The Von St. James Travel Grant Fund

IN 2005, just 3 1/2 months after the birth of my baby girl, I was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. My best chance at survival was to travel across the country to see a specialist, named Dr. David Sugarbaker. It was there that my husband and I were given the hope we so desperately needed. On February 2nd, 2006, I had surgery in Boston to remove my left lung and all the surrounding tissue. That was the original "Lungleavin Day", the day my lung left. I spent 18 days in the hospital, and over a month in the city of Boston. The surgery was a success and on February 2nd, 2024, I will be celebrating 18 years cancer-free. 

Every year we host a celebration and use the event as a fundraiser. We love the dedication to which the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation offers patients and their families and are proud to continue supporting a Travel Grant fund to help other patients who need to travel for treatment or to see a specialist. We want to directly affect the patient population and to us, this will offer much-needed relief to many who find themselves in the same situation we did. 

Our goal is to reach a total of $25,000.. Since COVID-19 has interrupted our lives, we have decided to go all virtual until further notice. By making your donation here, you help us reach our goal. 

Every donation to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation can be done with confidence, knowing your money will be used to help so many patients and their families. The Foundation has been a part of our lives for years and we are proud to support it. 

We can't thank you enough for believing in us and our mission and for supporting us in this. 

Every donation is important, no matter the amount, and sharing my fundraising page can help us reach our goal. 

My family and I are so thankful for each and every one of you...