Mesothelioma support groups and other resources can help patients, caregivers, and families cope after a diagnosis. The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can connect you with support groups, financial resources, and medical specialists if you or a veteran you love has this cancer.
Looking for a mesothelioma support group near you? We can help. Call (877) 450-8973
Types of Support for Veterans With Mesothelioma
U.S. veterans and civilians with malignant mesothelioma may be able to access a wide range of programs and services after a diagnosis.
Support and resources for mesothelioma victims include:
- Support groups: Mesothelioma support groups allow you to get advice from other patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.
- Military benefits: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers free health care, financial payouts, and other benefits to veterans with mesothelioma.
- Financial compensation: You may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for expenses after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
- Treatments: Getting treated by top doctors and hospitals is key to potentially living longer with mesothelioma.
Since 2015, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center has helped veterans and their loved ones find support groups, access VA benefits, and pursue compensation.
Get our Free Veterans Packet now to see how we may be able to assist your family after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Mesothelioma Support Groups for Veterans and Families
Through a support group, you’ll be able to interact with other cancer patients battling mesothelioma. Many groups are led by professional moderators like nurses or social workers who can answer questions and offer advice.
You can participate in support groups in various ways, including in person, over the phone, and online.
In-Person Mesothelioma Support Groups Near You
Face-to-face support groups can be a great way to meet others who are fighting cancer.
Find local mesothelioma support groups near you through:
- The Mesothelioma Veterans Center: Contact us to speak with our patient advocates who can find mesothelioma support groups near you.
- Hospitals: VA and civilian hospitals often host support groups. For instance, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston runs a group for patients through its International Mesothelioma Program.
- Community facilities: Local cancer support groups may meet in community spaces like churches, veteran’s halls, or recreation facilities.
“The mesothelioma community has afforded me an incredible opportunity to meet others who have either been diagnosed with this same type of cancer or who have a family member battling this illness.”
— Alexis Kidd, 18+ year mesothelioma survivor
Before attending any in-person mesothelioma support groups, check to confirm the date and time and if there are any requirements to join.
Phone and Online Mesothelioma Support Groups
Over-the-phone and online mesothelioma support groups allow you to connect with other patients from anywhere in the United States.
Online and phone mesothelioma support groups include:
- The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation: The Meso Foundation hosts online support groups via Zoom and Facebook for patients, loved ones, and survivors.
- The Veterans Crisis Line: This hotline helps veterans and their families who are in crisis. Dial 988 and press 1 to access the line 24/7.
- CanCare: CanCare offers online groups for patients and caregivers and can also connect patients with one-on-one support from survivors.
- CancerCare: This hosts online, video, and in-person groups for patients, caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one to cancer.
- Cancer Hope Network: This organization connects patients, caregivers, and survivors to a peer mentor who faced a similar cancer diagnosis.
- Cancer Survivors Network (CSN): Hosted by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the CSN allows patients and families to connect with peers online.
Phone or online groups may require you to RSVP ahead of time, so make sure to confirm your attendance if you plan on joining.
Call (877) 450-8973 now for help finding mesothelioma support groups online or over the phone.
Mesothelioma Caregiver Support Groups
A mesothelioma diagnosis affects the entire family. By joining a support group, caregivers of mesothelioma cancer patients can get advice, share stories, and avoid burnout.
Mesothelioma caregiver support options include:
- (Caregivers) Circle of Support Group: Hosted by the Meso Foundation through Zoom, this group offers advice on caring for a loved one with mesothelioma.
- Spousal Loss Conversation Group: This mesothelioma family support group can help if you’ve lost a spouse or partner to this cancer.
- VA Caregiver Support Line: Call 1-855-260-3274 to access resources and training so you can provide the best care possible to a U.S. veteran you love.
Get a Free Veterans Packet now to find mesothelioma support options for U.S. veterans, caregivers, and loved ones affected by this cancer.
Mesothelioma Financial Support for U.S. Veterans
A mesothelioma diagnosis can bring many unexpected expenses. Financial support may help you or a veteran you love pay for medical bills, recoup lost wages, and afford other expenses.
Compensation for mesothelioma can come from:
- VA benefits: Disability compensation from mesothelioma typically pays over $4,000 a month. Veterans can also get free or low-cost treatments with VA health care.
- American Cancer Society: Call 1-800-227-2345 for information on covering mesothelioma cancer expenses, finding mesothelioma supportive therapy, and more.
- Asbestos trust funds: Bankrupt asbestos companies were forced to set up trusts to pay victims. Asbestos trust funds still contain an estimated $30 billion today.
- Mesothelioma lawsuits: On average, patients receive $1 million or more by filing lawsuits with help from our legal partners. These lawsuits are filed against negligent asbestos companies and don’t affect VA benefits.
- Patient Advocate Foundation: This organization's National Financial Resource Directory can help you find options to pay for cancer treatments and more.
“We won five lawsuits. We gave all that money to our kids, paid all their debts off, paid our house off, and made our life a little easier. We still don't have any financial worries because of it. They don't either.”
— Art Putt, U.S. Army and Air Force veteran with mesothelioma
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you get the most compensation as quickly as possible, so you can focus on your health and spending time with loved ones.
Call (877) 450-8973 now to learn more.
Financial Support for Travel and Transportation Costs
You may need to travel for treatment if you don’t live near a mesothelioma cancer center, which can be expensive. Financial support programs can help lower these costs.
Mesothelioma resources for travel expenses include:
- VA travel pay reimbursement: This program reimburses veterans and caregivers for travel expenses to and from appointments.
- Fisher House: This foundation offers free lodging to families of veterans receiving treatment. Many of the houses are near VA health care facilities.
- Lawsuits: Money from a lawsuit can help you cover travel costs. You may start getting the first payouts in 90 days or less. Get a free case review to see if you may be eligible for compensation from a lawsuit.
- Medical transportation: Medicaid and some private insurance plans cover travel to appointments as a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) benefit.
- Road to Recovery: This ACS program matches patients with free rides from volunteers to cancer-related appointments. Call 1-800-227-2345 to learn more.
- Travel grants: The Meso Foundation’s grant program reimburses patients who travel to meet with mesothelioma doctors or participate in clinical trials.
By accessing financial support to cover travel costs, you can get potentially lifesaving care even if you don’t live near a mesothelioma doctor or cancer center.
Mesothelioma Support and Treatment for U.S. Veterans
U.S. veterans have several different ways to get the mesothelioma treatments and care they need.
These medical options include:
- VA health care: Veterans with VA health care can get treatment from top mesothelioma specialists within the VA’s network for free or at a low cost.
- Civilian cancer care: Veterans can use private health insurance to get treated by mesothelioma doctors at civilian cancer centers.
- In-home nursing care: An in-home nursing service gives mesothelioma caregivers a break to recharge while a veteran they love still gets the care they need.
- Mesothelioma hospice care: Hospice care focuses on easing symptoms and improving quality of life for mesothelioma patients, which can be received at home, a hospital, or a hospice facility.
Get our Free Mesothelioma Kit to explore top specialists, treatment options, and support services.
Mesothelioma Support Organizations
Mesothelioma organizations offer many resources to patients and families, including information on treatments, support groups, financial aid programs, and more.
Explore top organizations below.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center
We are the number one resource for veterans with mesothelioma. We’ve helped thousands of veterans and their loved ones better understand this cancer, file for VA benefits, and secure treatments and compensation.
Get a Free Veterans Packet now to see how we may be able to support you.
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
Founded in 2004, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) helps those harmed by mesothelioma find support while advocating for a ban on asbestos. Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma.
The Meso Foundation
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to raising awareness about mesothelioma and finding a cure for this cancer. It hosts support groups for patients and loved ones, provides treatment information, and offers travel grants.
Cancer Support Community Helpline
Mesothelioma patients can use the Cancer Support Community helpline to find support groups, treatments, transportation services, and more after a diagnosis.
Mesothelioma Support Events
Many mesothelioma organizations host events to raise awareness about this cancer, collect funds for research, and bring a sense of community to patients and families.
Notable mesothelioma-related events include:
- Global Asbestos Awareness Week: This takes place April 1-7 each year and serves to spread the word about asbestos risks and mesothelioma.
- International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference: This annual event has occurred since 2005. Doctors, advocates, and politicians present the latest findings related to asbestos, mesothelioma, and prevention efforts.
- International Symposium on Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: This conference is typically held in October each year. Presenters highlight new studies on diagnosing and treating pleural mesothelioma.
- Mesothelioma Awareness Day: Held on September 26, Mesothelioma Awareness Day spreads awareness and raises funds for cancer research.
- Miles for Meso: This 5k race and 3k fun run or walk is held at the end of September each year and has raised nearly $1 million for mesothelioma research.
“It’s just so wonderful that Simmons Hanly Conroy puts on Miles for Meso to allow people to come together, speak with each other and understand their own pain.”
– Jeff, son of U.S Army mesothelioma veteran Smoky
By attending these events, you and your family can help make a difference and connect with others affected by this cancer.
Find Mesothelioma Support Groups and Help Near You
U.S. veterans and civilians deserve support after a mesothelioma diagnosis. If you or a loved one has an asbestos-related disease, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center is here to help.
We can connect civilians and veterans with mesothelioma to:
- Top cancer support groups
- VA benefits like monthly compensation and health care
- Compensation worth $1 million or more on average
- Doctors, nurses, and treatment plans
Call (877) 450-8973 now or get our Free Veterans Packet to see how we can assist you on your cancer journey.
Mesothelioma Support for U.S. Veterans FAQs
What is the life expectancy of a person with mesothelioma?
The average mesothelioma life expectancy is 12-21 months, but you may be able to live longer by getting medical care.
U.S. Air Force and Army veteran Arthur Putt was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2018 and given a year or less to live, but he’s thriving today. Other patients, like Julie Gundlach, are approaching nearly 20 years of survivorship.
Contact us now for help exploring treatments and other forms of support that could potentially increase your life expectancy.
Does mesothelioma qualify for disability?
Yes, U.S. veterans with mesothelioma may qualify for disability benefits offered by the VA. Disability benefits award $4,044.91 a month to married veterans as of 2025.
We can help you file for VA benefits or increase your disability rating to 100% after a diagnosis to get the highest payouts possible.
How do I support someone with mesothelioma?
If a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a great first step in supporting them is just letting them know you’re there to help.
Running an errand, preparing a home-cooked meal, or driving them to an appointment are all simple ways to show that you care.
What is the financial compensation for mesothelioma patients?
Patients may qualify for mesothelioma compensation from asbestos lawsuits, trust fund claims, and VA benefits.
Mesothelioma lawsuits award over $1 million on average, allowing patients to afford the support and care needed for this cancer.
Call (877) 450-8973 now to see if you may be eligible for mesothelioma compensation.
Are mesothelioma support groups free?
Yes, most mesothelioma support groups are free. Some may have rules about who can join, so check their requirements beforehand.
Call (877) 450-8973 now for help finding mesothelioma support groups near you and other helpful resources.
Is there any hope for mesothelioma?
Yes, there is hope for mesothelioma. You or a veteran you love could live for many years after a diagnosis, depending on your treatment plan. Clinical trials are also studying new and potentially better treatments.
Financial support can help offset treatment costs, so a diagnosis won’t be financially devastating to your family.
Get a Free Veterans Packet to learn about treatments, compensation, and other mesothelioma support options.
