Dear Senator Specter:
On January 11, 2005, in a hearing on the asbestos trust fund bill, you
advised a mesothelioma patient (Billy Speicher) that you would investigate
the National Cancer Institute's commitment in finding a cure for malignant
mesothelioma. What has your staff discovered?
We have researched the issue as well. The results have not been comforting.
We have previously provided your office with this research, which shows
that compared to other tumors the NCI's investment in mesothelioma
medical research is disproportionate and woefully inadequate. We would
be pleased to discuss this problem, and the solution, with you and your staff.
Please advise. In the meantime, we attach for your review (again), a
letter we sent to your office from the nation's leading scientists and medical
doctors advocating the creation of a federal mesothelioma research and
treatment program.
On a personal note, we are pleased to learn you are receiving the best
available medical care for your Hodgkin's disease and that your spirits
are high and your resolve is strong.
Sincerely,
Roger G. Worthington
Founding Director