Support groups provide patients and families with a platform to share their experience with others. There are many options available for mesothelioma patients to get the support they need.

Mesothelioma support groups come in many shapes and sizes. Support groups range from non-profit research foundations to online discussion forums.

Why Participate in a Support Group?

  • Renewed Hope - They help mesothelioma patients connect with each other and share their experiences living with the disease. Most importantly, support groups allow mesothelioma patients to find hope in each other.
  • Reducing Stress - The sense of camaraderie that comes with talking to people who also have mesothelioma can give you a sense of control and empowerment. This can reduce anxiety, loneliness, and depression.
  • Practical Advice - Support groups are also a place to share knowledge about doctors, cancer centers, and treatments that work. Other patients have firsthand experience going through what you are going through.

Support Organizations

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose main goal is to fund research to find a cure for mesothelioma. It also provides support and education for patients and families through a network of doctors, advocates, patients, and families.

Click here to visit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation for resources and support.

The International Mesothelioma Interest Group (iMig)

iMig is an international network of scientists, physicians, and researchers who are working towards better treatment options and a cure for mesothelioma. The organization encourages patients to participate in clinical trials and advocates for increased funding to treatment research.

Click here to visit the International Mesothelioma Interest Group.

American Cancer Society (ACS)

The American Cancer Society offers support for patients and caregivers who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Patients can find support through their online social network, called WhatNext, and the Cancer Survivors Network. These services connect patients with others and give them the opportunity share their experiences.

Click here to visit the American Cancer Society.

Online Support

Meso Foundation Facebook Groups

The Mesothelioma Foundation manages four Facebook groups for survivors, caregivers and the bereaved. Some pages are private and require an invitation to join.

Mesothelioma Survivors and Caregivers (private, invite only) Mesothelioma Caregiver Conversations (private, invite only) Mesothelioma Loss Support (private, invite only) Cure Mesothelioma (public)

Login to Facebook to access the Meso Foundation’s support groups.

CaringBridge

CaringBridge is a free online service that allows patients to create personalized web pages. Patients can use these pages to keep their family and friends updated. It provides tools such as journals, a guestbook, and a planner to help patients stay inspired, optimistic, and organized.

Click here to visit CaringBridge.

Cancer Support Community

The Cancer Support community offers an online support service called the Living Room. Patients have access to live chat groups and discussion boards. They can also create a personalized web page to share updates with family and friends.

Click here to visit the Cancer Support Community.

Daily Strength

Daily Strength provides a network of online discussion boards where users can support one another, and help other patients cope with various diagnoses.

Click here to visit the Daily Strength discussion boards.

WhatNext (Cancer Support Network)

WhatNext is a social network partnered with the American Cancer Society. It helps cancer patients and their caregivers find out more information about their diagnosis. Patients can also contact others who are fighting against cancer.

Click here to visit WhatNext.

Cancer Survivors Network (CSN)

An online community for patients and families of patients diagnosed with cancer. It allows patients and their families to connect with others through discussion boards and chat rooms. The CSN also provides patients with a CSN email address for private communication. Patients can also create a personalized page with a blog.

Click here to visit the Cancer Survivor’s Network.

Phone Support

Meso Foundation Telephonic Support Groups

The Meso Foundation’s telephonic support groups meet over the phone once every two weeks. Support group topics include spousal loss, caregiver support, and patient support.

Click here to access the Telephonic Support Group schedule.

Cancer Support Helpline

The Cancer Support helpline offers caregivers or patients diagnosed with cancer support, information, and counseling.

Click here to visit Cancer Support Helpline.

2016 Support Events

The Meso Foundation has a comprehensive list of events that are held to raise awareness for mesothelioma research and awareness. Many of these events are dedicated to friends and family members who lost their lives to mesothelioma. You can sign up for reminders to be sent to you via email.

Events scheduled for 2016 include:

Miles for Meso WA Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Memory of Bob Stewart, Bud Hatley, & Dick Dyhrman

  • Date: July 4, 5:00 PM
  • Location: Federal Way, WA

Music For Meso, in Memory of James Dunbar “Dun” Stockwell

  • Date: August 20, 2:00 PM
  • Location: Baton Rouge, LA

International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma

  • Date: September 16
  • Location: San Francisco, CA

Click here to visit their Event Calendar for a full list of mesothelioma-related events.