
“A rare disease’ is one that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans. Tragically, Mesothelioma, a cancer caused from asbestos, claims the lives of more than 3,000 Americans every year so, while rare, it is a very meaningful disease to those who are affected,” stated Linda Reinstein, ADAO President and Co-founder.
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization represents patients and families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. ADAO remains committed to education, advocacy and community support for patients, families, and those exposed to asbestos throughout the United States and abroad. Preventing exposure is the only cure for asbestos-related diseases.
World Rare Disease Day was launched in Europe four years ago and last year was observed in 46 nations. It is always observed on the last day of February. On that day, patients and patient organizations will post stories, videos, and blogs online and host events to raise awareness of these diseases, which are often called “orphans”.
For more information about Rare Disease Day activities in the U.S., go to www.rarediseaseday.us. For information about global activities, go to www.rarediseaseday.org).
About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is an independent global organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy and community. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.