Most Americans’ only familiarity with malignant mesothelioma comes from television advertisements that urge victims to contact attorneys regarding filing lawsuits. The rare form of cancer affects fewer than 3,500 people in the United States each year, so raising awareness of the disease is a real challenge.
That may change very soon, as word comes that a groundbreaking documentary about the impact of mesothelioma has been accepted for viewing by the prestigious San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, taking place this coming March. The film’s title is “Dirty Laundry.”
Though little is known at this point about the yet-to-be-released production, the film’s writer, director and producer’s Facebook page indicates that it has been in the works since his grandmother passed away from malignant mesothelioma a few years ago.
Conor Lewis writes, “Since April 2016 I’ve poured all my time and energy into writing, directing and producing a feature length documentary titled ‘Dirty Laundry,’ about my grandmother’s passing from the rare lung cancer mesothelioma, which is cause by asbestos exposure with my cousin Zach Johnson.”
“The story follows us as we go on a cross-country bike trip to meet with people affected by asbestos. Our goal – to bring to light the dark history of asbestos and give a voice to those who have suffered from it. It’s a deeply personal story about our family, corporate/governmental negligence, and a problem that should have been fixed long ago – ending asbestos use in the USA.”
The movie has a website can be found here. More information will be added at a later date. The film features an interview with Linda Reinstein, President, CEO and co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).
Raising awareness about malignant mesothelioma could go a long way towards eliminating asbestos usage in the United States. For information about asbestos, disease management or any other resources you may need, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net at 1-800-692-8608.
