The John McNamara Foundation - Asbestos Information

When my family decided to open the John McNamara Foundation we first had so many good ideas on what we were going to do and how we were going to help everyone and save the world. So with this being said, let me tell you about my John:

John was the most amazing human being, he had the ability to show true compassion, he had a heart bigger than his smile, and the ability to make friends and touch souls, John offered hope in unlimited supply. It was John’s goal to create something that would unite the Mesothelioma support groups and communities, to offer hope, and the latest medical information that we may find, and to show what was going on in the Mesothelioma world.

With that being said we, decided to take the next step, to offer help to patients and their families in as many ways that we could, to work on our “pet” projects to make things a little easier for the mesothelioma community and to extend ourselves in as many areas that we could, to continue John’s dream to make a difference and to achieve my goal of making the world remember my boy, our hero.

My family and I will always be the voice of mesothelioma and its victims.

As you all remember we are fighting to ban asbestos in the U.S. I know y’all
Remember this right?? So why haven’t you signed in to our latest and greatest efforts??? How about right now you pause and take 60 seconds from your life AND FILL IN THE BLANKS??? Just go to www.BanAsbestos.us , we did all the hard work for you, just follow the clicks and you’ll be done in just about 60 seconds.

Ok, your back (thanks) and we are back for a brief time, last update had us traveling back to DC to meet with some old friends and meet new friends at the MARF Symposium, which was very nice. As usual Marf puts on a good, show. The meetings that Linda (the goddess of dust), had set up for us were amazing and the enthusiasm we received brought new and renewed spirit in our endless battle to Ban Asbestos is the U.S. Finally I honestly believe from my personally take we are moving fast and forward, I believe they are listening and doing what is needed to bring the strongest ban bill we can have. There is still more work to be done, and all our voices are needed, to make a difference.

One more trip to DC two weeks later bring us back for the Public Hearing with EPA. While sitting amongst some of the brightest stars for our asbestos community, surrounded by all their brilliance, I couldn’t help but be dumbfounded by the ignorance of the EPA. The Dr.’s, Lawyers, Public all spoke clearly that we have united and a complete ban is required and overdue, but are they listening? My take is yes…as I sat there and listened to each speaker it was impossible not to hear, the voices of so few represent, far to many and more to come. Of course, each day a new voice is entwined with ours when will it end? We need to get the money so badly needed, for research for a cure, but lets not mix words, money for research for adequate treatment would be a great start. Education is in a short supply, and I have to full heartedly agree it’s time for common sense to make it’s come back in the United States. Two full days of running on high octane, with the asbestos kings, was overwhelming. Dr.’s Lemen and Castleman are truly an inspiration to why their voices should ring loud and clear in the ears of every American who has the power to improve the conditions they have allowed us to live, in with this nightmare of a magical mineral. How is it possible that this country still doesn’t get it??

During our week in DC, we need to thank one more time the Vietnam vets again for the beautiful service at the wall, and the words they spoke to my kids “ John’s name should be here with so many others from the time who were contaminated, by poison during this war. He was a Veteran and we will never forget. We will honor him here each time we come.”

With this they said a prayer and we all sat overwhelmed again, in silence and it reminded me, my boy is GONE from something that was 100% avoidable. My girls carried his ribbon and picture to the wall where it will become part of history, for future generations, wouldn’t it be great to be around when someone wants to know what asbestos was?

We left DC for Washington to the scene of the crime, BREMERTON along the way taking our message BAN ASBESTOS NOW! We did manage to make some fun stops, see our “On the road with Meso” for pictures. Once again, the sailors in Bremerton, made our trip outstanding. We had a great time enjoying stories, and telling stories of my boy and his time there. We had a great tour and fantastic lunch, who said sailors couldn’t Bar B Que?

Back on the road, meeting new vets along the way. Helping new patients and bringing more light on this nightmare, we won’t stop until the job is done, stay tuned for future updates or should I say “Stay the Course”.