LOS ANGELES, May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The Pacific Meso Center (PMC) is pleased to announce receipt of a generous donation from Roger G. Worthington of the Law Office of Worthington & Caron, P.C., a San Pedro, California-based law firm specializing in the representation of persons diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
The $150,000 donation provides much-needed support for research into advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma being conducted at PMC's laboratory in Los Angeles. The donation also supports three exciting programs that PMC will be presenting during the remainder 2013 with other nonprofit organizations.
Worthington & Caron, P.C., will serve as the platinum sponsor for the 3rd Annual International Symposium on Lung-Sparing Therapies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, co-hosted by PMC and UCLA. "These funds will allow us to again convene an outstanding conference of world-renowned physicians and scientists leading the development of novel treatments that preserve the patient's vital lung function," said Robert Cameron, M.D., an internationally-recognized expert in mesothelioma who is again heading this year's symposium. Dr. Cameron is Director of the UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center and one of PMC's Scientific Advisors.
The Symposium reflects PMC's two-fold mission as a research facility dedicated to finding lung-sparing treatments for pleural mesothelioma, and as a patient advocacy center to help patients obtain urgently-needed assistance in their everyday lives. With a CME-accredited curriculum, the Symposium provides education about the latest advancements in the field for doctors and scientists on the front lines of mesothelioma medicine, and also provides patients, families and caregivers with valuable resources to help them make informed decisions about their treatment. The 2013 Symposium will be held on Saturday May 18th at the Sheraton Delfina Hotel in Santa Monica, California.
Worthington & Caron, P.C. will also serve as Title Sponsor for "The Greatest Escape Motorcycle Rally". This first-ever event is a memorial ride to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Great Escape film, starring Steve McQueen, who lost his battle to mesothelioma in 1980. The event will take place on Sunday, September 22nd featuring an escorted motorcycle ride from Bartel's Harley Davidson, Marina Del Rey, CA to Sycamore Cove State Beach in Malibu.
Finally, Worthington & Caron, P.C. will serve as the Platinum Sponsor for the 2nd Annual 5K Walk/Hike for Meso at the Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills. Last year's event featured 150 dedicated walkers and hikers who enjoyed a brisk trail walk/hike followed by a western barbeque with entertainment and raised a total of $67,000. This year's event will take place on Sunday, October 27th once again at the Paramount Ranch.
All proceeds from The Greatest Escape Motorcycle Rally and the 5K Walk/Hike for Meso will support PMC's research into lung-sparing therapies for pleural mesothelioma.
PMC thanks Worthington & Caron, P.C. for their continued support. Worthington & Caron, P.C. has been an industry leader in funding mesothelioma research for nearly twenty years. The Punch Worthington Laboratory at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine was established in honor of attorney Roger Worthington's father, David "Punch" Worthington, Ph.D, who passed away from asbestos-related lung cancer in 2006.
About The Pacific Meso Center
The Pacific Meso Center (PMC) is a specialized Center for mesothelioma within the division of lung research for PHLBI, a 501(c)(3) non-profit medical research institute established in 2002 and which is focused on the treatment and prevention of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). The exploration of innovative ideas forms the foundation of PMC's unique research program and provides the promise of future treatment breakthroughs. PMC is dedicated to educating the public on asbestos-related diseases and informing them of their best treatment options. PMC also connects newly diagnosed patients with patients who have undergone treatment and provides assistance and emotional support. For further information call 1-888-996-MESO, or visit our website at www.pacificmesocenter.org.
Contact: Clare Cameron
310-478-4678