Meso Facts

PRESS RELEASES

Posted: May 2023

MesoRFA Newsletter: Spring 2023 Edition

  • Message from the Executive Director
  • 2nd Annual Tommy Engelhard Memorial Golf Out
  • California State Pipe Trades Aim to Cure Mesothelioma: Clay Shot at Birdslanding
  • Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 Golf Invitational
  • Heat & Frost Local 16 and Western Conference Roger Hamilton Memorial golf Tournament
  • Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 Aim to Cure Mesothelioma Clay Shoot
2023 Meso Spring NewsletterDownload
Posted: December 16, 2022

MesoRFA Newsletter: Spring 2022 Edition (May 2022)

  • Message from the Executive Director
  • California State Pipe Trades Aim to Cure Mesothelioma: Clay Shot at Birdslanding
  • Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 Golf Invitational
  • Heat & Frost Local 16 and Western Conference Roger Hamilton Memorial golf Tournament
  • Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 Aim to Cure Mesothelioma Clay Shoot
2022 Meso Spring NewsletterDownload
Event Date: October 3, 2022

District Council 16 Aim to Cure Mesothelioma at Moore N Moore

The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America would like to congratulate and thank the Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 for organizing a fantastic event to help find a cure for mesothelioma. We returned to the Moore N Moore Sporting Clays Facility with a huge turnout, including UA International Representative Aaron Stockwell and Executive Director of the California State Pipe Trades, Mike Hartley, who joined us in generating an event record of over $55,000 for mesothelioma research! 100% of the money generated at the event will go directly to mesothelioma research to support clinical trials for better treatment options with the hope for an eventual cure.

You may recall that we lost a dear friend in 2021, former DC16 Business Manager Mike Layton, just a few weeks prior to last year’s event. Mike was the driving force behind bringing a clay shoot to Southern California and we are honored to hold the event in his memory. Our continued thoughts go out to the entire Layton Family and the Foundation would like to thank everyone who came out to spend the day remembering our friend and support such a great cause.

Mike Harley Aaron Stockwell-640px.jpg
  • Mike Harley Aaron Stockwell-640px.jpg
    Executive Director of the California State Pipe Trades, Mike Hartley and UA International Representative, Aaron Stockwell came to support our cause. Thank you, Mike and Aaron, for traveling to join us!
  • Mike Layton-640px.jpg
    Mike Layton was the driving force behind bringing this event to Southern California and we are honored to hold the event in his memory. Our continued thoughts go out to the entire Layton Family.
  • John Ferruccio-2022-640px.jpg
    DC16 Organizer, John Ferruccio and his team have done a fantastic job in planning and coordinating the Aim to Cure Mesothelioma clay shoot and other DC16 events. Thank you, John!
  • Dr Gill-640px.jpg
    Dr. Parkash Gill telling supporters how their donations are helping to develop new treatments, highlighting the combination of EphB-4 and Merk PD-1 antibody proving to be so successful that the FDA has designated it a breakthrough treatment!
  • Elizabeth and Jerry-2022-640px.jpg
    Foundation Executive Director, Elizabeth Ann Paul and CFO, Jerry Neil Paul thanking Southern California Pipe Trades DC16 for holding another great event and talking about the grass roots efforts of the Foundation.
  • 3rd-640px.jpg
    3rd Place
  • 2nd-640px.jpg
    2nd Place
  • 1st-640px.jpg
    1st Place
  • Top Shot-640px.jpg
    Top Shot !
  • Local 250 Crystal-640px.jpg
    Local 250 Crystal

After a great day on the course, supporters learned where their hard earned donations are going and how they are being used to fight this terrible disease. The Foundation’S Board Member and CFO, Jerry Neil Paul along with Executive Director Elizabeth Paul thanked DC and John Ferruccio for organizing another fantastic event and spoke about the roots of the Foundation. Dr. Parkash Gill then gave an update from the lab and highlighted the development of immunotherapy treatment EPhB-4 as a direct result of the donations and the hard work of so many. Dr. Gill then passed along the fantastic news that the combination of EphB-4 and Merk PD-1 antibody are proving to be so successful that the FDA has designated it a breakthrough treatment!

The Foundation would like to personally thank all of those who organized and supported this year’s events. Without the support and skills of people such as DC 16 Business Manager Rodney Cobos, DC 16 Assistant Business Manager Doug Marian and Director of Organizing John Ferruccio events like these would not be as successful as they are. Their leadership and their army of volunteers and supporters, make ALL of this possible and we THANK ALL OF YOU for your support and dedication!!!

Event Date: September 12, 2022

20th Annual Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational

On September 12, 2022, the 20th Annual Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational returned to the Napa Valley Country Club to generate funds for mesothelioma cancer research and clinical trials that will lead to better treatment options. We would like to thank each and every sponsor, golfer and volunteer who came out to help us generate approximately $100,000! As always, 100% of the funds generated will go toward supporting Dr. Parkash Gill’s research at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Mike Patterson-2022-640px.jpg
  • Mike Patterson-2022-640px.jpg
    Local 5 Heat & Frost Insulator Business Manager, Mike Patterson, traveled from Los Angeles to join us. Roger Hamilton was a career Local 5 Insulator, making the event that more special for those who came to honor their brother.
  • Shane-2022-640px.jpg
    Foundation’s Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker heading out onto the course with the Foundation’s Founding Board Member and CFO, Jerry Neil Paul.
  • Billy and Daugther-640px.jpg
    Local 16 Heat & Frost Insulator President Billy Hodges volunteering his time with his daughter as they check supporters in to kick off their day. We thank everyone who gave up their day to volunteer, it means so much to us!
  • Chris Alan Mel-640px.jpg
    Local 16 Heat & Frost Insulator Business Manager, Chris Greaney, Local 16 Retirees President Alan Pierce and Event Chairman, Mel Breshears take time for a picture after a busy day. The Local 16 staff and volunteers who helped around the course are an amazing group of people to work with, thank you all!
  • Dr. Gill Speaking-2022-640px.jpg
    Dr. Parkash Gill expresses his gratitude towards supports, speaking on how their donations have helped to develop new treatments such as EphB-4. We are ecstatic with the results from the lab and the FDA designation of a breakthrough treatment!
  • EAP-2022-640px.jpg
    Foundation’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Ann Paul also volunteered her time on the course. Making the rounds to the volunteers and helping on the putting green. Thank you Elizabeth!
  • Fortino-2022-640px.jpg
    Local 16 Heat & Frost Insulator Business Agenet, Fortino Curiel serves as a Committee Member and helps with day of logistics such as the Hole in One Harley. Thank you Fortino!

You may recall that the event was established in 2002 by U.A. International Representative of the Pipetrades Jim Kellogg, and then California Building Trades President and Vice President, Bob Balgenorth, and Roger Hamilton. Roger was a former Business Manager of the Heat & Frost Insulators and it was Roger’s idea to support research into a cure for mesothelioma. Roger had been diagnosed with cancer several months before the first tournament and was determined to make the event a success. After Rogers passing, his wife Cindy Hamilton took over as Chairwoman and grew the event exponentially before the continued support of Doug Gamble and Mel Breshears of the Heat and Frost Insulators. Doug and Mel have planned and hosted the event over the last 5 years, and we cannot thank them enough for taking it upon themselves to ensure the continuation of the event and the honoring of Roger Hamilton’s memory.

To date, the Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational has raised approximately 1.8 million dollars for mesothelioma research! We owe our gratitude to the Western States Conference Heat and Frost Insulators, the Local 16 Heat and Frost Insulators, as well as all the building trades groups and vendors who continue to support the battle to defeat mesothelioma cancer. The success of the event is resulting in fantastic results in the lab at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and is highlighted by Dr. Parkash Gill’s development of immunotherapy treatment EPhB-4. The combination of EphB-4 and PD-1 antibody are proving to be so successful that the FDA has designated it a breakthrough! The Foundation’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Paul and Dr. Gill were ecstatic to share this news with supporters and added that there several doctors affiliated with UC Davis, University of Chicago and others who are ready to offer the treatment to their patients suffering from this horrible disease.

Without the continual support from the staff and family of the Local 16 Heat and Frost Insulators, an event of this magnitude would not be possible. We thank Committee Chairman Mel Breshears, Co- Chair Chris Greaney, Chairman Emeritus Doug Gamble, Craig Rossi, Bill Hodges, Mark Plubell, Ben Espinoza, Fortino Curiel, China Soto, Geoff Millar, Alan Pierce, Jerry and Elizabeth Paul, and Shane Rucker. Without your efforts and energy this event would not have been possible. Your enduring support guarantees continued research and a cure will be found!

Event Date: July 11th 2022

District Council 16 Golf Invitational

The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America would like to congratulate the Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 for organizing an amazing event! This year was special, marking the 19th Anniversary, and saw a full field of 144 golfers and supporters, joining at the Alta Vista Country Club. Together we generated over $145,000 for mesothelioma research! As always, 100% of the donations received will go directly toward research into clinical trials and treatment options for mesothelioma. Year after year, the organizers at District Council 16 have done an amazing job planning and promoting this event and we cannot thank them enough for their support and dedication. THANK YOU!

Parkash JNP 600w.jpg
  • Parkash JNP 600w.jpg
    Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Parkash Gill with the Foundation’s CFO and Founding Board Member, Jerry Neil Paul before Dr. Gill passed along the fantastic news from the lab!
  • JNP 600w.jpg
    Foundation’s CFO and Founding Board Member, Jerry Neil Paul thanking everyone who continues to support the cause through donations and staying involved in the events held by DC16 and other trades groups. Thank you!
  • Vince Ferragamo 600w 10-2022.jpg
    Former LA Rams Quarterback, Vince Ferragamo raffled an autographed football and completed the pass to the winner. Thank you Vince, for coming out and supporting our cause.
  • John Ferruccio 600w 10-2022.jpg
    We cannot thank DC16 Director of Organizing, John Ferruccio enough for what he has accomplished. With his leadership, this event has grown hugely into what it is today. Thank you John!
  • Jaime Wyatt 600w.jpg
    Retired Assistant Executive Director of PIPE, Jaime Valdivia and the leadership of UA Local 398, Business Agent, David Hanson, Organizer, Wyatt Stiles and Business Manager, Bill Steiner played a phenomenal round and took home 1st place! Great round guys!
  • Hotel Group 600w.jpg
    Thank you to John Sanders and the CHM Hotel group for going above and beyond each and every year! Not only are they one of our largest donors but they also know their way around the green. Congrats on the 2nd Place!
  • John Doug Team 600w.jpg
    UA Local 250’s, Jon Munoz with DC16 and UA Local 78’s, Doug Wilson with Phill Fillers who are always helping hands at the events. Thank you Jon and Doug, and congrats on taking 3rd place!
  • Ducks Jersey 600w.jpg
    An autographed Anaheim Ducks jersey was raffled off and the winner couldn’t have been happier. Congrats Wade!

 

Participating in the event on behalf of the Foundation was Founding Board Member Jerry Neil Paul, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee. Dr. Parkash Gill, and Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker. After a great day of golf, Jerry spoke, thanking everyone for their support and highlighted the developments made at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Parkash Gill, Chairman of the Foundation’s Medical Advisory Committee then spoke about the successes in the lab, with EphB-4 continuing to make progress in the FDA clinical trials process! We all hope to see the treatment become accessible and widely used by mesothelioma patients across the United States

The Foundation would like to personally thank Tournament Chairman and DC16 Director of Organizing John Ferruccio, Committee Member and DC 16 Business Manager Rodney Cobos, DC16’s Assistant Business Manager Doug Marian, Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth Ann Paul, Board Member Jerry Neil Paul, and Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker for the great turnout. We would also like to thank Local 582’s Bob Modica who, for years, has brought his longtime friend Vince Ferragamo to the event to raffle an autographed football and make the most exciting pass of someone’s lifetime. We cannot be prouder of working with these great people. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR DEDICATION!!!

Event Date: June 3, 2022

2022 California State Pipe Trades Aim to Cure Mesothelioma Clayshoot

The June 2022 “Aim to Cure” event hosted by the California State Pipe Trades along with Foundation Board Member and Retired International Pipe Trades Representative Jim Kellogg was hugely successful in netting over $55,000 for mesothelioma research!

1st place 600w.jpg
  • 1st place 600w.jpg
    UA Local 342 Plumbers & Steamfitters joined us with multiple teams and took home the 1st Place trophy. Great shooting Ken Pastega, Steve Michich, Randy Lloyd and Bryan Jones!
  • 2nd place 600w.jpg
    Great shooting gentleman and congratulations on the 2nd Place!
  • 3rd place 600w.jpg
    Just a few clays separated 2nd and 3rd Place, fantastic shooting like usual from TNT Industrial Contractors!
  • Jim Mike JNP 600w.jpg
    Retired International Pipe Trades Representative, Jim Kellogg, speaking to supporters with the Executive Director of the California State Pipe Trades, Mike Hartley and the Foundation’s Founding Board Member, Jerry Neil Paul. We cannot thank them enough for their work in putting this great event on.
  • JNP Aaron 600w.jpg
    The Foundation’s Founding Board Member and CFO, Jerry Neil Paul with the current International Pipe Trades Representative, Aaron Stockwell. Thank you for the continued support, Aaron!
  • Top Shooter 600w.jpg
    Great shooting, we didn’t see you miss a clay all day long!
  • Duck N Cover 600w.jpg
    First time ever at a clay shooting event and you did great! Hope to see you back for 2023!

We had another beautiful day for this year’s Aim to Cure event, and a great turn out of participants to support this great cause, with 150 donors supporting the Aim to Cure Mesothelioma! We returned to the Birdslanding Hunting Preserve and Sporting Clay facility in Birdslanding, California which always provides a great venue for the event. Representing the Foundation were Board Members, Jim Kellogg and Jerry Neil Paul and Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker.

After making their way through the course, supporters and participants joined for lunch and the always popular raffle. Jim Kellogg kicked off the festivities by thanking everyone who come out year after year and have helped grow the event to what it is today. Jim then passed the mic to the Foundation’s Founding Board Member, Jerry Neil Paul, who talked about the advances being made by Dr. Parkash Gill at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. The combination of immunotherapy treatment PD1 antibody with Dr. Gill’s treatment EphB-4 is proving to be an effective treatment. Our goal is to see this treatment option move through the FDA Clinical Trial process and become a widely used treatment option across the United States. With the support of participants in events such as “Aim to Cure” advances in mesothelioma treatment options will become a reality. California State Pipe Trades Executive Director Mike Hartley ended the day with the always popular raffle and thanked everyone for their continued support. We are all looking forward to 2023!

As always, 100% of the money raised during the “Aim to Cure” event will go towards mesothelioma cancer research. With these sizable donations we can all be assured that Dr. Gill’s research at USC / Norris Comprehensive Medical Center will move in the right direction. Thank you to all who participated and Jim Kellogg for putting together a fantastic event!

Event Date: May 20, 2022

Second Annual Tommy Engelhard Memorial Golf Outing

I wanted to share with you all an event that was held in memory of Mr. Tommy Engelhardt. Tom passed away at just 65 years old on April 18th, 2021, after a hard fought battle with Mesothelioma. Tom was just shy of retiring when he passed and left behind a wife, Cathy, 3 sons Thomas, Anthony and Andrew, and his sister Diane.

A decision was made to honor Tom’s memory and on May 20, 2022, the Second Annual Tommy Engelhard Memorial Golf Outing was held at Harbor Links Golf Course in Long Island, NY. The event saw 170 friends and family come together to celebrate Tom’s life. The overwhelming response to attend and share the tears, laughs and memories of Tommy led to the raising of over $11,450 in donations. The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America is honored to have been chosen to put these donations towards making a difference!

 

As always 100% of the money donated to the Foundation will go directly towards the research into new treatment options for mesothelioma, something Tom’s friends and family were ecstatic to hear! The organizers of the event wanted to thank Elizabeth Paul, Shane Rucker and the Team at the Foundation for the support given to make the event successful.

The Foundation would like to thank Cathy Engelhardt, his brother in law, Nick Manchisi, and all of those who had a hand in putting on a great event and honoring their beloved Tommy.

Event Date: October 11, 2021

District Council 16 Aim to Cure Mesothelioma

The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America would like to congratulate and thank the Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 for organizing a fantastic event to help find a cure for mesothelioma. This year’s DC16 Aim to Cure Mesothelioma event was held at the Moore N Moore Sporting Clays facility in San Fernando, CA and was successful in generating approximately $35,000 for mesothelioma research! Representing the Foundation was Founding Board Member Jerry Neil Paul and Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker. As always, 100% of the money generated at the event will go directly to mesothelioma research to support clinical trials for better treatment options with the mission and hope for an eventual cure.

The event began with a somber tone, after the sad news that former DC16 Business Manager Mike Layton had passed away a few weeks prior. Mike was a fantastic person, a great friend to many of us at the Foundation and a driving force behind bringing the clayshoot to Southern California. John Ferruccio oversaw a moment of silence for our good friend, Mike, before we headed out on the course with him in all of our hearts. Our thoughts go out to the entire Layton Family.

Local 582 Pipefitters 600w.jpg
  • Local 582 Pipefitters 600w.jpg
    Thank you Local 582 for supporting the event. Great score guys!
  • Local 460 Will Estes 600w.jpg
    Local 460 Organizer Will Estes took home the Highest Score award with a great round on a course that proved to be tough. Well done Will!
  • Local 403 with Bob Jennings and Sid Stolper 600w.jpg
    Walt French and his team from UA Local 403 with the Northern California Regional Director for the CA State Building Trades, Bob Jennings, and United Association District 5 Vice President, Sid Stolper. It was great seeing all of you again!
  • JNP Speaking 600w 2021-10-11.jpg
    The Foundaiton’s Chief Financial Officer and Founding Board Member, Jerry Neil Paul, thanks all of the supporters and gives an update from the Lab at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
  • Local 460 Javier Flores 600w.jpg
    Local 460 Business Agent, Javier Flores took home the grand prize! Congratulations and thank you, Local 460 for coming out and supporting the event!

We had some noteworthy guests who joined us in support of the Foundation and DC 16’s mission. UA Administrative Assistant to the General President, Derrick Kualapai, UA Local 342 Business Manager, Che Timmons, UA International Representative for California and Hawaii Aaron Stockwell and UA Vice President of District 5 Sid Stolper, who was instrumental in the growth of the DC16 events when he served as Business Manager.

After a beautiful day in the Angeles National Forest, the event’s supporters gathered for a great BBQ lunch and the always popular raffle. Before giving away some amazing prizes, sponsors and supporters learned where their hard earned money was going and how it was being used to fight this terrible disease. Speaking at the event on behalf of the Foundation was Board Member and CFO, Jerry Neil Paul. After thanking John Ferruccio for organizing another fantastic event, as well as everyone in attendance, Jerry spoke about the roots of the Foundation and the massive efforts taken in developing new drugs for the treatment of mesothelioma. He then passed along the news from Dr. Gill’s Lab at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Medical Center that the immunotherapy treatments EphB-4 and PD-1 were submitted to the FDA Clinical Trials process with collaboration with doctors affiliated with facilities such as UC Davis and University of Chicago.

The Foundation would like to personally thank all of those who organized and supported this year’s events. Without the support and organizing skills of people such as DC 16 Business Manager Rodney Cobos, DC 16 Director of Organizing John Ferruccio and all of the support from DC16. Without the team of volunteers and supporters, these types of events would not be possible. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND DEDICATION!!!

Event Date: September 20, 2021

Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational

On September 20, 2021, the Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational returned for its 19th presentation at the Napa Valley Country Club, to raise funds for mesothelioma cancer research and further the development of new treatment options. This year’s event saw a full field of golfers, who came together to raise over $91,000! As always, 100% of the funds generated will go toward supporting Dr. Parkash Gill’s research at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Roger Hamilton Event would not be possible without the continued support of Doug Gamble, Secretary Treasurer of the International Assoc. of Heat & Frost Insulators, Mel Breshears Vice President of the Western States Conference International and Chris Greaney, Business Manager of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 16. We thank them all, as they have taken it upon themselves to ensure the continuation of the event and honoring Roger Hamilton’s memory. To date, the Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational has raised approximately 2 million dollars for mesothelioma research! We also owe our gratitude to Cindy Hamilton and the Hamilton family, along with all of the building trades, contractors and vendors who continue to support the battle to defeat mesothelioma cancer.

Aaron Doug Mel 600w.jpg
  • Aaron Doug Mel 600w.jpg
    Newly appointed International Pipetrades Representative Aaron Stockwell with Hamilton Golf Committee Chairmen, Doug Gamble and Mel Breshears. Congratulations on the new position Aaron!
  • Doug Chris 600w.jpg
    Doug Gamle, the General Secretary-Treasurer of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators, presents the Heat and Frost Insulators Local 16, Business Manager, Chris Greaney, with a token of gratitude for the continued support in planning the Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational. Chris and Local 16 Staff are instrumental in the planning and providing the day of support for the event. We cannot thank them all enough!
  • Doug Jerry Mel 600w.jpg
    The Foundation’s CFO, Jerry Neil Paul (center) with Doug Gamble and Mel Breshears. We cannot thank Doug and Mel enough for their continued efforts in the success of the Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational Tournament.
  • Mel 600w.jpg
    Vice President of the Western States Conference of Heat and Frost Insulators, Mel Breshears has worked tirelessly to ensure the Hamilton Event is a continued success and an event that everyone looks forward to every year. Thank you Mel, for your hard work and dedication to this cause.
  • Local 5 600w.jpg
    Local 5 Heat & Frost Insulators Business Manager Mike Patterson and his team traveled from Los Angeles to Northern California for the event. Thank you Mike and team, for coming up to support the Foundation and enjoying the day with us.
  • Shane Jerry 600w.jpg
    The Foundation’s Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker and CFO Jerry Neil Paul share important news from Dr. Parkash Gill and the Lab at the USC Norris. We are all very excited to hear that the immunotherapy treatments, EphB-4 and PD-1, have been submitted to the FDA Clinical Trials process.
  • Volunteer1 600w.jpg
    Thank you to all of the Volunteers from Local 16 and the Foundation who had a hand in planning the event as well as those who volunteered their time to offer their assistance at the event. Thank you!
  • Volunteers 2 600w.jpg
    Local 5 Heat & Frost Insulators Retirees President Alan Pierce flanked by Doug Gamble and Mel Breshears as they present him with a bottle of wine as a thank you for volunteering at the event. Thank you for the hard work and great pictures, Alan!

 

After a great day on the course, we joined in the clubhouse for drinks, dinner, and catch up with friends. Doug Gamble and Mel Breshears thanked the sponsors who come out year after year, and the volunteers for their roles in making the event run smoothly and successfully. Jerry Neil Paul, one of the Foundation’s founding board members and CFO gave a short history of the event and how much it means to us that the event is as strong as ever after 19 years. Shane Rucker, Assistant Executive Director of the Foundation then provided an update from Dr. Gill, USC Senior Professor, Board Certified Oncologist, Hematologist and head of various FDA approved clinical trials. Dr. Gill is also Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America. Dr. Gill, in his Clinical Trials, has shown the ability to identify mutated cancer genes and the development of treatment options that can target and kill cancer cells. There has been great progress thanks to the success of the Hamilton event. It can also be seen in the development of immunotherapy treatments EphB-4 and PD-1 and their submission to the FDA Clinical Trials process and collaboration with doctors affiliated with facilities such as UC Davis and University of Chicago.

Such a great event takes too many people to thank, but certain individuals play a pivotal role in ensuring its success. To Committee Chairman Doug Gamble, Co-Chair Mel Breshears, Chris Greaney, Mike Patterson, Stan Danielson, Bill Hodges, Mark Plubell, Ben Espinoza, Fortino Curiel, China Soto, Geoff Millar, Alan Pierce, Jerry and Elizabeth Paul, and Shane Rucker: we wish to express our greatest appreciation. Without your efforts and energy this event would not have been possible. Your enduring support guarantees continued research into mesothelioma. With sustained effort, a cure will hopefully be found!

Event Date: August 6, 2021

Heat & Frost Insulators Local 16 Retirees Luncheon

On August 6th, the Heat & Frost Insulators Local 16 retirees group held their first luncheon since the COVID pandemic began in March of 2020. The Foundation’s Founding Board Member, Jerry Neil Paul, was in attendance and eager to give everyone an update as to what has been happening at the Foundation.

Jerry Paul opened by reporting on the success of the first two events held in 2021 and the planning of the Roger Hamilton Golf Invitational scheduled for September 20, 2021. He then passed along the great news from Dr. Parkash Gill’s lab at USC, which continues to successfully treat mesothelioma patients with the combination of immunotherapy drug PD-1 with EphB-4. Jerry highlighted that the treatment has been so affective that it has been submitted to the FDA for Phase 2 clinical trials!

JNP-Mel-Alan-Geoff 600w.jpg
  • JNP-Mel-Alan-Geoff 600w.jpg
    Founding Boardmember Jerry Paul with Vice President of the Western States Conference International, Mel Breshears, Local 16 Retirees Club President Alan Pierce and Retired Insulator and Hamilton Event Committee Member, Geoff Millar.
  • Chris-JNP-Yvonne 600w.jpg
    The Foundation’s CFO, Jerry Paul, accepts a donation from Yvonne Lasserre of the Operating Engineers Credit Union and Local 16 Business Manager Chris Greaney. Thank you, OE Credit Union!
  • Bill-Chris 600w.jpg
    Heat & Frost Insulators Local 16 President Bill Hodges with Local 16 Business Manager Chris Greaney. We cannot thank the staff and leadership at Local 16 enough for their continued partnership and support in hosting the Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational!

Following his update, Jerry Paul accepted a check on behalf of the Foundation that was presented by Yvonne Lasserre of the Operating Engineers Credit Union from their points program. We cannot thank enough the Operating Engineers and the leadership at Local 16, including Business Manager Chris Greaney, President Bill Hodges and Vice President of the Western States Conference International, Mel Breshears, for their continued support!

Event Date: July 12, 2021

Southern California Pipetrades District Council 16 Annual Golf Invitational

Everyone at the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America would like to congratulate the Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 for organizing an amazing event! We saw a huge turnout for the 18th Annual Golf Invitational at the Alta Vista Country Club, with over 150 golfers, including the return of former LA Rams legendary quarterback, Vince Ferragamo. Vince has become a regular at the event, who was invited by his very good friend and retired UA Local 582 Business Agent, Bob Modica. Together we generated over $140,000 for mesothelioma research, 100% of which will go directly toward research into clinical trials and better treatment options for mesothelioma with the hope of an eventual cure. The leadership of District Council 16, including Tournament Director and Director of Organizing John Ferruccio, Committee Member and Business Manager Rodney Cobos, and Assistant Business Manager, Doug Marian, goes above and beyond in planning an event that everyone looks forward to. We cannot thank them enough for the years of support and dedication. THANK YOU!

John Ferruccio 600w.jpg
  • John Ferruccio 600w.jpg
    Dhttps://mesorfa.orgistrict Council 16 Director of Organizing and Tournament Director, John Ferruccio, continues to do an amazing job of promoting and building this event. Thank you John and everyone at DC16 for your continued friendship and dedication to the cause!
  • UA Team 1 600w.jpg
    District Council 16 Assitant Business Manager Doug Marian, UA International Pipe Trades Representative Derrick Kualapai, District Council 16 Business Manager Rodney Cobos and UA Local 484 Business Manager Shane Boston. The Foundation is grateful for your support!
  • JNP Speaking 600w.jpg
    The Foundation’s Founding Boardmember Jerry Neil Paul, thanks everyone who comes together to support this great event and continue to go above and beyond in raising awareness.
  • Dr GIll Speaking 600w.jpg
    The Foundation’s Chairman of the Medical Advisory, Dr. Pakash Gill, gives an update on the new treatment option of PD-1 and EphB-4 being submitted to the FDA for Phase 2 clinical trials!
  • Dr Gill-John 600w.jpg
    Tournament Director, John Ferruccio, thanks Dr. Gill for coming out to speak at the event and the great work he is doing at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in developing new treatment options for this horrible disease.
  • Vince Ferragamo 600w.jpg
    Former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Vince Ferragamo auctions off an autographed football and goes for the pass!
  • Parkash-Jaime 600w.jpg
    Dr. Parkash Gill and PIPE Assistant Executive Director Jaime Valdivia share a laugh before dinner. Jaime has been a longtime supporter, friend and always dressed to impress!
  • CHM 600 h.jpg
    John Sanders and the CHM Hotel Group have consistently been one of the event’s top sponsors and put together a couple of teams of great golfers! Thank you, John, and all of the folks at CHM who came out and had fun with us!
  • Shane-Local 5 600w.jpg
    Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker tees off on the hole sponsored by Heat and Frost Insulators Local 5 hole. Thank you for your sponsorship, Local 5!
  • JNP Shane Tee Off 600w.jpg
    Founding Boardmember Jerry Neil Paul and Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker tee off with District Council 16 and the Paul Law Firm.
  • Eddie-Barnes 600w.jpg
    Long time friend and supporter, Eddie Barnes, of UA Local 250, traveled from Idaho to participate. Thank you for coming out Eddie!

Participating in the event on behalf of the Foundation was, Board Member Jerry Neil Paul, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Parkash Gill, and Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker. After a great day of golf, Jerry gave a heartfelt thank you to everyone for supporting the event year after year, and highlighting the new treatment options coming from the lab at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Parkash Gill, Chairman of the Foundation’s Medical Advisory Committee then reported the great news that USC continues to successfully treat mesothelioma patients with the combination of immunotherapy drug PD-1 in combination with EphB-4! Dr. Gill added that there have been several recent research collaborations in addition to the treatment being submitted to the FDA for Phase 2 clinical trials!

The Foundation would like to personally thank all of you who support and turn out for this great event. With the participation from UA International Pipe Trades Representative, Derrick Kualapai and California Pipe Trades Executive Director, Aaron Stockwell, and the organizing skills of people such as DC16’s John Ferruccio, Rodney Cobos, Doug Marian, Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth Ann Paul, Board Member Jerry Neil Paul and Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker, this event and great turnout would not be possible. They have all done a fantastic job, year in and year out, and we cannot be more proud of working with these great people. THANK YOU

Event Date: June 4, 2021

Califonia State Pipe Trades’ Aim To Cure – Birdslanding, California

June 4, 2021, marked the 15th annual California State Pipe Trades’ Aim to Cure Mesothelioma sporting clay shoot event hosted by Jim Kellogg, retired U.A. Pipe Trades International Representative and former California State Fish and Game Commissioner, and Aaron Stockwell, the California State Pipetrades Executive Director. Sponsors and the supporters of the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America converged on the Birds Landing Hunting Preserve and Sporting Clay facility just outside of Concord, California. The event was a huge success, with over 180 shooters participating, helping to raise over $75,000 for mesothelioma research! The fantastic support and turnout ensures the continued development of new and viable treatment options for mesothelioma. The Foundation was represented by Jerry Neil Paul and Jim Kellogg, both Board Members and Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker.

JNP Jim 600W.jpg
  • JNP Jim 600W.jpg
    Foundation Boardmembers Jerry Neil Paul and Jim Kellogg kick off the event, thanking everyone for the HUGE turnout of over 180 shooters!
  • JNP1 600w px.jpg
    Foundation Boardmember, Jerry Neil Paul Paul passes along the fantastic news from Dr. Parkash Gill that his immunotherapy treatment of EphB-4 and PD-1 had been introduced to the FDA for Phase 2 Clinical Trials!
  • JNP Geoff Shane 600w px.jpg
    Foundation Boardmember Jerry Neil Paul and Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker with retired Local 16 insulator Geoff Millar.
  • Jim Speaking 600w px.jpg
    Foundation Boardmember, retired U.A. Pipe Trades International Representative and former California State Fish and Game Commissioner, Jim Kellogg thanks supporters for making this year one of the most successful clay shoots we have held. Thank you Jim!
  • Aaron Speaking 2 600w px.jpg
    California Pipe Trades Executive Director, Aaron Stockwell takes the mic to run the always popular raffle. We cannot thank Aaron and his staff enough for hosting the event and making a difference in the fight against this terrible disease.
  • Mikich Kualapai JNP Timmons 600w px.jpg
    UA International Special Representative, Mike Mikich, UA International Representative, Derrick Kualapai, Foundation Boardmember Jerry Neil Paul and UA Local 342 Business Manager, Che Timmons. UA Local 342 came out in massive support of the event! We cannot thank them enough!
  • Mel JNP Alan 600w px.jpg
    Vice President of the Western States Conference International Insulators, Mel Breshears with Jerry Neil Paul and the Local 16 Insulators Retirees President, Alan Pierce.
  • Shane Partch 600w px.jpg
    Foundation Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker with Retired CA State Pipe Trades Executive Director, Greg Partch.
  • UA Local 403 Team 600w px.jpg
    Retired Business Manager, Walt French and current Business Manager David Baldwin, brought their team from UA Local 403 in San Luis Obispo to support the cause. Thank you Mike, Walt, and David for making it up to Birds Landing!
  • Top Shot-Mitchell 600w px.jpg
    Mark Mitchell took this year’s Top Shot award. Mark has been a long-time supporter of the Foundation following a friend’s passing from mesothelioma. Thank you for the support Mark!
  • 1st Place- TNT Industrial 600w px.jpg
    The 1st Place team from TNT Industrial Contractors are regulars at this event and always bring their A-game.
  • Jim-Derrick 600w px.jpg
    Foundation Boardmember, retired U.A. Pipe Trades International Representative and former California State Fish and Game Commissioner, Jim Kellogg with UA International Representative, Derrick Kualapai.

After the shoot had concluded, Jim Kellogg thanked attendees, expressing his gratitude for the huge support after a year of uncertainty. Next, Jerry Paul spoke of the importance of staying involved in the fight to raise awareness, highlighting the fantastic development from Dr. Parkash Gill. Shortly before the event, Dr. Gill passed along the wonderful news that his treatment, a combination of immunotherapies EphB-4 and PD-1, had been introduced to the FDA for Phase 2 Clinical Trials! This is a huge milestone. The treatment is currently being administered to mesothelioma patients with support from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and in collaboration with UCLA and UC Davis. Jerry Paul then passed the mic to Aaron Stockwell to say a few words before raffling off a few items to support the cause.

As always, 100% of the funds raised at the Birdslanding event will go directly towards mesothelioma cancer research at Dr. Parkash Gill’s lab at USC Norris Comprehensive Medical Center. With these sizable donations, we can be assured that Dr. Gill’s mesothelioma cancer research at USC/ Norris Comprehensive Medical Center will be moving in the right direction with the goal of expanding the clinical trials to other interested universities. Thank you to all who participated and made the event a success!

EphB4 Cancer, EphB4 Mesothelioma, Meso Treatments, Press Releases

Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 Aim to Cure Mesothelioma

UA Local 761 Plumbers and Pipefitters Organizer, Adolf Navarro and Business Manager Greg Lewis, kick off the day at their sponsored station of the 2020 Aim to Cure Mesothelioma sporting clay event. Thank you Local 761!

The Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 did it again and pulled off a very successful year end fundraising event for 2020! We cannot thank the team at DC16 enough for putting the event together during these unprecedented times. With the unwavering support and leadership of DC16 Business Manager, Rodney Cobos and Organizer, John Ferruccio we held a safe event that was enjoyed by our friends and supporters! We must also thank DC16’s Doug Marian, Doug Wilson, Jerry Trevino and Jerry Elliott for all of their help and support in planning the day.

UA Local 342’s Retired Business Agent, Stephen Mikich, Retired UA International Pipe Trades Representative, Jim Kellogg, Current UA International Pipe Trades Representative, Derrick Kualapai, HVAC Representative, Mat Hattich and Business Manager Che Timmons. Thank you Local 342 for making the trek to Southern California to sponsor the event in a huge way!
UA Local 709 Sprinkler fitters, Business Manager Todd Golden and President Rick Vasquez, finish off a great round of sporting clays at their sponsored station of the 2020 Aim to Cure Mesothelioma sporting clay event. Thank you Local 709 for coming out, great shooting out there!

Once again, the event was held at the Moore N Moore Sporting Clay facility in San Fernando, CA and netted approximately $70,000 for mesothelioma research! We saw the largest turnout on record for this event with more than 140 supporters coming out to make a difference, including UA International Pipe Trades Representative, Derrick Kualapai. Representing the Foundation at the event were Retired UA International Pipe Trades Representative, Jim Kellogg, Founding Board Member, Jerry Neil Paul, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Parkash Gill and Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker.

Foundation’s, Jim Kellogg and Dr. Parkash Gill, enjoy themselves after a great day of comradery with friends and supporters at the 2020 Aim to Cure Mesothelioma Clayshoot.

After a great day in the Angeles National Forest we had a delicious lunch before John Ferruccio thanked everyone who attended and highlighted how impressed he was by the huge turnout for the event.

Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 Director of Organizing, John Ferruccio, once again put on a fantastic event. We cannot thank John, Rodney Cobos, Doug Marian, Doug Wilson, Jerry Trevino and Jerry Elliott for all they do to ensure we have successful events year after year. Thank you DC16!!

John then turned the mic over to Jerry Paul who thanked everyone for coming out and expressed how excited he was for Dr. Parkash Gill, of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, to share his update.

The Foundation’s Founding Board Member, Jerry Neil Paul thanks the event sponsors for their overwhelming support and lets them know the amazing progress being made at the USC Norris Comprehensive Center.

You may recall that the FDA had previously approved Dr. Gill’s mesothelioma treatment, EPh B-4, for clinical trials after development at his lab at USC/Norris. However, the FDA has now approved EPh B-4 to be used in combination with Mercks PD-1 Immunotherapy drug in a new FDA approved Phase I clinical trial. The two successful, non-chemo drugs, that together attacks both the Mesothelioma solid tumor and at the same time cuts off the vessels that feed the tumor. Dr. Gill has plans to expand clinical trials beyond USC Norris, with plans to talk with UC Davis and expand from there nationally.

Dr. Parkash Gill, the Foundation’s Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, tells supporters the amazing news of the FDA approving the treatment he has been working tirelessly on. He noted the amazing promise the drug has shown in clinical research and that the combination of EphB4 and PD-1 immunotherapy drugs are being used together in approved FDA clinical trials!

With the Foundation’s administrative costs underwritten by The Paul Law Firm, 100% of the event’s net proceeds will go towards mesothelioma cancer research. With these sizable donations we can be assured that Dr. Gill’s clinical trials at USC/ Norris Comprehensive Medical Center will be moving in the right direction. Thank you to all who participated and made the events a success!

Press Releases

Local 16 Retirees progress report

Thanks to Steve Steel who escorted up Dr Gill & Jerry Paul, Attorney to Bus. Mgr. Mel Breshears so they could give the Local 16 Retirees a progress report for treating mesothelioma. Thereafter, Mel presented a check to Dr. Gill and Jerry Paul for the Mesothelioma Research Foundation clinical trials.
Stories & News

UA Local 250 Nick Monios Golf Tournament

September 25, 2020

The UA Local 250 Nick Monios Golf Tournament event is held every year and supports Local 250’s Scholarship Fund, benefitting students in helping to pay for their tuition, books and materials. We are proud to be associated with such a fine group of men and women! We also want to thank Local 250 Business Mgr. Glen Santa Cruz, his officers and members for supporting Dr Gill’s research and clinical trials, at USC Norris & UC Davis, for better treatment options and an eventual cure of mesothelioma.

The Foundation’s Founding Board Member and Partner of the Paul Law Firm, Jerry Neil Paul with the Foundation’s Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker, at the UA Local 250 Nick Monios Golf Tournament.
Press Releases, Stories & News

California Pipe Trades Aim to Cure – Birdslanding, California

This year has been a roller-coaster of lock-downs and economic uncertainty but we pushed onward and held our first fundraising event of 2020! Effects of these unprecedented times can obviously been seen in every aspect of our lives and we have not been untouched.

Assistant Executive Direction Shane Rucker, Foundation’s Board Member, Jim Kellogg, Beyond Golf’s, Kris Frigard, and Founding Board member, Jerry Neil Paul, relax after planning and hosting yet another successful event!

Many of our fundraising efforts have been placed on hold or cancelled but our fortunes turned in July when the California State Pipe Trades began planning the “Aim to Cure Mesothelioma” clay-shoot. With the unwavering support and leadership of Foundation Board Member, Jim Kellogg and CA Pipe Trades Executive Director, Aaron Stockwell we held a safe event that was enjoyed by our friends and supporters.

International Pipe Trades Representative, Derrick Kualapai with his brothers from UA Local 342, Business Manager Che Timmons, Jim Kellogg, Steve Mikich and Mike Mikich at their sponsored station. Thank you to Local 342 for coming out and supporting in a big way!

Once again, the event was held at the Birdslanding Hunting Preserve and netted approximately $40,000 for mesothelioma research! Despite the corona virus and fires from Southern to Northern California we saw a great turnout of more than 130 supporters of the event. Representing the Foundation at the event were Board Member’s Jim Kellogg and Jerry Neil Paul, as well as Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker.

Local 16 Insulators Business Manager, Mel Breshears, Chris Greaney, Fortino Curiel and Mark Plubell stop for a pic at their sponsored station. The insulators not only brought out two teams but also took home an award. Great shooting guys!

After taking our chances at the sporting clays we had a delicious lunch and Jim Kellogg thanked everyone who attended and highlighted how important it is to stay involved in the events and continue to raise awareness. Jim Kellogg then turned the mic over to Jerry Paul who informed the supporters how Dr. Parkash Gill at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center of Los Angeles was using the donations.

Local 16 Insulator Retirees Ruck Dunley, Retirees President, Alan Pierce and Geoff Millar take some time for a picture at their sponsored station.

Jerry reported that the combination of EphB-4 and PD-1 has been submitted by Dr. Gill to the FDA for approval of a new clinical trial and that it had shown great promise at USC Norris, including their collaboration with UC Davis. Jim then asked Aaron Stockwell to say a few words before raffling off a few items to support the cause.

Jim Kellogg, Foundation Board Member and a catalyst of the event thanks the event sponsors and supporters for attending this year’s event in the face of so much uncertainty and making it a huge success!

Also, U.A. International Representative, Derrick Kualapai spoke with words of support and encouragement to many of us during the sporting clay shoot.

Founding Board Member Jerry Neil Paul with event hosts Jim Kellogg and California State Pipe trades Executive Director, Aaron Stockwell as Jim thanks the event sponsors.

With the Foundation’s administrative costs underwritten by The Paul Law Firm, 100% of the event net proceeds will go towards mesothelioma cancer research. With these sizable donations we can be assured that Dr. Gill’s mesothelioma cancer research at USC/ Norris Comprehensive Medical Center will be moving in the right direction.

The Foundation’s Founding Board Member, Jerry Neil Paul tells supporters how their donations are being used to promote new treatments for mesothelioma at the USC Norris Comprehensive Center and their affiliates.

Thank you to all who participated and made the event a success!

Foundation’s Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker and Founding Board Member Jerry Neil Paul. We cannot thank enough the hosts, sponsors and supporters of this year’s event! We have certainly seen many ups and downs in 2020 but we pushed through!
Stories & News

From: Mark Plubell of Heat & Frost Local 16

Mark Plubell of Heat & Frost Local 16 and Yvonne Lasserre of the Operating Engineers Credit Union present the Foundation’s CFO, Jerry Neil Paul, with a check from the credit union’s points program. We cannot thank the Operating Engineers and Mel Breshear’s Local 16 enough for their continued support.
Alan Pierce, President of the Heat & Frost Local 16 Retirees Club with Jerry Neil Paul, Attorney from The Paul Law Firm asking for an update on the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America’s (mesorfa.org) clinical trials progress.
Jerry Neil Paul presenting to the Heat & Frost Local 16 Retirees, highlighting the progress being made in mesothelioma treatment options. Dr. Parkash Gill is currently awaiting approval for the combination treatment of EPH-B4 with Merk’s PD-1 to pave the way for clinical trials.
Meso Facts, Press Releases, Stories & News

District Council 16 Cure Meso Clayshoot

October 14, 2019

The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s Cure Meso Clayshoot and those at the Southern California Pipetrades District Council 16 who make this event possible year after year. We returned to the Moore ‘N Moore Sporting Clays facility in San Fernando Valley, CA. We saw a large turnout of shooters who joined to raise over $50,000 for mesothelioma research! Attending the event on behalf of the Foundation were Executive Director Elizabeth Ann Paul, Founding Board Members Jim Kellogg and Attorney Jerry Neil Paul, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Parkash Gill and Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker. As always, 100% of the money generated at the event will go directly to mesothelioma research to help find a cure for this terrible disease.

The Foundation’s Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker, Executive Director, Elizabeth Ann Paul, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Parkash Gill and Founding Board Member and Attorney, Jerry Neil Paul would like to thank everyone who participates and volunteers their time at the events to further the research and development of new mesothelioma treatments.

The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s Cure Meso Clayshoot and those at the Southern California Pipetrades District Council 16 who make this event possible year after year. We returned to the Moore ‘N Moore Sporting Clays facility in San Fernando Valley, CA. We saw a large turnout of shooters who joined to raise over $50,000 for mesothelioma research! Attending the event on behalf of the Foundation were Executive Director Elizabeth Ann Paul, Founding Board Members Jim Kellogg and Attorney Jerry Neil Paul, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Parkash Gill and Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker. As always, 100% of the money generated at the event will go directly to mesothelioma research to help find a cure for this terrible disease.

Southern California Pipetrades District Council 16 Director of Organizing, John Ferruccio has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the events. It is an absolute pleasure to work with John and his team at DC16 and we cannot thank him enough!

Shooters were blessed with beautiful Southern California weather as we took our best shots at the sporting clays flying over the picturesque canyons of the Angeles National Forest. Sponsors and supporters then gathered for a delicious BBQ and to learn how their donations are helping in the fight against his horrible disease. District Council 16 Director of Organizing John Ferruccio thanked everyone who came out to support the event and those who volunteer their time at MESORFA.

Foundation’s Founding Board Member and Attorney, Jerry Neil Paul thanks everyone in attendance and everyone at the Southern California Pipetrades District Council 16 who had a hand in making the Aim to Cure Mesothelioma event such a success!

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation were Jerry and Elizabeth Paul who first thanked everyone in attendance and those who had a hand in making the event such a success. Elizabeth Paul talked about the humble roots of the Foundation and how proud we are to see the new developments coming from the lab. Dr. Parkash Gill then spoke about the progress being made by his team of doctors at USC Norris Cancer Center and the promising results of PD-1 and EphB-4 treatment and its expansion into additional treatment facilities across the United States as UC Davis and UCLA.

Southern California Pipetrades District Council 16 Director of Organizing, John Ferruccio and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Parkash Gill speak together at the 2019 Aim to Cure Mesothelioma Clayshoot hosted by the Southern California Pipetrades District Council 16.

The Foundation would like to personally thank all of those who organized and supported this year’s Aim to Cure Meso Clayshoot. Without the support and organizing skills of people such as DC 16 Business Manager Rodney Cobos, DC 16 Director of Organizing John Ferruccio and International Piptrades Representative Jim Kellogg these types of events would not be possible.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND DEDICATION!!!

Meso Facts, Press Releases, Stories & News

Southern California Pipetrades District Council 16 Annual Golf Invitational

July 8, 2019

This year’s Southern California Pipetrades District Council 16 Annual Golf Invitational was held at the beautiful Alta Vista Country Club in Placentia, CA and marks the event’s 17th anniversary. Over 144 golfers attended the event to support finding a cure for mesothelioma, helping to generate over $140,000 for mesothelioma cancer research!

Former LA Rams Quarterback, Vince Ferragamo and District Council 16 Director of Organizing, John Ferruccio help push the event’s donation total higher than ever before with the auction of an autographed football.

Representing the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America were Founding Board Member and Attorney Jerry Neil Paul, Executive Director Elizabeth Ann Paul, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee Dr. Parkash Gill and Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker.

After a great day out on the course, golfers and supporters joined for a bite to eat and to learn how their donations are helping to fund better treatment options for mesothelioma and an eventual cure. The evening was kicked off by DC16 Director of Organizing John Ferruccio. John over the last decade has been the MC, Master of Ceremonies extraordinaire. John then introduced speakers Jerry and Elizabeth Paul.

Founding Board Member and Attorney, Jerry Neil Paul thanks everyone who volunteers their time to ensure that 100% of every dollar donated can go directly to Dr. Gill’s research at the Mesothelioma Research Lab at USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Jerry Paul thanked everyone in attendance and expressed how grateful the Foundation is for being associated with such a supportive group of people. Elizabeth Paul then spoke on the importance of the fundraisers in funding research and the development of more effective treatment options.

The Foundation’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Ann Paul informs participants how important their donations are in helping in the research and development of new treatment options for mesothelioma.

Elizabeth expressed how we are all volunteers, with the Paul Law Firm paying 100% of the administrative costs so 100% of donations can go to Dr. Gills research and clinical treatment development. Dr. Parkash Gill then spoke about the research and development of new medicines by the Mesothelioma Research Lab at USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Gill highlighted the promising results of the PD-1 and EphB-4 treatment and its expansion into additional treatment facilities across the United States as UC Davis and UCLA.

Former LA Rams Quarterback, Vince Ferragamo tosses an autographed football to a generous donor at the 2019 DC16 Golf Invitational befitting The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America.

The Foundation would like to personally thank all of those who sponsored, supported and attended the event. Without your support and the organizing skills of people such as Rodney Cobos, Mike Layton, John Ferruccio, Doug Wilson, DC 16 Staff and Committee members Jerry and Elizabeth Paul, this event and great turnout would not have been possible.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR DEDICATION!!!

Meso Facts, Press Releases, Stories & News

Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational

On June 24, 2019, the Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational was hosted by the Insulators International Vice President, Doug Gamble and Heat and Frost Insulators Local 16 Business Manager, Mel Breshears at the pristine Napa Valley Country Club. We witnessed a great turnout with a full field of golfers joining sponsors and volunteers to generate awareness, and raise over $83,000! 100% of the donations will go toward supporting Dr. Parkash Gill’s research and clinical trials within the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center for new and viable treatment options for mesothelioma patients.

Insulators International Vice President, Doug Gamble and Heat and Frost Insulators Local 16 Business Manager, Mel Breshears are the Events’ Hosts and MCs. Doug and Mel have gone above and beyond in their leadership and we cannot thank them enough!

This event would not have been possible without the leadership of, Doug Gamble and Mel Breshears and all of the people working behind the scenes at Heat & Frost Insulators Local 16. You may recall that 3 years ago the Insulators took it upon themselves to ensure not only the continuation of the event, but the honoring of Roger Hamilton’s memory through fund raising and awareness efforts. For their dedication and continued success, we owe our gratitude to the Western States Conference Heat and Frost Insulators, the Local 16 Heat and Frost Insulators, as well as all of the building trades groups who come out and participate year after year.

After a great round of golf, the supporters reconvened in the clubhouse for dinner, and to learn where and how their donations were being used. Doug and Mel kicked off the festivities, thanking both the sponsors and the event’s volunteers for making the event possible.

Foundation’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Ann Paul with Hamilton Event Volunteers. THANK YOU to each and every one of the volunteers for giving their time and helping to make the event fun but also an enormous success!

Elizabeth Ann Paul, the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America’s Executive Director, informed the sponsors of the Foundation’s history, pointing out its critical help in the development of better treatment options for mesothelioma.

Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Parkash Gill gives a progress report on the promising results of the PD-1 and EphB-4 treatment option and its expansion into additional treatment facilities across the United States.

Dr. Parkash Gill, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, then gave a progress report on the promising results of the PD-1 and EphB-4 treatment option and its expansion into additional treatment facilities across the United States, including UC Davis.

Local 16 Insulators Retirees President and Hamilton Event Volunteer Alan Pierce, Foundation Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker, Committee Member Geoff Millar and Board Member Jerry Neil Paul pose for a picture as they greet golfers registering for the event.

We cannot be more proud of the results we are seeing in the lab and the continued success of the Hamilton event. Committee Chairman Doug Gamble and Co-Chair Mel Breshears, thanked Committee Members Stan Danielson, Bill Hodges, Mark Plubell, Ben Espinoza, Chris Greaney, Fortino Curiel, Geoff Millar, Jerry and Elizabeth Paul, Shane Rucker and their volunteers, sponsors and the building trades who supported this event. Without their energy and leadership we would not see these amazing results.

THANK YOU ALL who have a hand in making this possible

Founding Board Member and Attorney Jerry Neil Paul and Hamilton Golf Committee Member, Geoff Millar pose outside the Napa Valley Country Club clubhouse as they greet sponsors of the event.
Founding Board Member and Attorney Jerry Neil Paul, International Pipetrades Representative, Derrick Kualapai and Paul Law Firm Trial Attorney, Joshua S. Paul working together to raise awareness at the 2019 Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational.
Meso Facts, Press Releases, Stories & News

California Pipetrades Aim to Cure – Birdslanding, California

June 7, 2019

The 2019 “California Pipetrades Aim to Cure” mesothelioma clayshoot, hosted by Foundation Board Member and Retired International Pipetrades Representative, Jim Kellogg, kicked off a great year of fundraising, netting approximately $60,000 for mesothelioma research! We witnessed a huge turnout of over 170 shooters and supporters at the Birdslanding Hunting Preserve and Sporting Clay Facility. Representing the Foundation at the event were Board Member’s Jim Kellogg and attorney Jerry Neil Paul, as well as Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker.

Foundation Board Member, Retired International Pipetrades Representative and event host, Jim Kellogg with Board Member and Attorney Jerry Neil Paul, speaking to supporters on the importance of staying involved.

After everyone had taken their best shot at the sporting clays, Birdslanding provide a delicious tri-tip lunch before Jim Kellogg thanked everyone who attended and highlighted how important it is to stay involved. Jerry Neil Paul was then introduced, who thanked Jim Kellogg and the Executive Director of the California State Pipetrades, Gregg Partch, for organizing and hosting such a great event year after year. Jerry then informed the supporters of how the proceeds of the event would go towards the continued research and development of new mesothelioma treatment options. He also noted the fantastic news of the discussions between Dr. Parkash Gill and other University cancer treatment facilities in working together to expand the use of treatment of PD-1 and EphB-4 along with USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. The mic was handed over to Trial Attorney Joshua Paul for the always popular raffle and his masterful and comical performance generated laughs and more donations for the Foundation!

Heat and Frost Insulators Local 16 Business Manager, Mel Breshears with the Foundation’s founding Board Member, Jerry Neil Paul before heading out to participate in the 2019 California State Pipetrades Aim to Cure Mesothelioma Clayshoot.

With the Foundation’s administrative costs underwritten by the Paul Law Firm, 100% of the event’s net proceeds will go towards mesothelioma cancer research. With these sizable donations we can be assured that Dr. Gill’s research and clinical trials for better treatment options continue moving in the right direction.

We want to wish Gregg a very happy retirement and look forward to continuing our work with newly promoted Executive Director of the California State Pipetrades Council, Mike Layton. Mike is a longtime friend of the Foundation, serving as the Southern California Pipetrades District Council 16 for the last 10 years and hosting many of the Foundation’s events. Thank you to all who participated and make our events possible!