LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest independent nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure, eliminating asbestos-related diseases, and protecting asbestos victims’ civil rights, today announced the honorees and keynote speakers for its upcoming 13th Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, "Where Knowledge and Action Unite,” April 7 – 9, 2017 at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Marriott just outside Washington, DC. This internationally renowned event is the only educational conference in the U.S. dedicated to ending asbestos disease.
“Since 2005, ADAO conferences have recognized nearly 100 internationally renowned honorees and keynote speakers whose voices and actions have been critically important to ending the man-made asbestos disaster,” stated ADAO Co-founder and President Linda Reinstein. “As in the past, many on this year’s esteemed list also include courageous volunteers who tirelessly give of their time to help build a global community of support and hope.”
“We’re especially excited this year to honor and hear from several renowned artists who use their craft to create change, including award-winning investigative journalist David McCumber and comedian Quincy Jones of HBO stand-up fame,” Reinstein said.
2017 Conference Keynote Speakers:
Saturday: David McCumber, Awarding-winning Investigative Journalist and co-author of An Air that Kills: How the Asbestos Poisoning of Libby, Montana Uncovered a National Scandal
Sunday: Jordan Zevon, ADAO National Spokesperson and Celebrity Board Co-Chair, son of Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and Mesothelioma Warrior Warren Zevon
2017 Asbestos Awareness Conference Award Honorees Include:
Senator Jon Tester, The Tribute of Hope Award for his steadfast commitment to awareness, prevention, and policy to eliminate asbestos-related diseases
Dr. Raja Flores, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his tireless dedication to increasing awareness about asbestos to eliminate diseases, and research that leads to a cure
Marie-Claude Jaurand, Ph.D., The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of her tireless dedication to increasing awareness about asbestos to eliminate diseases, and research that leads to a cure
Dr. Bruce Robinson, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his tireless dedication to increasing awareness about asbestos to eliminate diseases, and research that leads to a cure
Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, The Tribute of Inspiration Award for their unwavering commitment to protecting public health and our environment from toxic exposures
Quincy Jones, The Warren Zevon “Keep me in Your Heart” Tribute Award for using his comedic talent and story to raise awareness and action for mesothelioma and asbestos-caused diseases
Associação Brasileira Dos Expostos Ao Amianto/Brazilian Association of the Asbestos Exposed (ABREA) The Tribute of Unity Award for their relentless efforts, both nationally and internationally, to protect public health, ban asbestos, and increase public awareness about the danger of asbestos
The Dioguardi Family, The Alan Reinstein Award for their commitment to education, advocacy, and providing support to countless patients and families
Mike and Jessica Mattmuller, The Alan Reinstein Award for their commitment to education, advocacy, and providing support to countless patients and families
Exposure to asbestos, a human carcinogen, can cause mesothelioma, lung, gastrointestinal, colorectal, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers; as well as non-malignant lung and pleural disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 107,000 workers around the world will die every year of an asbestos-related disease, equaling 300 deaths per day.
For further information on the Conference and to register to attend please click here.
About the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO is the largest non-profit in the U.S. dedicated to providing asbestos victims and concerned citizens with a united voice through our education, advocacy, and community initiatives. ADAO seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure, advocate for an asbestos ban, and protect asbestos victims’ civil rights. For more information, visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.
