The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) will host its 5th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference in Manhattan Beach, CA., on Saturday, March 28, 2009, with activities throughout the weekend. The international conference will provide education and outreach to families, employers/employees and scientists throughout the world as part of ADAO's continuing effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ban its use and encourage research efforts to improve treatment options. Prominent physicians, scientists, safety and health care professionals who are experts in the area of asbestos representing the United States, England, South Africa, India and Germany will present current information regarding the status and impact of asbestos in the United States and globally. Discussion will include facts on exposure, asbestos-related diseases and how to prevent them, and where to turn for help. The international conference is made possible by the ADAO, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat.

Linda Reinstein, executive director and co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, knows first hand the pain that can result from asbestos exposure and the impact it has on families. Reinstein lost her husband Alan to asbestos exposure in 2006 and is passionate and committed to do all she can to raise awareness of asbestos-related diseases and encourage action to prevent families from going through the pain of losing a loved one due to asbestos exposure. Reinstein has taken the ADAO message of unity in action to many other countries and has represented the organization at landmark asbestos conferences in Tokyo, Bangkok, London, Amsterdam and Leeds. This year, Reinstein will bring ADAO's conference to Manhattan Beach, CA.

The weekend will provide information and inspiration for those impacted by asbestos-related disease as well as others who advocate for safe environments. There will be a special welcome reception the evening of March 27 for all registered participants. Special guest will be entertainer Jordan Zevon whose father, rock musician Warren Zevon, died of mesothelioma caused from asbestos exposure. There will also be a recognition segment to the March 28 conference to recognize those who have demonstrated exceptional service to enhance asbestos awareness. In addition, the In Unity and Hope Remembrance Brunch on March 29 will honor and remember those loved ones who we've lost to asbestos exposure, as well as show support for others impacted by asbestos exposure.

WHAT: ADAO's 5th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference
Global Mission: Call to Action to Prevent, Detect and Treat Asbestos-Related Diseases

WHEN: Evening Reception with entertainer Jordan Zevon - Friday, March 27, 7 - 9 p.m.
Conference - Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Remembrance Brunch - Sunday, March 29, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Marriott Manhattan Beach
1400 Parkview Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

WHY: To share information and provide support to those affected by asbestos-related diseases, including survivors, families and physicians. Prominent physicians, scientists, safety and health directors and survivors will present current and up-to-date information regarding the status of asbestos in the United States and worldwide.

WHO: Laurie Kazan-Allen, Founder and Coordinator, IBAS; Robert Cameron, MD; Barry Castleman, ScD; Helen Clayson, MBBS, FRCP, FRCGP, MD; Arthur Frank, MD, PhD; Michael Harbut, MD, MPH, FCCP, Karmanos Cancer Institute; Michael Horwin, President of Cancer Monthly; Brent Kynoch, Managing Director, EIA; Richard Lemen, PhD, MSPH; Stephen Levin, MD; Sarah Mereeotlhe, RN, Kuruman, South Africa; Linda Reinstein, Executive Director and Co-founder, ADAO; Joachim A. Roesler, MD, MPH; Margaret Seminario, Director of Safety and Health, AFL-CIO; Jordan Summer, Musician; John Thayer, Former Supervisor, Capital Power Plant Tunnel Crew, Washington, DC.; Jill Vaughn, ADAO ACOR Representative; Jordan Zevon, ADAO National Spokesman and Musician; Paul Zygielbaum, ADAO Project Manager and Mesothelioma Survivor.

In addition, five individuals will be recognized for their tireless work to raise awareness of asbestos exposure. They are:

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, will be presented with the Tribute of Hope Award for her steadfast commitment and determination to ban asbestos.

Margaret Seminario, AFL/CIO will receive the Tribute of Unity Award for the union's global work to unite, educate and empower asbestos victims and workers.

Stephen Levin, MD, will be recognized with the Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his dedicated research into the social and medical impact asbestos has had on humankind.

Pralhad Malvadkar and Raghunath Manwar will be presented with the Tribute of Inspiration Award for being a bridge of hope and strength to victims of asbestos exposure in India and worldwide.

HOW: Registration for the March 28 conference includes lunch and the March 27 evening reception. Cost is $100 for survivors, caregivers, families and students. Cost for physicians and healthcare professionals are $250.

The Remembrance Brunch on March 29 is an additional $25 for conference attendees and $50 for those not attending the conference.

Registration is limited. To reserve your registration or for more information go to www.adao.us. Please note that parking fees are not included in registration fees.

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), co- founded by Linda Reinstein and Doug Larkin, asbestos victims and their families in 2004, seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to help ensure their rights are fairly represented and protected. ADAO seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is an independent organization funded through voluntary contributions, staffed by volunteers and is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit volunteer organization.

About Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Located in mid-town Detroit, MI, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for more than 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, the Karmanos Cancer Institute is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 faculty members, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, the Institute strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to http://www.karmanos.org.

About International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS)

The International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS), established in 2000, provides a conduit for the exchange of information between groups and individuals working to achieve a global asbestos ban and seeking to alleviate the damage caused by widespread asbestos use. Such use may be largely historical in the established economies of the West but is continuing in developing nations. Since its inception, IBAS has been involved in co-sponsoring and supporting national and international conferences furthering the above aims. In so doing, we have sought to counter the asbestos industry's control of the information stream and to provide a platform for victims to speak out against the injustices they have suffered. Through its coordinator, Laurie Kazan-Allen, IBAS channels the views of a network of victims' groups, medical and legal professionals and concerned individuals. IBAS has a continuing role in raising public awareness of asbestos hazards and providing informed comment on current developments.

Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute