Author: Joseph Belluck

Family Shares Approach to Fundraising for Mesothelioma Research

• Joseph Belluck
• Faces of Mesothelioma, Uncategorized

Many people wonder what they can do to help with mesothelioma research. The answer is simple… DONATE or FUNDRAISE!  The next question is often, “How?” That answer is also simple: Do what you can.

I have done several fundraisers over the past few months.  Some have been more lucrative than others, but all are worthwhile. For instance, I am an independent consultant for a direct selling company.  I have done two open houses and donated half of my commission to the charity of my choice, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.  That was a simple fundraiser, as I set it up as I would any open house for a customer of mine.  I invited family and friends and was able to send a nice donation both times.

Another fundraiser that we’ve done took a lot more time and planning.  My hometown hosts a community festival every year. We spoke with the people in charge, and did a raffle table at the event where we raffle off gift baskets, gift certificates, Broadway show tickets, and even a tree stand.  We started several months in advance, asking family members, friends and businesses if they would be interested in donating an item or items to our cause.  People were very receptive and happy to help out, and we ended up with 31 different baskets!

We sold tickets all day at the festival and were overwhelmed with how generous people were. They purchased tons of tickets and even made extra donations to help with mesothelioma research.  Everyone knew Dad’s story just from living in the town (Dad knows everyone) or by seeing the story in the newspaper or on TV on the local news.  The hard work was definitely worth it.

We are currently starting to work on our next event and plan to continue our efforts.  If you are interested in doing a fundraiser, I would be happy to talk with you.  I am by no means an expert, but I’ve had a little experience this past year that I would be glad to share.  The Meso Foundation is an amazing organization, and I am so happy to be affiliated with them and to be able to help them by fundraising and making donations.  No donation is too small, as is no prayer!

Best of luck to you. Please know how grateful all those impacted by mesothelioma are for you and your efforts!  God bless you!

Moving on with Life After a Year of Mesothelioma Treatment

• Joseph Belluck
• Faces of Mesothelioma, Uncategorized

Don Smitley and Jennifer Gelsick

Dad began his chemotherapy on March 19, 2012.  His treatments were alimta and cisplatin; it was four treatments, 21 days apart, ending on May 21. During this time, he also had a port installed to make things a little easier. It was a scary time, not knowing the impact the chemo would have on Dad.  Everyone is affected differently by the treatments.

Throughout the chemo, Dad continued to keep his positive attitude.  He called me after the first one, saying, “One down, three to go!” Dad was very tired during this time, certain smells made him nauseous, and his stomach was uneasy more often than not.  He just kept saying that no matter how bad it was, it could definitely have been worse.

Dad’s first scan was scheduled and we were all a nervous wreck.  The oncologist treating Dad at home, came in and told them the good news, everything looked great!  We celebrated the amazing news, the continuation of our miracle, and moved on to the next step we were hoping to take:  a clinical trial.

We had been communicating with some people from the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, an amazing group dedicated to finding a cure for mesothelioma, and had gotten some information about a clinical trial in NYC offered through Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center with Dr. Lee Krug.  There were strict criteria to be a part of this trial, and we were praying that Dad was a candidate.

We left for New York again on June 24 for an appointment with Dr. Krug.  We were happy to find that Dad was a great candidate for the trial and it would begin two weeks later.  The trial was a series of six vaccines that required trips to the city every two weeks.  We knew it would be a long, busy summer, but we were so excited to have another treatment option to help keep Dad cancer free.

Dad had his next scan in NYC and got more amazing results!  As a part of the trial, we will travel back every three months for two years, and every six months for a period of time after.  He has received excellent care at MSKCC as well as NYU Langone and we are so blessed to have these doctors.

The journey we have traveled has been long and arduous, but miraculous at the same time.  I hope that Dad, a walking miracle, will inspire people to turn to God and never give up hope.  There is help for mesothelioma patients and my Dad is a testimony to that and to the power of prayer.

Thank you for allowing me to share this story with you.  I have learned so much this year; never take anything for granted and always keep strong in your faith.  Please keep Dad in your prayers, and be assured of mine for you.  May you and your families have a blessed, Merry Christmas and a beautiful, healthy New Year!