The clock is ticking on the Ban Asbestos Act in Washington, D.C. This legislation is now in the House, and promises an even stronger version of the asbestos ban provisions.

If you have not had urged your U.S. Senators and the House member who represents your district to support this legislation, now is the time.

The following link will let you email your representative directly. You can send the message that has already been composed, or you can edit it to include a message that you have personally crafted. Please use your voice to help pass this historic, life-saving legislation.

CLICK HERE to access the Action

Meso survivor donates $150,000 to PHLBI

Erwin Bergquist, a mesothelioma survivor and patient of Dr. Robert Cameron, came in for his regular quarterly check-up last week and met with executive director Jessica Like. "Erwin reached into his pocket, took out a folded check, and handed it to me without saying a word," says Like. "When I saw what he'd done, it took my breath away."

"Mr. Bergquist's donation is the single largest gift ever by a patient to the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute," says Dr. Cameron, who is also the director of medical research at the institute. "We're going to put this money to work on the IMIS research study, a PHLBI project that will create the world's first online database of medical records for people with asbestos-related diseases."

The database will allow researchers to examine anonymous medical records, spot trends, and develop research/prevention strategies based on a large amount of real-world medical data. "This is the first project of its kind for asbestos-related diseases," says Dr. Cameron, "and Erwin's donation puts us well over half-way to paying for the entire project, which will cost a total of $250,000. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for this generous gift."

When Mr. Bergquist made his donation, he emphasized his "Desire to give back and to show how grateful I am to Dr. Cameron for his work not just in the operating room, but in the lab as well. If it weren't for the doctors and the institute and the lawyers this money would never have existed in the first place. It just makes sense to give something back." Mr. Bergquist's mesothelioma treatment began two and a half years ago with chemotherapy. In mid-June he celebrates two years since surgery.

Adds Like: "It's moving to see someone give so much, but it's nothing compared to the pleasure of having gotten to know Erwin and his family personally. It's humbling, because although his donation is going to make such a difference for research, Erwin gives back in so many other ways, too. He talks to patients over the phone, to new patients going into surgery. He's been through the whole process, and just wants to help others get through it, too."

Worthington law firm promotes health and fitness on two wheels

Our firm, working with the city of Dana Point, just helped wrap up one of the most successful bicycle races in southern California, the Dana Point Grand Prix. With live music, children's bike races, a beer garden, and fantastic food in downtown Dana Point, this charity event raised an estimated $25,000 for the Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton.

"We've always stressed the importance of health and an active lifestyle," says founding attorney Roger Worthington, who has earned numerous state titles as a champion bike racer. "But spreading the word and getting more people involved, while benefiting the marines and the city was an opportunity we just couldn't pass up. The first event was held in 2007, and this one was exponentially bigger and better."

The city was so impressed with the success of the event that it has already planned the 3rd annual grand prix race for 2009. According to city council member Steven Weinberg, "If you've never seen this type of event, whether you're a kid or an adult, you're missing one of the best shows on earth." The people and city of Dana Point were honored to be able to give something back to the Marines for their service to this country.

"We see the health challenges faced by our clients every day, and we want to foster a culture that rewards healthy living," adds Worthington. "When you see a hundred kids pounding away on their bicycles, having more fun than a barrel of monkeys, and when you see their happy parents firing away non-stop with videos and digital cameras, you know you've struck the right chord."

Click here for photos of the event.

Committee Calls on the U.S. Congress and the President to Swiftly Ban Asbestos

Public health advocates, led by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and The John McNamara Foundation, today announced the formation of the Committee to Ban Asbestos in America (CBAA). Asbestos kills more than 10,000 men, women and children every year.  The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported mesothelioma deaths increased from 2004 to 2005 in "Health, United States, 2007." Since first tracked in 1980, mesothelioma deaths have increased every year.

"As recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in 1976 the only way to prevent asbestos-related diseases is to ban its use, the CBAA supports language in a Committee Print before the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment & Hazardous Materials," said Linda Reinstein, Chairperson of the Committee to Ban Asbestos in America.  "We are calling on the U.S. Congress and the President to do the right thing and ban asbestos in America and fund critical medical programs. Doctors and scientists agree: asbestos is a carcinogen and that there is no safe level of exposure. Preventing asbestos exposure is the only way to eliminate asbestos caused diseases. Recent ADAO product testing confirmed asbestos is still found in consumer products including toys."

Adds Reinstein: "The time to do this was thirty years ago. We want asbestos banned now."

"Asbestos and the manufacturers of asbestos are responsible for creating the largest man made health crisis in this country," said TC McNamara, Founder of The John McNamara Foundation.  "Asbestos went from being a miracle product to a serial killer which makes this legislation long overdue, but now is the time to ban asbestos in America."

For more information, please visit the committee's web site here.