ASBESTOSAWARENESSAND PREVENTION CONFERENCE
Washington, D.C.
April 5 - 7, 2019 Conference Event Schedule
FRIDAY, April 5
March for Justice and Remembrance & Trolley
Tour 11AM - 5 PM
Causal Dinner
6:00-8:00 PM
SATURDAY, April 6
Conference
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
"Meet the Artists"
Signature Cocktail Reception & Awards Dinner
6:00 PM-9:00 PM
SUNDAY, April 7
Unity and Remembrance Brunch 9:30 AM- 11:30 AM
Dear Speakers, Honorees, Sponsors, Guests, and Volunteers,
On behalf of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, I am thrilled to welcome you to our 15th Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference. This year’s conference, “Where Knowledge and Action Unite,” brings together distinguished domestic and international experts and asbestos victims to drive asbestos awareness, prevent asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases, and advocate for a total and complete ban on asbestos.
ADAO is excited to welcome more than one hundred speakers, honorees, sponsors, guests, and volunteers from nearly ten countries to this year’s conference. Since our inception in 2004, we have worked together to strengthen our education, community, and advocacy initiatives; forming a growing base of global support. This year, we’ll talk about progress and challenges, medical advancements, prevention, global advocacy, and one subject that is very important to me: art and advocacy. With this topic, we will examine the role that media can play in our movement.
We are also eager to roll out the red carpet and hear from our two featured Speakers: David Michaels, PhD, MPH, former Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health; and David McCumber, accomplished author and editor of The Montana Standard, who will be delivering the second-ever Andrew Schneider Memorial Lecture
Finally, we are thrilled for you to "Meet the Artists” and honorees at our signature cocktail reception and Gala Awards Dinner, where you'll meet several incredible photographers, filmmakers, musicians, and the many honorees who use their varying talents to raise asbestos awareness.
This conference would not be possible without the work of so many wonderful and dedicated volunteers, speakers, and honorees, in addition to our esteemed Science and Prevention Advisory Boards for their unfailing commitment. We further extend gratitude to our tireless volunteers and State Leadership Team, as well as our generous sponsors, who allow us to be a voice at the legislative table with their support.
Let me also express my sincere appreciation to all those who have selflessly given time, expertise, and support not only for this conference, but also for ADAO’s numerous year-round initiatives. You are truly saving and changing the lives of victims around the world.
That is why we are here. As we open our 15th conference, I am deeply remembering and missing Herman Hamilton, Christine Winter, Paul Zygielbaum, and Andy Igrejas. You will see tributes to these amazing people in our program. I hope you take a moment to reflect on their extraordinary lives and the lives of so many others who we have lost to asbestos-related illness and disease. Everything we do is in their honor, and to prevent other families from experiencing the loss of their loved ones.
Our 15th anniversary is a time to celebrate what we have accomplished, strengthen our bonds, and look to the future as we work to prevent asbestos exposure in the U.S. and around the world. Thank you again for joining us today. We are a family, and this conference is yet another strong reaffirmation that together, we are making change happen.
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization "United for Asbestos Disease Awareness, Education, Advocacy, and Community Support" www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org
In Loving Memory Doug Larkin 1972 – 2017
ADAO Cofounder, Visionary, and Friend
FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019: COMMUNITY PROGRAM
11:30-1:15 PM March for Justice and Remembrance
12:15-3:30 PM D.C. Trolley Tour
6:00-8:00 PM Casual Dinner
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019: ACADEMIC CONFERENCE
8:00-8:30 AM Registration & Breakfast
8:30-8:50 AM Opening Remarks by Linda Reinstein
8:50-8:55AM International Message of Support by Mavis Nye, Mesothelioma Warrior
Session 1: Progress and Challenges from the Frontline || Moderator: Steven Markowitz, MD, DrPH
9:00-9:10 AM Raeleen Minchuk, Mesothelioma Warrior
9:10-9:20 AM Linda Reinstein, ADAO President/CEO
9:20-9:30 AM Richard Lemen, PhD, MSPH; Assistant U.S. Surgeon General (Ret.) and Rear Admiral, USPHS (Ret.)
9:30-9:40 AM Arthur L. Frank, MD, PhD; Professor of Public Health and Chair Emeritus of the Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Drexel University School of Public Health
9:40-9:50 AM Earl Dotter, Photojournalist and Creator of the exhibit BADGES: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers
9:50-10:00 AM Q & A
Session 2: Medical Advancements: Diagnosing and Treating Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos-Related Diseases || Moderator: L. Christine Oliver, MD, MPH, MS
10:00-10:10 AM Geoff and Karen Grant, Mesothelioma Warriors
10:10-10:25 AM
10:25-10:40 AM
Jacqueline M. Moline, MD, MSc, FACP, FACOEM, and Professor of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention and Internal Medicine at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine
Eduardo Algranti, MD, Medical Researcher at the Fundacentro Division of Medicine
10:40-10:55 AM Daniela Degiovanni, MD, Founder of VITAS
10:55-11:05 AM Q&A
11:05-11:35 AM Keynote Speaker: David Michaels, PhD, MPH, Epidemiologist and Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University
11:35-11:45 AM Group Picture
11:45 AM-12:45 PM Lunch
Session 3: Prevention: What Is It? Where Is It? What Do I Do? || Moderator: John Newquist
12:45-12:55 PM Julie Gundlach, Mesothelioma Warrior
12:55-1:10 PM Bev Messinger, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
1:10-1:25 PM
1:25-1:40 PM
1:40-1:55 PM
1:55-2:10 PM
2:10-2:20 PM
Tim Keane, At-Large Vice President of the Insulators Union and the Insulators Health Hazard Fund Administrator
Robert Sussman, JD, Former EPA Deputy Administrator, Adjunct Professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, and Principal at Sussman and Associates
Tony Rich, Industrial Hygienist, Photographic Historian, and ADAO Prevention Advisory Board Member
Louie Palu, Photojournalist
Eula Bingham, PhD, Former Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health
2:20-2:25 PM Q&A
2:25-2:30 PM Introduction by Kathy Best, Editor of the Missoulian
2:30-2:50 PM
Andrew Schneider Memorial Lecturer: David McCumber, Editor of The Montana Standard
Session 4: Advocacy: Global Ban Asbestos Action || Moderator: Barry Castleman, ScD
2:50-3:00 PM
3:00-3:15 PM
Courtney Davis Hissong, Mesothelioma Warrior
Fernanda Giannasi, Founder of the Brazilian Association of People Exposed to Asbestos (ABREA)
3:15-3:30 PM Gopal Krishna, PhD, JD, Co-Founder-Convener of Ban Asbestos Network of India (BANI)
3:30-3:45 PM
3:45-4:00 PM
4:00-4:05 PM
Alec Farquhar, Coordinator of Asbestos Free Canada and former Director of Ontario Office of Worker Adviser
Olawale Bakare, SIIRSM, MNISP, Executive Director of Protec Consulting Nigeria
Harminder Bains, Partner at Leigh Day
Session 5: Art and Advocacy || Moderator: Mark Catlin
4:05-4:12 PM
4:12-4:19 PM
4:19-4:26 PM
4:26-4:33PM
Paolo Monico, Director of "The Mother"
Felipe Rico Atara, Director of "Inextinguible"
Daniel Lambo, Director of "Breathless"
Conor Lewis and Zack Johnson, Directors of "Dirty Laundry"
4:33-4:45 PM Q&A
4:45-5:00 PM
Program Concludes
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019: 15th Anniversary Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
6:00 - 6:30 PM "Meet the Artist" Reception
6:30 - 9:00 PM
Awards Dinner with Performance by Jordan Zevon, Singer, Songwriter, Film Composer and ADAO Spokesperson
Presenter Linda and Emily Reinstein
Honoree Paolo Monico; The Alan Reinstein Award
Honoree Daniel Lambo; The Alan Reinstein Award
Honoree Conor Lewis and Zack Johnson; The Alan Reinstein Award
Honoree Courtney Davis Hissong; The Alan Reinstein Award
Honoree Harminder Bains; The Alan Reinstein Award
Presenter Dr. Richard Lemen
Honoree Dr. Eula Bingham; The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Presenter Dr. Barry Castleman
Honoree Dr. Daniela Degiovanni; The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Presenter Dr. Arthur Frank
Honoree Dr. Steven Markowitz; The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Presenter Linda Reinstein
Honoree Congressman Frank Pallone; The Tribute of Hope Award
Presenter Tony Rich
Honoree The Canadian Ban Asbestos Heroes: Victims, Activists, Trade Unions, and Lawmakers; The Tribute of Inspiration Award
Presenter Jordan Zevon
Honoree Warren Zevon Honorees from 2005-2018; Warren Zevon “Keep Me in Your Heart” Tribute Honoree
Presenter Kathy Best
Honoree David McCumber; The Andrew Schneider Memorial Award
Presenter Ellen Costa
Honoree The Tribute of Unity Award: The Tribute of Hope Award Honorees from 2005 - 2018
Presenter Dr. Brad Black
Honoree The Tribute of Unity: The Tribute of Unity Award Honorees from 2005 - 2018
Presenter Kim Cecchini
Honoree The Tribute of Unity Award: The Tribute of Inspiration Award Honorees from 2005 - 2018
Presenter Dr. Celeste Monforton
Honoree The Tribute of Unity Award: The Alan Reinstein Award Honorees from 2005 - 2018
Presenter Dr. Christine Oliver
Honoree
The Tribute of Unity Award: The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees from 2005 - 2018
Presenter John Newquist
Diamond Donor Lisa Crandall
Emerald Donor Marilyn Amento, Steven Markowitz, Rosemary Schaffer, Heather Von St James
Sapphire Donor Marli Stewart-Beer, Kimberly Cecchini, Julie Gundlach, Elizabeth Harty, Tara Jensen
Garnet Donor Mark Catlin, Paul & Yvonne Hall, Kim Hoover, Wendy Roberts
Presenter
Platinum Sponsor Motley Rice LLC; Accepting: Vin Greene
Presenter
Platinum Sponsor Simmons Hanly Conroy, LLC; Accepting Perry Browder
Presenter
Silver Sponsor Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen; Accepting: Annette Charlevois
SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2018: Unity and Remembrance Brunch: 9:30 – 11:30 AM (Moderator: Ellen Costa)
9:30 - 11:30 AM
Message of Support by Heather Von St James, Mesothelioma Warrior
Ellen Costa, ADAO Board Member
Dr. Richard Lemen, Speaker
Dr. Barry Castleman, Speaker
Marilyn Amento, Speaker
Jill Cagle, Performer and Mesothelioma Widow
Candle Lighting - Kim Cecchini, ADAO Board Member
11:30 AM Program Concludes
Eduardo Algranti, MD, is a graduate in medicine from the Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo (1975). After a 3-year residence period in Internal Medicine and Pulmonology at Santa Casa, São Paulo, he spent a two-year training period at the late MRC Pneumoconiosis Unit in Penarth, UK. He got his Master's in Pulmonology from the University of Wales (1982) and he´s PhD in Collective Health from the Universidade de São Paulo (1991). His area of expertise is Pulmonology with a major interest in occupational respiratory diseases. He is a NIOSH Certified B Reader since 1988. Since 1984 he works as a medical researcher at the Division of Medicine, FUNDACENTRO, a public institution whose field is Health at Work, where he developed the area of Occupational Respiratory Diseases. He runs an outpatient clinic in occupational respiratory diseases s, clinical research projects, advisory and training focusing mainly on the following topics: the ILO radiological classification, exposure to silica, exposure to asbestos, work-related asthma. Eduardo was the former Director of FUNDACENTRO WHO Collaborating Centre in Occupational Health until 2017.
Marilyn Amento (SLT Director, Eastern Region) has been involved with ADAO in various capacities since before the first Asbestos Awareness Conference in Washington, DC in 2005. Marilyn is the widow of Joe Amento, Jr. who died of mesothelioma at the age of 53, only 6 months after his first symptom. Joe was exposed to asbestos approximately 40 years prior while visiting his father at one of the several asbestos plants, and playing on asbestos scrap piles in the small borough of Ambler, a Philadelphia suburb. Marilyn has a Master’s Degree in Human Services Management from The Heller School of Brandeis University, and is the proud Mom of two college students, Joe and Julie. She channels her grief and anger with the asbestos industry by working with ADAO and educating the public about asbestos through her strong Facebook presence.
Felipe Rico Atara (Bogotá, 1983) is Audiovisual / Multimedia Director with 10 years of experience. Bachelor of Social Communicationemphasis in Audiovisual, with postgraduate studies in Digital Creation and Visual Arts & Multimedia. During his career he has made dozens of institutional videos, some short films and a feature documentary film called "Inextinguible" that tells the story behind the social movement Colombia without Asbestos. Inextinguible was premiered in the most important private channel in the country, transmitted by its international signal (reaching more than 25 countries) and awarded with the Honorable Mention at the Green Film Festival of Barichara (2018). It has also been projected in various spaces around the country becoming an important piece of awareness about this problem.
Harminder Bains, JD is a partner at Leigh Day, a law firm in London, UK. Her father died from mesothelioma and as a consequence she has campaigned and successfully used the law to protect the rights of victims of asbestos related diseases. Many of her cases have been reported as a result of setting precedents and have shaped current legislation for other lawyers in the UK. She has a formidable reputation as one of the country’s leading litigators. Due to this reputation, she is currently representing the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK pro bono in their application for documents dating back to the 1960s which they say will reveal what the international asbestos company, Cape, really knew about the dangers of asbestos.
Wale Bakare, SIIRSM, MNISP, Executive Director Protec Consulting Nigeria. Wale Bakare is a respected, award-winning international Health & Safety Trainer and Management Systems Specialist. He has worked and trained in England, and across the African continent. His experience and expertise in health and safety have afforded him the opportunity to coordinate and supervise many health and safety projects both in the public and private sectors in Nigeria. Wale has consulted for the World Bank and the European Union Commission on in the Water sector in Nigeria and has extensive experience in training on working with and managing Asbestos in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. He is a member of the Institution for Occupational Safety and Health in the United Kingdom (IOSH) and the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON).
Kathy Best joined the Missoulian as editor in June 2016. She was previously executive editor and managing editor at The Seattle Times, where she helped lead the staff to two Pulitzer Prizes for breaking news and two Online Journalism Awards for breaking news and enterprise reporting. She has held senior editing positions at the Baltimore Sun, St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Seattle PostIntelligencer. She spent most of her reporting career covering government and politics in the Illinois statehouse and the Washington, D.C., bureau for the PostDispatch.
Eula Bingham Ph.D., published her first research on Histoplasmosis which caused an epidemic in workers who cleaned water towers in a city park. Her work ontinued to investigate the health hazards of carcinogens from chemicals in the workplace. After the OSHA Act passed she worked on national committees to develop safety preventative measures for workers who were in industries where polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were hazards to workers. She served on numerous federal committees making recommendations to prevent diseases from exposure to chemicals such as those in the petroleum and steel industries. According to the Clayton Award she received last year at the Yuma Pacific Meeting, “Under Eula’s leadership OSHA adopted more standards (including acrylonitrile, benzene, cotton, dust inorganic arsenic and lead) than in other similar time before or since.”
Brad Black, MD has been the Medical Director and CEO for the Center for Asbestos and Related Disease (CARD Clinic) in Libby, Montana since 2000. He has been a physician in the Libby medical community since 1977 and became the Lincoln County Health Officer in 1984. Beginning in 1999, he worked closely with Dr. Alan Whitehouse, a Spokane, WA pulmonologist, for 9 years. Since 2000, Dr. Black has had the opportunity to care for thousands of patients and this longitudinal observation of progressive pleural fibrosis has led to a clear characterization of Libby amphibole asbestos disease. CARD continues to provide asbestos health screening and care to a population with significant Libby Amphibole exposure and related diseases. In 2008 he presented at the National Institute of Health/National Cancer Institute about the progressive pleural fibrosis and mesothelioma identified in those exposed to Libby amphibole asbestos. He was instrumental in initiating research on Libby amphibole asbestos health effects. His work has expanded into research leading to an association with pulmonologists and occupational medicine specialists from multiple academic centers around the U.S. In 2010, Dr. Black became an adjunct professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. He has collaborated on a number of professional journal publications, and most recently he participated in a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences working group that developed a publication on the non- neoplastic, pleural endpoints. Today, Dr. Black continues his dedicated efforts to providing excellent healthcare, outreach, advocacy and research for asbestos related diseases.
Jill Cagle is a performer and Mesothelioma Widow. She is the surviving spouse of Mesothelioma Warrior Robbie Cagle, who lost his 6-year battle with Peritoneal Mesothelioma on 9-11-11 at the age of 46. She is a mother and now grandmother of 3. She is a Christian and her faith in God truly sustains her. She is the lead singer in the Band Backstreet and plays the Fiddle. She makes primitive crafts and candles and she loves to ride her Harley and feel the wind in her hair. She has been associated with ADAO since 2007 and has now started an annual Motorcycle Ride, "Ridin the Wind with Rob" which includes a 110-mile ride, dinner, silent auction, raffles and t-shirt sales to raise funds for awareness and ultimately a CURE of Mesothelioma. Jill and Rob marched on Capitol Hill in 2010 to help get Illinois to sign the National Asbestos Awareness Day Bill and also met with the DOD. She is committed to doing whatever it takes to get this killer 100 % banned. She is truly honored and proud to be a part of this organization.
Barry Castleman, ScD is an Environmental Consultant trained in chemical and environmental engineering. He holds a Doctor of Science degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. He has been a consultant to numerous agencies of the US government and other governments, international bodies, and environmental groups dealing with a wide range of public health issues. He has testified as an expert in civil litigation in the US on the history of asbestos as a public health problem and the reasons for failure to properly control asbestos hazards. Dr. Castleman has spent the past 40 years working on asbestos as a public health problem.
Mark Catlin is the former Occupational Health and Safety Director (retired) for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing two million healthcare, service and public workers in the United States and Canada. An industrial hygienist and health and safety activist, since 1981, he has been involved with asbestos issues over his entire career, from investigating asbestos problems at worksites, schools and homes to conducting EPA and OSHA asbestos training for thousands of workers and dvocated for strong public policies to eliminate asbestos use and exposure. In the early 1990s, he was the clinic industrial hygienist for the Harborview Occupational Medicine Clinic at the University of Washington and conducted many occupational histories for workers with asbestos-related disease. Mark is honored to serve on the ADAO Prevention Advisory Board.
Kim Cecchini, ADAO Board Member, has been involved with the organization since its founding in 2004. She is a senior communications strategist, with more than 25 years of experience managing diverse PR and corporate communications programs for a wide variety of high growth companies, specializing in technology and the federal sector. She currently resides in Raleigh, NC.
Ellen Costa is a Strategy Consultant at Wells Fargo Home Lending and ADAO Board Member. Ellen has been a volunteer with ADAO since 2012 and is honored to be of service to this very special organization; its mission, founders and supporters. Professionally, she has been in the financial services industry for over 25 years and has served firms in marketing, communications, product management and strategic planning. Her current position at Wells Fargo Home Lending is as a strategy consultant in the financial reform regulatory environment. Inspired by Linda Reinstein’s commitment and passion in making change, influencing political policy and advocating for practical issues on a global level, lead to her involvement with the organization. The awareness, family support and leadership ADAO provides in creating the change needed in this world is truly powerful. Most importantly, she believes in Linda Reinstein and is truly privileged to serve the mission of ADAO.
Dr.IrvingSelikoffLifetimeAchievementAwardHonoree
Daniela Degiovanni, MD, received her degree in medicine and surgery in 1977 and subsequently her specialty in Oncology. Since 1978, she has been involved in assistance to patients with mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases in Casale Monferrato. She has worked at the Santo Spirito Hospital there. Since 2006 she has been director of the Hospice and of the program for home Palliative Care. Because of the great need in the community, Daniela founded VITAS, a voluntary association made up of doctors, nurses, psychologists and physiotherapists dedicated to home care for patients in advanced and terminal stages of diseases and their families. For these activities over the past 40 years, in 2018 she was awarded the title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Republic by the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella.
Earl Dotter is an Occupational & Environmental Health Photojournalist. Beginning in 1968, after the Farmington, WV mine disaster claimed the lives of 78 coal miners, Earl Dotter began photographing coal miners, then our nation’s most dangerous job, after which, he has focused on hazardous occupations in the USA. In 1998 he created the exhibit and book, THE QUIET SICKNESS: A Photographic Chronicle of Hazardous Work in America. In 2000, Dotter received an Alicia Patterson Foundation Fellowship to document commercial fishing hazards with the resulting exhibit titled: The Price of Fish. After 9/11, he photographed the rescue recovery effort at Ground Zero. For that exhibit, When Duty Calls, A Tribute to 9/11 Emergency Responders he received the APHA’s, Alice Hamilton Award. BADGES, A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers commissioned by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) continues to evolve as asbestos use is still remains to be banned in the U.S. Dotter’s LIFE’S WORK, A Fifty-Year Photographic Chronicle of Working in the U.S.A. retrospective exhibit, along with the book of the same name was first launched in September, 2018 at the headquarters of the AFL-CIO in WDC, and was presented in December at the 2018 NCOSH Conference in Baltimore.
Alec Farquhar is a lawyer with a long career involved with asbestos disease compensation and prevention. He is currently coordinator of Asbestos Free Canada. Previously, Alec was Director of the Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA), an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Labour which advises and represents non-unionized workers in their workers’ compensation claims and appeals. This included involvement in hundreds of asbestos disease cases. Alec came to the OWA from the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers where he was Managing Director, and before that from the Ontario Ministry of Labour where he was the Director of the Occupational Health and Safety Branch. In both of these positions, Alec was extensively involved in detection and prevention of asbestos disease as well as related regulatory enforcement. Alec has extensive experience in both workers' compensation and occupational health and safety. He has a long history of working with vulnerable worker communities including immigrant workers, women and young workers. He has also worked extensively on partnerships with the employer community around dispute resolution, health and safety and return to work. This includes innovative joint return to work partnerships. He is fluent in Italian and French which has helped him connect directly with the francophone and Italian-Canadian communities. A graduate of Princeton University, Alec also has an L.L.B. from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. He has served on the Executive of the Ontario Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Section and has received the section’s Ron Ellis award for excellence.
Arthur L. Frank, MD, PhD is a physician board certified in both internal medicine and occupational medicine and currently serves as Professor of Public Health and Chair Emeritus of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Drexel University School of Public Health in Philadelphia. He is also a Professor of Medicine (Pulmonary) at the Drexel College of Medicine. He also holds a position at Drexel as Professor of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering. A life-long academic, Dr. Frank has previously taught at Mount Sinai, the University of Kentucky and in the University of Texas System. He has served many governmental agencies in the US and has carried out research and has been a governmental advisor internationally. Trained in both occupational medicine and internal medicine, Dr. Frank has been interested in the health hazards of asbestos for more than 35 years. He has published a great deal of work on the hazards of asbestos, and clinically cared for asbestos affected patients. He has lectured internationally about the problems of asbestos, and worked in many settings looking at the diseases caused by this material. His research interests have been in the areas of occupational cancers and occupational lung diseases, as well as agricultural safety and health. For thirty-seven years he held a commission in the U S Public Health Service (active and inactive) and served on active duty both at the NIH and at NIOSH. Arthur is the ADAO Science Advisory Board Co-Chair.
Fernanda Giannasi is a Civil and Safety Engineer and ex-Labor Inspector for the Ministry of Labor and Employment for 30 years. She is the coordinator of the Virtual Citizen Ban Asbestos Network for Latin America, founder of the Brazilian Association of People Exposed to Asbestos (ABREA) and Fellow of the Collegium Ramazzini. She serves as an expert witness in judicial cases related to asbestos, nuclear and other toxic chemicals. She was awarded with the Brazilian Judiciary Order of Merit by both the Regional Court of Appeal and the Superior Labor Court. In November, 2017 her efforts to ban asbestos in Brazil as well the fight for justice for asbestos victims and their families, brought about the important decision by the Supreme Constitutional Court (STF) that declared asbestos banned in all of Brazil. For this, in April 2018, she was honored by “O GLOBO”, one of the most important and respected daily newspapers in Brazil, with the Prize “FAZ DIFERENÇA” (Make the Difference) in the category of Economy field. Last November, the 2018 Ramazzini Award was presented to Engineer Giannasi by the Collegium Ramazzini for her leadership in the promotion of an asbestos-free Brazil and in broadening the rationale for supporting a worldwide ban on asbestos and was recognized as a hero of worker safety and health as well an exemplary public civil servant
Geoff and Karen Grant
Karen Grant was diagnosed with bi-lateral mesothelioma at the age of 29. She underwent an aggressive experimental surgery performed by the late Dr. David J. Sugarbaker and has been cancer free for 15 years. Although she has disabilities that she deals with on a daily basis, she doesn’t let that stop her from doing what she loves. Since 2012, Karen can rarely be found without her camera in hand. She loves to photograph anything that catches her eyes, but her interest is primarily with flowers and butterflies. Karen received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Curry College. She has worked at various radio stations and at Apple, Inc. as a Mac Specialist teaching Apple software classes in retail.
Geoffrey Grant has been a caregiver for 20 years. First to his late mother and currently to his wife Karen. Geoffrey had taken his taken his knowledge of caregiving recently published a book called The Intentional Caregiver. He also provides workshops, coaching and seminars for caregivers. Geoffrey has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Curry College.
Julie Gundlach is an asbestos victim turned advocate. Diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in August of 2006, Julie fought to find viable treatment options through five surgeries and multiple chemotherapy protocols, has remained stable since 2014. A victim of secondary exposure, Julie’s anger and frustration at the horrific amount of asbestos exposure led her to become an advocate in the fight for a ban on asbestos. She has traveled to lobby at Capitol Hill with ADAO and is committed to fighting for a complete ban on asbestos.
Courtney Davis Hissong is a journalist specializing in videography and photography. She spends countless hours volunteering as a senior Army spouse, a foster parent and advocate for a canine rescue organization and as her late father’s biggest champion, continuing his fight against Mesothelioma. Courtney created Larry Davis’ online presence, Action Against Asbestos, while helping him organize the South Florida Miles For Meso 10K & Fun Run. Since Larry’s death in 2012, she has continued to raise money and awareness for the asbestos community. In addition to working in computer science at Duke Law School, she recently graduated Duke’s Graduate Liberal Studies program with a Master’s degree. She currently resides with her husband and two rescue dogs at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska.
Zack Johnson, is a filmmaker and adventurer from Alton, Illinois. Since a young age he has always had a video camera in his hand but he never thought it would take him anywhere. A natural storyteller, Zack is always looking to give and get a good laugh - he realized a video camera was another way to make that happen. A simple guy who wants and needs for very little just lives his life to be a story worth listening to in the end. He is a friend of nature and finds great peace when hunting, fishing, and trapping - most often with his dog Doc.
Tim Keane is the At-Large Vice President of the Insulators Union and also serves as the Insulators Health Hazard Fund Administrator. Tim began his career as an Insulator in 1995 when he started as an apprentice at his home Local 17 in Chicago. Tim became a Business Agent for Local 17 in 2008 and became Business Manager in 2016.
Upon the retirement of Insulators Vice President Terry Lynch at the end of 2016, Insulators General President McCourt appointed Tim as Vice President in January 2017, and he was unanimously elected for a full term at the August 2017 Insulators Convention. Tim is a graduate of the National Labor College in 2014 with a degree in Business Administration. Tim is a dedicated advocate for the health and safety of his Insulator Union brothers and sisters and works to end the scourge of asbestos that has devastated so many of his union members.
Gopal Krishna, PhD has been a researcher and advocate on the subject of health hazards in hazardous industries like asbestos industry and ship breaking industry since 2000. He is the co-founder-convener of Ban Asbestos Network of India (BANI) and editor of BANI’s journal, www.asbestosfreeindia.org. He did his PhD from Centre of Social Medicine & Community Health, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. His doctoral thesis is on industrial disaster of Bhopal and accountability of public institutions. He is law graduate and trained journalist Most recently he presented papers “Research on Chrysotile Asbestos: Failure of Ethics by National Institute of Occupational Health and National Human Rights Commission” at 14th World Congress of Bioethics in December, 2018 and "The future of work in the mirror of industrial disaster of Bhopal" at the XII International Conference on Labour History in March 2018. He is also a columnist and the editor of ToxicsWatch Journal, www.toxicswatch.org. He has been a petitioner in the National Human Rights Commission and Supreme Court of India.
Daniel Lambo is a Belgian film director. He creates films on themes as human rights, social inequality and poverty. Lambo's first feature film, Miss Homeless (2010), was written, produced, directed, filmed and edited entirely by himself. This docufiction about homeless people in Brussels premiered in twelve different countries on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Dry Branches of Iran (2012) deals with censorship during the Green Revolution in Iran and De Figurant (2016) takes on racial stereotypes with a story about a drug dealer who has acting ambitions. In his latest feature, the documentary Breathless, Lambo investigates the delocalization of the asbestos industry to developing countries.
Richard Lemen, PhD, MSPH is a retired Assistant Surgeon General of the United States and also served as the Acting Director and the Deputy Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health before his retirement. He has been a practicing epidemiologist for more than forty years and has taught graduate level courses on environmental and occupational health issues, including asbestos, at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. He has also testified on behalf of asbestos victims; Dr. Lemen is a world-renowned author, speaker, and lecturer on this topic.
Conor B. Lewis, After Lewis obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts, he began his career in digital media at an agency in St. Louis, Missouri. Here he cut his teeth, shooting productions for large national and international corporations. After several years spent in agency life, Lewis was recruited by a large metropolitan St. Louis firm, to manage their in-house creative team. This move created the flexibility to shoot “Dirty Laundry”, the 2018 asbestos documentary. Lewis grew up in St. Louis, Missouri where he resides today with his wife Molly, his daughter Elizabeth and his dog George. He spends his free time riding bikes and on his other “full time job” as a painter.
Steven Markowitz, MD, DrPH, is an occupational medicine physician, directs the Barry Commoner Center for Health and the Environment (CCHE) at Queens College, City University of New York and is a member of the ADAO Science Advisory Board. He is Adjunct Professor of Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He received his B.A. from Yale University and MD and DrPH (epidemiology) from Columbia University. With the United Steelworkers, Dr. Markowitz directs the Worker Health Protection Program, a national medical screening program for Department of Energy nuclear weapons workers that has since 2000 used lowdose CT scanning to screen over 13,000 workers for early lung cancer detection. Dr. Markowitz has also continued the work of Dr. Irving Selikoff in documenting asbestos-related mortality among North American insulators. Dr. Markowitz served for 12 years as Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine (AJIM) and was the Associate Editor of a major textbook, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, 4th Edition. He serves or has served on Federal EPA, NIOSH, NTP, and DOL Committees or Boards.
David McCumber is the editor of The Montana Standard. Previously, he was Washington Bureau Chief for Hearst Newspapers, and has led newsrooms large and small over a career spanning nearly 50 years. He was managing editor of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer for the last nine years of that newspaper's print existence. McCumber is the author of three nonfiction books: "X-Rated: The Mitchell Brothers (Simon & Schuster), made into a film starring Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez; Playing off the Rail: A Pool Hustler's Journey (Random House); and The Cowboy Way: Seasons of a Montana Ranch (Avon). He is the co-author, with investigative reporter Andrew Schneider, of “An Air that Kills: How the Asbestos Poisoning of Libby, Montana Uncovered a National Scandal,” which grew out of work Schneider and McCumber did at the Seattle P-I
KeynoteSpeaker
David Michaels, PhD, MPH is an epidemiologist and Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University. From 2009 until January 2017, he was Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, the longest serving in OSHA's history. From 1998 to 2001, he was Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environment, Safety
and Health, charged with protecting the workers, community residents and environment around the nation’s nuclear weapons facilities. In addition to his epidemiologic research, much of Dr. Michaels' work has focused on protecting the integrity of the science underpinning public health and environmental protections. He is the author of Doubt is Their Product: How Industry's Assault on Science Threatens Your Health. His new book The Triumph of Doubt: Dark Money and the Science of Deception will be published by Oxford University Press in early 2020.
Raeleen Minchuk - I am a Peritoneal Mesothelioma survivor from Canada! I grew up in small towns in Saskatchewan most of my life as my parents owned several small-town hotels. I currently am in the only remission I will have during my battle with Mesothelioma. I am the founder and owner of Liga Boca Nueva Mesowarriors a baseball foundation in the Dominican Republic. I started the foundation to create equal opportunity for sport with proper equipment. Our boys are called MesoWarriors because on my journey the people who support me with love and prayers are my MeSoWarriors! It's been a rewarding experience working with all different age children and creating opportunities for them to advance in a baseball career. We also teach them English finances and how to cope with stress and anxiety during their transition! This has allowed me stay active and healthy contributing to my prolonged survival rate!
Barbara Minty McQueen is the widow of American film star Steve McQueen, and is a former model and photographer. She is also the author of Steve McQueen: The Last Mile, which documents the three-and-a-half-year relationship between the two and includes candid photographs from 1977 to 1980. McQueen has hosted several art exhibits of her work with shows in London, Tokyo, San Francisco, Nashville, Phoenix and Idaho, where she resides.
Bev Messinger has been the CEO of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) since October 2016. IOSH is the world’s largest membership organization – and only Chartered body – for safety and health professionals. She leads on the delivery of IOSH’s strategy, WORK 2022, which sets out how IOSH will work globally with businesses, stakeholders and individual members to shape the future of safety and health at work. Bev is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development with an impressive track record of delivering organizational transformation and cultural change across central and local government.
Jacqueline M. Moline,
M.D.,
M.Sc. is an Occupational Medicine specialist and Professor of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention and Internal Medicine at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine. She obtained her medical degree from the Pritzker School of Medicine of the University of Chicago. She completed residencies in Internal Medicine at Yale University and Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where she obtained her Masters of Science degree. She is the former Director of the NIOSH funded New York/New Jersey Education and Research Center in Occupational Safety and Health. After 19 years on the faculty at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, she joined Northwell Health as the founding Chairperson of the Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention. Dr. Moline continues to maintain a clinical practice, focusing on patients with occupational exposures such as asbestos. Since 2001, many of Dr. Moline’s endeavors have been centered on the medical evaluation and treatment of World Trade Center (WTC) responders. While at Mount Sinai she directed the WTC health program, which she now runs at Northwell Health in Queens, NY. In 2010, Dr. Moline was the recipient of the Kehoe Award of Merit from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine for significant contributions to research in the field of occupational and environmental medicine and she has received numerous awards for her service to WTC responders.
Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH is a professorial lecturer in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, and liaison to the ADAO Science and Prevention Advisory Boards. Her research includes assessment of worker health and safety laws and policies, and their effectiveness in protecting workers from illnesses, disability and death. She has published articles on strategies used by economic interests, including the asbestos industry, to manipulate scientific evidence to create uncertainty about health risks in order to delay protective regulatory action and compensation. Prior to her academic appointment, Dr. Monforton was a federal employee at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, 1991-1995) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA, 1996-2001). Dr. Monforton served on the special panels appointed by the West Virginia Governor to investigate the January 2006 Sago coal mine disaster that took the lives of 12 workers, and the April 2010 disaster at Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch mine that killed 29 workers. Dr. Monforton is an active member of the American Public Health Association and serves in a leadership position with the organization’s Occupational Health and Safety Section.
Paolo Monico has been running an enduring and successful career in directing commercials and music videos for the past 20 years. He writes, directs and produces short films and web content through his NY-based production company and he is currently developing “The Suit," a limited series based on “The Mother,” his award-winning short film inspired by the mystery surrounding the death of his father, Sandro, who passed away in 2002 from mesothelioma. Born and raised in Italy, in 2006 Paolo moved to the US, became an American citizen and a proud member of the Directors Guild of America.
John Newquist (U.S. Occupational Safety & Health) is an independent safety trainer, author, and consultant. He has been interviewed for his safety expertise and OSHA insight by NPR, BNA, Safety + Health Magazine, Mother Jones, and several more. He works with numerous companies to address their OSHA and safety compliance needs. He has a BS in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a Master’s of Science in Industrial Management from Northern Illinois University. He is a Certified Safety Professional. He has taught hundreds of safety seminars across the country including the National VPPPA, Construction Safety Conference, American Society of Safety Engineers, National Fire Protection Association, and numerous Building Trade Councils. He worked for OSHA from 1983-2012 and was also the Area Director of the Peoria Area Office. He currently teaches safety classes at the Construction Safety Council.
In 2009, Mavis Nye was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a consequence of the asbestos fibers that often coated her husband Ray’s uniform from the Royal Naval Dockyard in Chatham. She was told that she had 3 months to live. However, rather than accept this prognosis, Mavis decided to fight. She fought in treatment, and by getting involved in the MesoWarriors, an online support group that assists asbestos victims and their families. Today, almost nine years after the three months she was originally given to live, Mavis and Ray continue their work with the MesoWarriors, which allows Mavis to share her story across the UK and around the world giving hope to asbestos victims and demanding change from people with the power to create it. As she puts it, she has been given another chance at life so that she can help other sufferers.
L. Christine Oliver, MD, MPH, MS is President of Occupational Health Initiatives, Inc. She is an adjunct professor in the Occupational and Environmental Health Division of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto in Toronto, ON. Dr. Oliver is a member of the Ontario Task Force on Environmental Health and a consultant to Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW). She was formerly an associate clinical professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Medicine (Pulmonary and Critical Care Division) at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Dr. Oliver’s primary specialty is occupational and environmental medicine, with an emphasis on occupational lung disease. Dr. Oliver is a Fellow of the Collegium Ramazzini and has done research and published in the area of occupational lung disease, with a focus on asbestos-related disease. She has lectured frequently on this topic, including more recently the determination of risk for asbestos-related lung cancer. Dr. Oliver has testified before Congress and OSHA on issues related to asbestos and other workplace exposures.
TributeofHopeAwardHonoree
Frank Pallone, Jr. was sworn in for his 16th full term in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 2019. Pallone represents New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District, which covers most of Middlesex County, as well as the Bayshore and oceanfront areas of Monmouth County. Throughout his tenure in Congress, Pallone's legislative accomplishments have been geared to the protection and restoration of environmental resources and making health care more affordable and accessible. In 2019, Pallone was sworn in as the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over issues pertaining to energy, environment, health care, commerce, and telecommunications.
Louie Palu is a photojournalist and filmmaker whose work has examined social political issues such as human rights, poverty and war for 27-years. He is a Guggenheim Foundation Fellow and has been awarded multiple awards for his work. He has covered conflict in Afghanistan, Mexico and Ukraine. His work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, Der Spiegel, BBC and National Geographic. His photographs and documentary films have been featured in numerous museums and festivals internationally including at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. He is the author of numerous publications including his soon to be released book A Field Guide to Asbestos (2019 Yoffy Press) which is a collection of his work from over 15-years of covering issues related to asbestos. www.louiepalu.com
Linda Reinstein is the President/CEO and Co-Founder of Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). Reinstein became an activist when her husband, Alan, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2003. She co-founded the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization in 2004, and now serves as President and CEO. Reinstein has been a strong political voice for justice in every major asbestos-related issue. Reinstein, a highly sought-after international speaker, has frequently served as a Congressional witness and presented at the Department of Labor (OSHA), British House of Commons, United Nations Congress, American Public Health Association, and to other audiences around the world. Recognized as an expert with nearly 40 years of nonprofit experience in building and sustaining grassroots organizations, Reinstein specializes in developing, implementing, and leveraging integrated social media campaigns. Over the years, Reinstein has been asked to create social media educational materials and facilitate workshops. Focused on national and international occupational and environmental disease prevention, Reinstein’s proficiency in the powerful advocacy space of online media has greatly increased the effectiveness of ADAO’s core mission of education, advocacy, and community support actions. She has won many prestigious awards including the Global Impact Award (2013), from the Independent Asbestos Training Providers; Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award (2011), from the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation; the highest level of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her 4,000 hours of volunteerism during her lifetime (2010); and the Heart and Soul Award in from the Manhattan Beach Women in Business Association (2005).
Tony Rich, Industrial Hygienist, Photographic Historian and ADAO Prevention Advisory Board Member, has literally served “in the trenches” as an industrial hygienist and environmental technician in the consulting field for the past 24 years, specializing in asbestos-related work, including: inspection surveys, abatement monitoring/sample analyses, regulatory compliance, and worker training. He has also received microscopy training from McCrone Research Institute for identification of bulk asbestos via polarized-light microscopy (PLM). Through the course of his occupation and personal endeavor, Tony has developed an extensive and compelling collection of asbestos-related photographs, product materials, artifacts, historical books, industry documents, film archives, and other related media which have been utilized in a multitude of applications for various organizations worldwide, including, but not limited to: product and material research, asbestos awareness education blogs, informational presentations, corporate and governmental training programs, regulatory guidance documents, science and trade publications, university textbooks, museum & conference exhibits, and even as legal evidence.
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization "UnitedforAsbestosDiseaseAwareness,Education,Advocacy,andCommunitySupport” www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org
Robert Sussman, JD, is the principal in Sussman and Associates, a consulting firm that offers advice on energy and environmental policy issues to clients in the non-profit and private sectors. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Georgetown University Law Center and was a Visiting Lecturer at Yale Law School. Bob served in the Obama Administration as C0-Chair of the Transition Team for EPA and then as Senior Policy Counsel to the EPA Administrator from 2009-2013. He served in the Clinton Administration as the EPA Deputy Administrator during 1993-94. At the end of 2007, Bob retired as a partner at the law firm of Latham & Watkins, where he headed the firm’s environmental practice in DC. Bob was a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress in 2008. He is currently serving on the Board on Environmental Science of the National Academy of Sciences and as a Commissioner of the Interstate Commission for the Potomac River Basin. Bob is a magna cum laude 1969 graduate of Yale College and a 1973 graduate of Yale Law School. Bob has posted numerous blogs on the Brookings Institution Website and elsewhere and published articles in the Environmental Law Reporter and other publications.
Heather Von St James was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma at the young age of 36, just 3 1/2 months after the birth of her one and only child. She is now a 13-year survivor of the disease and a strong advocate for asbestos victims’ issues. She, along with her husband, blog for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, and Huffington Post. She spends her spare time volunteering at her daughter's school, being with friends and family and living life to the fullest. Her goal is to bring about hope to mesothelioma patients and awareness regarding the disease.
Jordan Zevon, ADAO's tremendous National Spokesperson and Celebrity Board Co-Chair, is a singer/songwriter and film composer. Jordan was the executive producer for his father, Warren Zevon's, final album The Wind He also co-produced Enjoy Every Sandwich: The Songs of Warren Zevon, which features an all-star cast of singers and musicians. Jordan’s own work includes his self-titled EP and the New West release, “Insides Out”. He’s performed multiple times on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Grammys and his music has been featured on numerous television shows. Jordan’s immeasurable commitment to asbestos victims and concerned citizens has provided a united voice that will continue to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, while raising public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and often deadly asbestos related diseases.
Spreading asbestos awareness and prevention around the globe…
Eduardo Algranti, MD, Medical Researcher at the Fundacentro Division of Medicine
Marilyn Amento, Mesothelioma Warrior
Felipe Rico Atara, Director, Inextinguible
Harmider Bains, Partner at Leigh Day
Olawale Bakare, SIIRSM, MNISP, Executive Director of Protec Consulting Nigeria
Kathy Best, Editor of the Missoulian
Eula Bingham, PhD, Former Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health
Brad Black, MD, Medical Director and CEO of Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD CLINIC)
Jill Cagle, Performer and Mesothelioma Widow
Barry Castleman, ScD, Environmental Consultant
Mark Catlin, Occupational Health and Safety Director for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Kim Cecchini, Communications Strategist and ADAO Board Member
Ellen Costa, Strategy Consultant at Wells Fargo Home Lending and ADAO Board Member
Daniela Degiovanni, MD, Founder of VITAS
Earl Dotter, Photojournalist and Creator of the exhibit BADGES: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers
Alec Farquhar Coordinator of Asbestos Free Canada and Former Director of Ontario Office of Worker Adviser
Arthur L. Frank, MD, PhD; Professor of Public Health and Chair Emeritus of the Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Drexel University School of Public Health
Fernanda Giannasi, Founder of the Brazilian Association of People Exposed to Asbestos (ABREA)
Geoff and Karen Grant, Mesothelioma Warriors
Julie Gundlach, Mesothelioma Warrior
Courtney Davis Hissong, Mesothelioma Warrior
Conor Lewis and Zack Johnson, Directors, Dirty Laundry
Tim Keane, At-Large Vice President of the Insulators Union and the Insulators Health Hazard Fund Administrator
Gopal Krishna, PhD, JD, Co-Founder-Convener of Ban Asbestos Network of India (BANI)
Daniel Lambo, Director, Breathless
Richard Lemen, PhD, MSPH; Assistant U.S. Surgeon General (Ret.) and Rear Admiral, USPHS (Ret.)
Steven Markowitz, MD, DrPH, ADAO Science Advisory Board Member and Director of the Barry Commoner
Center for Health and the Environment (CCHE) at Queens College of New York
David McCumber, Editor of The Montana Standard
Bev Messinger, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
David Michaels, PhD, MPH, Epidemiologist and Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University
Raeleen Minchuck, Mesothelioma Warrior
Jacqueline M. Moline, MD, MSc, FACP, FACOEM, and Professor of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention and Internal Medicine at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine
Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH, ADAO Science Advisory Board Member, Professional Lecturer in the
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University
Paolo Monico, Director, The Mother
John Newquist, Independent Safety Trainer, Author, and Consultant
Mavis Nye, Mesothelioma Warrior
L. Christine Oliver, MD, MPH, MS, President of Occupational Health Initiatives, Inc and Adjunct Professor in the Occupational and Environmental Health Division of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto
Louie Palu, Photojournalist and Director of The Mother
Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., Congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee
Linda Reinstein, ADAO President/CEO
Tony Rich, Industrial Hygienist, Photographic Historian and ADAO Prevention Advisory Board Member
Robert Sussman, JD, Former EPA Deputy Adminstrator, Adjunct Professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, and Principal at Sussman and Associates
Heather Von St James, Mesothelioma Warrior
Jordan Zevon, Performer, ADAO National Spokesperson, and Celebrity Board Co-Chair
Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. will be recognized with The Tribute of Hope Award for his steadfast commitment to awareness, prevention, and policy to eliminate asbestos-related diseases.
ADAO Conference Honorees from 2005 – 2018 will be recognized with The Tribute of Unity Award for their relentless efforts to protect public health, ban asbestos, and increase public awareness about the danger of asbestos.
The Canadian Ban Asbestos Heroes: Victims, Activists, Trade Unions, and Lawmakers, will be recognized with The Tribute of Inspiration Award for their unwavering commitment to ending the scourge of asbestos in Canada.
Dr. Eula Bingham will be honored with The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of her tireless dedication to increasing awareness and prevention efforts to eliminate asbestos-caused diseases.
Dr. Daniela Degiovanni will be recognized with The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of her tireless dedication to increasing awareness and prevention efforts to eliminate asbestos-caused diseases.
Dr. Steven Markowitz will be recognized with The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his tireless dedication to increasing awareness and prevention efforts to eliminate asbestos-caused diseases.
Dr. David Michaels will deliver the Saturday Keynote Address.
David McCumber will deliver The Andrew Schneider Memorial Lecture.
Warren Zevon Keep Me in Your Heart honorees from 2010 – 2017 will be recognized for helping ADAO raise awareness and action for mesothelioma and asbestos-caused disease prevention.
Harminder Bains will be recognized with The Alan Reinstein Award for her commitment to education, advocacy, and providing support to countless patients and families.
Courtney Davis Hissong will be recognized with The Alan Reinstein Award for her commitment to education, advocacy, and providing support to countless patients and families.
Conor Lewis and Zack Johnson will be recognized with The Alan Reinstein Award for their commitment to education, advocacy, and providing support to countless patients and families.
Daniel Lambo will be recognized with The Alan Reinstein Award for his commitment to education, advocacy, and providing support to countless patients and families.
Paolo Monico will be recognized with The Alan Reinstein Award for his commitment to education, advocacy, and providing support to countless patients and families.
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization "UnitedforAsbestosDiseaseAwareness,Education,Advocacy,andCommunitySupport" www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org
2018 Asbestos Awareness Conference Honorees – Washington, D.C.
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, The Tribute of Hope Award
Jock McCulloch, honored posthumously, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Jukka Takala, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), The Tribute of Unity Award
Patrick J. Morrison, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
Chris Graham, The Andrew Schneider Memorial Award
Michael Gillard, The Andrew Schneider Memorial Award
Daniel Pineda Gonazález, The Alan Reinstein Award
Eric Jonckheere, The Alan Reinstein Award
Annamarie Kearns, The Alan Reinstein Award
Rachel Shaneyfelt, honored posthumously, The Alan Reinstein Award
Patrick J. Morrison and Pat Martin, Keynote Speakers
2017 Asbestos Awareness Conference Honorees – Washington, D.C.
Senator Jon Tester, The Tribute of Hope Award
Dr. Raja Flores, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Marie-Claude Jaurand, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Bruce Robinson, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Associação Brasileira Dos Expostos Ao Amianto,The Tribute of Unity Award
Safer Chemical, Healthy Families, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
Quincy Jones, The Warren Zevon “Keep Me in Your Heart” Tribute Award
The Dioguardi Family, The Alan Reinstein Award
The Mattmuller Family, The Alan Reinstein Award
David McCumber and Jordan Zevon, Keynote Speakers
2016 Asbestos Awareness Conference Honorees – Washington, D.C.
Dr. Phillip Landrigan, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Christine Oliver, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, The Tribute of Unity Award
The Collegium Ramazzini, The Tribute of Hope Award
Earl Dotter, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
Clarence Borel, The Warren Zevon “Keep me in Your Heart” Tribute Award
The Amento Family, The Alan Reinstein Award
Christine Winter, The Alan Reinstein Award
Paul Brodeur and Dr. Eudice Goldberg, Keynote Speakers
2015 ADAO Asbestos Awareness Conference Honorees – Washington, D.C.
International Mesothelioma Interest Group, The Tribute of Hope Award
Troi Atkinson, The Warren Zevon “Keep me in Your Heart” Award
Congressman Bruce Vento, The Warren Zevon “Keep me in Your Heart” Award
Dr. Jorma Rantanen, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
American Public Health Association, The Tribute of Unity Award
The Brazilian Labour Public Ministry, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
Ellen Patton, The Alan Reinstein Award
Dr. Jorma Rantanen and Sue Vento, Keynote Speakers
2014 ADAO Asbestos Awareness Conference Honorees – Washington, D.C.
Congressman Henry Waxman, The Tribute of Hope Award
Congressman Bruce Vento, The Warren Zevon “Keep me in Your Heart” Award
Dr. David Egilman, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Ken Takahashi, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
National Association for the Defense of Asbestos Victims (Andeva), The Tribute of Unity Award
Bill Ravanesi, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
Janelle Bedel, honored posthumously, The Alan Reinstein Award
Heather Von St. James, The Alan Reinstein Award
Lou Williams, The Alan Reinstein Award
Rear Admiral Boris Lushniak, Acting U.S. Surgeon General, Keynote Speaker
2013 ADAO Asbestos Awareness Conference Honorees – Washington, D.C.
Congresswoman Lois Capps, The Tribute of Hope Award
Jordan Zevon, The Warren Zevon “Keep me in Your Heart” Award
Dr. Celeste Monforton, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, The Tribute of Unity Award
Karen Banton, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
Rob Cagle, The Alan Reinstein Award
Mavis Nye, The Alan Reinstein Award
Dr. Aubrey Miller, Keynote Speaker
2012 ADAO Asbestos Awareness Conference Honorees – Manhattan Beach, CA
Congressman Steve Cohen, The Tribute of Hope Award
Steve McQueen, honored posthumously, The Warren Zevon “Keep me in Your Heart” Award
Dr. Arthur Frank, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Richard Lemen, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Associazione Familiari Vittime Amianto, The Tribute of Unity Award
Joel Shufro, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
Debbie Brewer, The Alan Reinstein Award
Larry Davis, The Alan Reinstein Award
Matt Peacock, Keynote Speaker
2011 ADAO Asbestos Awareness Conference Honorees – Atlanta, GA
Senator Max Baucus, The Tribute of Hope Award
Ron Cyrus, The Warren Zevon “Keep me in Your Heart” Award
Dr. Guadalupe Aguilar Madrid, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Environmental Information Association, The Tribute of Unity Award
Sugio Furuya, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
Julie Gundlach, The Alan Reinstein Award
Dr. Linda Rae Murray, Keynote Speaker
2010 ADAO Asbestos Awareness Conference Honorees – Chicago, IL
Senator Richard Durbin, The Tribute of Hope Award
Army Archerd, The Warren Zevon "Keep me in Your Heart" Award
Dr. Hedy Kindler, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Center of Asbestos Related Disease, The Tribute of Unity Award
Fernanda Ginnasi, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
June Briet, honored posthumously, The Alan Reinstein Memorial Award
Jordan Barab, Keynote Speaker
2009 ADAO Asbestos Awareness Conference Honorees – Manhattan Beach, CA
Senator Barbara Boxer, The Tribute of Hope Award
Dr. Stephen Levin, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Peg Seminario, AFL/CIO, The Tribute of Unity Award
Pralhad Malvadkar and Raghunath Manwar, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
Dominick Marzicola, honored posthumously, The Alan Reinstein Memorial Award
Andrew Schneider, Keynote Speaker
2008 ADAO Asbestos Awareness Conference Honorees Honorees – Detroit, MI
Dr. Aubrey Miller, The Tribute of Hope Award
Barry Castleman, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Canadian Auto Workers, The Tribute of Unity Award
John Thayer, Former US Capitol Tunnel Worker Supervisor and Asbestos Victim, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
John McNamara, honored posthumously, The Alan Reinstein Memorial Award
Terry Lynch, Keynote Speaker
2007 ADAO Asbestos Awareness Conference Honorees – Philadelphia, PA
Senator Patty Murray, The Tribute of Hope Award
Dr. Michael Harbut, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Patrick Martin, Member of Parliament, Canada, The Tribute of Unity Award
Paul and Michelle Zygielbaum, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
Les Skramstad, honored posthumously, The Alan Reinstein Memorial Award
Dr. Peter Orris, Keynote Speaker
2006 ADAO Asbestos Awareness Conference Day Honorees – New York City, NY
Senator Harry Reid, The Tribute of Hope Award
Paul Brodeur, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Yasunosuke Suzuki, The Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
James Fite, The Tribute of Unity Award
Chuck Strahl, Member of Parliament, Canada, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
Paul Brodeur, Keynote Speaker
2005 ADAO Asbestos Awareness Conference Honorees – Washington, DC
Gayla Benefield, The Tribute of Hope Award
Laurie Kazan-Allen, The Tribute of Unity Award
Jill Vaughn, The Tribute of Inspiration Award
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization expresses our sincere gratitude to the past and current U.S. Surgeons General for issuing official asbestos awareness statements.
U.S.SurgeonGeneral Dr. Jerome Adams(2018 & 2019):
“It is important that we remind Americans about the health dangers of asbestos exposure. ”
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy (2015 & 2016):
“National Asbestos Awareness Week is..a good time to remind Americans aboutthehealthdangersofasbestosexposure…becauseofits use in so many products, asbestos is still of special concern.”
ActingU.S.SurgeonGeneralDr.BorisLushniak(2014), at2014
ADAOInternationalAsbestosAwareness Conference:
“The asbestos issue is not a thing of the past. It continues to this day.”
U.S.SurgeonGeneralDr.ReginaBenjamin(2013):
“Anyone whodisturbsasbestosis at risk…Preventing thedamage causedby asbestosisimportantto helpkeepAmericanshealthyand safe… The greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing harmful health effects.”
developing harmful health effects.”
ActingU.S.SurgeonDr.StevenGalson(2009):
“Asbestos can be dangerous if it is inhaled. Activity that disturbs asbestos causing these small fibers to float in air increases the chances of inhalation and the contraction of asbestos-related diseases.”
ADAO Board of Directors
Kimberly Cecchini
Ellen Costa
Linda Reinstein
ADAO Leadership
ADAO President/CEO: Linda Reinstein
ADAO National Spokesperson: Jordan Zevon
ADAO Honorary Celebrity Board Co-Chairs: Barbara McQueen and Jordan Zevon
Liaison to ADAO’s Scientific and Prevention Advisory Boards: Dr. Celeste Monforton
Prevention Advisory Board Chair
Brent Kynoch
Prevention Advisory Board Members
Mark Catlin
Claire Deacon
Tom Laubenthal
John Newquist
Tony Rich
Mark Winter
Science Advisory Board Co-Chairs
Arthur Frank, MD, PhD
Richard Lemen, PhD, MSPH
Science Advisory Board Members
Brad Black, MD
Barry Castleman, ScD
Raja Flores, MD
Michael Harbut, MD, MPH, FCCP
Steven Markowitz, MD, DrPH
L. Christine Oliver, MD, MPH, MS
Eastern Region – Marilyn Amento & Mike Matmuller
(Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia)
Midwestern Region – Jill Cagle & Heather Von St James
(Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota)
Western Region – Annamarie Kearns & Ann Samuelson
(Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Montana, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington)
Agenda & Sponsors Linda Reinstein
Communications Kimberly Cecchini
Conference Coordinator Ellen Costa
Graphic Designer Jessica Mattmuller
Justice and Remembrance March Marilyn Amento
National Spokesperson
Photographer
Jordan Zevon
Earl Dotter and Tony Rich
Prevention Advisory Board Chair Brent Kynoch
Science Advisory Board Co-Chairs Dr. Arthur Frank and Dr. Richard Lemen
Speaker Coordinator Dr. Celeste Monforton
Videographer Sue Ann Taylor, Zeel TV
Volunteers Marilyn, Joe, and Julie Amento, Bob and Laura Kuzmick, Emily Reinstein
Interns Nicole Neal and Richa Patel
2018 Educational Initiatives: In an effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ADAO:
• Distributed 12 monthly eNewsletters with the latest asbestos-related news and events to a global audience.
• Hosted ADAO’s 3-day 14th Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference: “Where Knowledge and Action Unite,” which brought together nearly 40 expert speakers and over 100 patients, physicians, researchers, educators, and public health advocates from 9 countries to discuss updates on the prevention, detection, and treatment of asbestos-related disease and global advocacy for an asbestos ban.
• Held our 13th Congressional Staff Briefing: “TSCA and Asbestos: EPA’s Failure to Protect Public Health”
• Continually updated ADAO’s website highlighting asbestos-related news and events and housing extensive educational resources, including an Asbestos Video Library of conference videos and educational presentations
• Hosted multiple lively #ENDMeso Twitter chats to maintain a constant conversation on social media and promote sharing education.
• Flew a flag over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. in honor of Mesothelioma Warriors on Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
• Built our Know Asbestos website that is a one-stop resource guide to learn about asbestos and what to do about it.
2018 Advocacy Initiatives: In order to advocate for an international ban on asbestos use, mining, and exportation of this known carcinogen, ADAO:
• Ensured the passage of U.S. Senate’s 14th Annual Resolution, which designated April 1-7, 2018 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week”
• Quoted as an expert resource in publications
• Published numerous Op-Eds:
o The Los Angeles Times “One-third of American schools still contain asbestos. That’s unconscionable”
o CNN “It’s time for the EPA to ban asbestos once and for all”.
o Huffpost “Film Icon Steve McQueen’s Legacy Lives on in his Wife’s Fight to Ban Asbestos”
• Collaborated with health and safety influencers and leaders with guest blogs to raise asbestos awareness and action
• Expanded our art and advocacy efforts by collaborating with artists to promote advocacy:
o Supported the creation of “Breathless – Fighting the Global Asbestos Industry” a film about the export of the asbestos industry to the developing world, focussing on a Belgium company ETEX/Eternit, which operated factories in Belgium and in India.
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization "UnitedforAsbestosDiseaseAwareness,Education,Advocacy,andCommunitySupport" www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org
o Supported the creation of Inextinguible: a documentary about the anti-asbestos movement in Colombia
o Sponsored the third rendition of Earl Dotter’s traveling photographic exhibit, “Badges: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers,” this year featured “Badges: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers.”
2018 Community Initiatives: To provide a community of support for those affected by asbestos, ADAO:
• Coordinated Global Asbestos Awareness Week to raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure.
• Published and shared new “Share Your Story” submissions from patients and families from across the globe who have been devastated by asbestos-related disease.
• Hosted multiple virtual candlelight vigils throughout the year via ADAO’s “Light a Candle” website. These vigils provide an opportunity for individuals to honor loved ones who have lost or are currently fighting a courageous battle with an asbestos-related disease.
• Utilized ADAO’s Facebook Page, Facebook Group pages, and Twitter presence to provide an interactive medium for those seeking a space to share, connect, or access information.
• Continued the virtual running team for “Miles for Meso” Mesothelioma Awareness Day and was designated the beneficiary of the event
• Published numerous video and blog interviews with mesothelioma patients and experts.
ADAO 2018 Presentations:
• Money, Power, and Politics, American University Law School, Washington, DC, February 5, 2018
• Less Cancer’s National Cancer Prevention Day on February 7, 2018, in Washington D.C.
• “Mitigating Asbestos Exposure in the 21st Century” at 22nd Annual PACNY Environmental Conference on February 28 – March 2
• “Asbestos: Prevention and Policy: Eliminating Asbestos Exposure in the 21st Century” at the 2018 Insulators International Invitational Symposium on Asbestos in Miami, Florida on March 7-9.
• “Mesothelioma Advocacy in the 21st Century” at the 14th International Conference of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group – Ottawa, Canada on May 2-5.
• “Social Activism in the USA: The Most Recent Actions Forward to the Ban of Asbestos” at II International Asbestos Seminar in Sao Paulo, Brazil on May 16
• III National Meeting of Relatives and Victims of Asbestos in Brazil on May 19
• “21st Century Advocacy: Ending the Asbestos Man-Made Disaster”, on Mesothelioma Action Day, London, United Kingdom, July 6
• “ADAO’s Advocacy Efforts in Banning Asbestos” at “Asbestos: A Silent Killer?” University of Rosario, Bogota Colombia on September 13
• TSCA and Asbestos: EPA’s Failure to Protect Public Health” 13th ADAO US Congressional Staff Briefing, September 26 in Washington, D.C.
• “Asbestos Prevention in the 21st Century: Lessons Learned from Frontlines” 2018 African Conference on Occupational Health and Safety – in Ghana on October 29-31
• “21st Century. Communication. Collaboration. Action” at 2018 Asian Pacific Occupational Safety and Health Organization conference (APOSHO 33) – in Hong Kong on December 4-5.
• Money, Power, and Politics, American University Law School, Washington, DC, 2018
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization "UnitedforAsbestosDiseaseAwareness,Education,Advocacy,andCommunitySupport" www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org
Photographer Dave Friedman
Peter Gabriel
Painting by Felix Brow-Westbrook
2012 The Alan Reinstein Award Honoree
Raymond F. Hoover diagnosed March 12, 2008 with malignant pleural mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure.
- Michael
- Sandra Neuenschwander, February 14, 2015
Renee and Katherine
- Conor & Zack
