Mesothelioma Support Options for Veterans

Looking for a mesothelioma support group near you? We can help. Call (877) 450-8973

Support for Veterans With Mesothelioma

U.S. veterans and civilians with malignant mesothelioma can access a wide range of programs and services after a diagnosis.

Support & resources for mesothelioma victims include:

1. Support groups: Mesothelioma support groups allow you to get advice from other patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.
2. Military benefits: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers medical care, financial payouts, and support to veterans with mesothelioma.
3. Financial compensation: You may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover expenses after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
4. Treatments: Getting treated by top doctors and hospitals is key to living longer with mesothelioma.

Since 2015, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center has helped veterans and their loved ones find support groups, get VA benefits and treatments, 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 find a group in your area. Our patient advocates can locate mesothelioma support groups near you.
• Hospitals: VA or civilian hospitals often host support groups. For example, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston runs a support group for patients getting treated through its International Mesothelioma Program.
• Community facilities: Local cancer support groups may meet in community gathering spaces like churches, veteran’s centers, 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. It is such a gift to be even a small part of their corner of the world.”

— Alexis Kidd, 17+ year mesothelioma survivor

Before attending any in-person mesothelioma support groups, check ahead of time 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:

• CanCare: CanCare offers online groups for patients and caregivers and can also connect patients with one-on-one support from cancer survivors.
• CancerCare: This organization hosts online, video, and in-person groups for patients, caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one to cancer.
• Cancer Hope Network: This group connects patients, caregivers, and survivors to a peer mentor who had a similar cancer diagnosis or lived experience.
• Cancer Survivors Network (CSN): Hosted by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the CSN allows patients and families to connect with peers through online forums.
• The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation: The Meso Foundation hosts online mesothelioma support groups via Zoom and Facebook for patients, loved ones, and survivors.
• Mesothelioma Straight Talk (Patient Support): The Meso Foundation hosts this private Facebook group exclusively for mesothelioma patients.
• The Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis Line helps veterans and their families who are in crisis. Dial 988 and press 1 24/7 to access the line.

Some hospitals may also host their own mesothelioma support groups online or by phone.

Phone or online groups may require you to RSVP ahead of time, so make sure to do so if you plan on joining.

Mesothelioma Caregiver Support Groups

A mesothelioma diagnosis affects the entire family. By joining support groups, caregivers and family members can get advice, avoid burnout, and find a path forward while helping a mesothelioma patient.

Mesothelioma caregiver support options include:

• (Caregivers) Circle of Support Group: Hosted by the Meso Foundation via Zoom, this monthly support group offers advice on caring for a loved one with mesothelioma.
• Spousal Loss Conversation Group: If you’ve lost a spouse or partner to mesothelioma, join this family support group to help you grieve and get closure.
• VA Caregiver Support Program: The VA offers 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 support options for U.S. veterans, caregivers, and loved ones affected by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Financial Support for U.S. Veterans

A mesothelioma diagnosis can bring many unexpected expenses. Financial support options can help you or a U.S. veteran you love to pay for medical bills, recoup lost wages, and afford other expenses.

Mesothelioma compensation options include:

• VA benefits: VA disability benefits pay almost $4,000 a month to most veterans with mesothelioma. Veterans can also get free or low-cost mesothelioma treatments with VA health care. We can help you file a VA claim or increase your benefits.
• American Cancer Society: Call the ACS helpline at 1-800-227-2345 for information on covering cancer expenses, finding treatments, and more.
• Mesothelioma lawsuits: Mesothelioma patients receive $1 million or more on average by suing asbestos companies with our help. These lawsuits aren’t filed against the U.S. military or government.
• Patient Advocate Foundation: This organization's National Financial Resource Directory can help you find resources to pay for cancer treatment costs, living expenses, and more.
• Trust funds: Bankrupt asbestos companies were forced to set up trusts to pay victims. These trust funds contain over $30 billion today. We can help you file an asbestos trust fund claim to access some of this money if eligible.

“We won five lawsuits. We gave all that money to our kids, paid all their debts out, paid our house out, and made our life a little easier because we had no financial worries. 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 determine which financial compensation options you may be eligible for and seek compensation from each one to maximize your potential payout.

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.

Travel resources for patients include:

• VA travel pay reimbursement: This program reimburses veterans and caregivers for travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments.
• Fisher House: This foundation offers free lodging to families of veterans receiving treatment. Many of the houses are near VA facilities.
• Lawsuits: Money from a lawsuit can help you cover travel costs. These lawsuits often award $1 million or more, and you may start getting money in 90 days or less. Find attorneys and file a lawsuit now.
• Medical transportation: Medicaid can cover travel to appointments as a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) benefit. Some private insurance companies may also cover NEMT.
• Road to Recovery: Patients may be able to get rides to cancer-related appointments from volunteers. This program is run by the ACS. 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 to join a clinical trial.

You can also call (877) 450-8973 to see if we can pursue financial compensation on your behalf after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

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 doctors 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 civilian mesothelioma doctors at cancer centers across the country.
• In-home nursing care: An in-home nurse gives caregivers a break so they can recharge and feel less stressed.
• Mesothelioma hospice care: Hospice care is focused on improving quality of life and easing symptoms. Patients may be able to receive it in their homes, at a hospital, or at a special facility.

Use our Free Mesothelioma Doctor Match to find top mesothelioma specialists and treatment options now.

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 can help you.

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

Founded in 2004, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) advocates for a ban on asbestos and helps those harmed by mesothelioma find support. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma.

The Meso Foundation

This nonprofit organization is dedicated to raising awareness and finding a cure for mesothelioma. It hosts support groups for patients and loved ones, provides treatment information, and offers travel grants.

Cancer Support Helpline

Mesothelioma patients can use the Cancer Support 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: 

• Asbestos Awareness Weeks: Global Asbestos Awareness Week, organized by the ADAO, takes place April 1-7 each year. The U.S. Senate has also designated the first week in April as National Asbestos Awareness Week.
• International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference: This annual event has taken place since 2005. Doctors, advocates, and politicians give presentations on the latest findings related to asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, and prevention efforts.
• International Symposium on Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: This two-day conference will be held on October 17 and 18, 2024, in Chicago. Presenters will highlight new studies on diagnosing and treating pleural mesothelioma.
• Mesothelioma Awareness Day: September 26 is Mesothelioma Awareness Day. This day is used to spread awareness about mesothelioma and raise funds for cancer research.
• Miles for Meso: Held at the end of September annually in Illinois, this 5k race and 3k fun run or walk has raised nearly $1 million for mesothelioma research to date.

“Miles for Meso means that somebody has my back…and somebody is amplifying my voice against the use of asbestos and the industry of corporate greed.”

– Julie Gundlach, 17+ year mesothelioma survivor

By attending these events, you and your family can help make a difference and connect with others affected by this cancer.

Get Support for Mesothelioma Now

U.S. veterans or civilians fighting mesothelioma deserve as much support as possible. If you or a loved one has an asbestos-related disease, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center may be able to help you.

We connect civilians and veterans with mesothelioma to:

• Top local cancer support groups
• VA benefits like monthly compensation and health care
• Compensation typically worth $1 million or more
• Doctors, nurses, and treatment plans

Call (877) 450-8973 now or get our Free Veterans Packet to see all the ways we can assist you on your cancer journey.