Category Archives: Press Releases

Current press release information from the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America, particularly regarding Veglin, FDA Phase III clinical trials.

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.
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!
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!

EphB4, EphB4 Cancer, EphB4 Mesothelioma, Meso Cancer, Press Releases

District Council 16 Aim to Cure Mesothelioma Clayshoot

October 8, 2018

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America MesoRFA.org
Speaking Founding Board Member and Chief Financial Officer Jerry Neil Paul tells sponsors and supporters where their hard earned donations are going and how they are helping to develop new treatment options for mesothelioma.

The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America would like to thank the Southern California Pipetrades District Council 16 for organizing another amazing event and rounding out our 2018 fundraising season! Business Manager Mike Layton and Director of Organizing John Ferruccio have done an outstanding job in making this event what it has become, growing every year in popularity with more participants and supporters. This year the event brought in over $50,000 and as always, 100% of the net proceeds of the event will go directly to mesothelioma research!

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America MesoRFA.orgSouthern California District Council 16 Organizer John Ferruccio thanks sponsors for their continued support before starting the alwys popular raffle. We cannot thank John enough for everything he does for the Foundation and growing the events to what they have become.

This year we returned to the Moore ‘N Moore Sporting Clays in the San Fernando Valley, CA, despite a fire completely destroying the facility in 2017. Moore ‘N Moore did a fantastic job in getting their operation back up and running and hosting the event, hats off to Cory Moore and his staff. Participating in the event on behalf of the Foundation were Board Member Jerry Neil Paul, Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker, Medical Advisory Committee Member Jonathan Paul and Attorney Josh Paul, who all had a great time at the event. We all spent a relaxing day in the canyons of the Angeles National Forest, taking a shot at breaking sporting clays, before gathering for a delicious lunch.

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America MesoRFA.org Executive Director Elizabeth Ann Paul thanks event sponsors and everyone who came out to Aim to Cure Mesothelioma before giving everyone a brief history of how the Foundation was formed in 2001 and how far we have come since then.

Supporters heard where and how their generous donations would be used in helping to find better treatment options for this brutal disease. DC16 Organizer John Ferruccio began by thanking those who come out to support the events, as well as those who volunteer their time. Elizabeth and Jerry Paul spoke on behalf of the Foundation, thanking sponsors who continue to support the cause and have been instrumental in the success of the event as well as in the development of new treatments. Jerry Paul highlighted one of the successes with the immunotherapy treatment PD-1 antibody being used in combination with EphB-4 and the promise shown in the laboratory.

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America MesoRFA.org Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker and Southern California District Council 16 Business Manager Mike Layton before heading out on the course. Thank you Mike for your leadership and dedication to this noble cause.

The Foundation would like to personally thank all of those who organized and supported this year’s event. Without the support of people such as DC16 Organizer John Ferruccio and DC 16 Business Manager Mike Layton, this event and the great turnout would not be possible. They have done a fantastic job, year after year, and we cannot be more proud of working with them. THANK YOU !!!

EphB4, EphB4 Cancer, EphB4 Mesothelioma, Meso Cancer, Press Releases

16th Annual Golf Invitational by the Southern California Pipetrades District Coucil 16

July 16, 2018

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America MesoRFA.org
Speaking Executive Director Elizabeth Ann Paul and Board Member Jerry Paul thanking all of the event planners, participants and supporters for making the event a success year after year. We cannot thank you all enough!

Everyone at the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America would like to congratulate the Southern California Pipetrades District Council 16 for organizing an amazing event! We saw a huge turnout for the 16th Annual Golf Invitational, with a full field of 144 golfers and supporters, coming together for this great cause. Together we generated over $100,000 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 year and we cannot thank them enough for the years of support and dedication. THANK YOU!

Pipefitters Union NewsChairman of the Medical Advisory Committee Dr. Parkash Gill with UA Local 582 Steamfitter and a longtime supporter of the Foundation, Bob Modica.

Participating in the event on behalf of the Foundation was Executive Director Elizabeth Ann Paul, 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 and Elizabeth Paul spoke together, thanking everyone for supporting the event year after year, and highlighting the developments made at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Parkash Gill, Chairman of the Foundation’s Medical Advisory Committee then highlighted the use of immunotherapy treatment PD-1 antibody in combination with EphB-4 and the successes shown in the laboratory. Dr. Gill added that there has been several recent research publications in collaboration with doctors affiliated with UC Davis and University of Chicago regarding EphB-4!

Pipefitters Union NewsSouthern California District 16 Organizer John Ferruccio has been instrumental in the planning and success of the Golf Invitational benefiting mesothelioma research.
Pipefitters Union News
Board Member Jerry Paul with the newest member of the Foundation’s Medical Advisory Committee, Jonathan Paul.
EphB4, EphB4 Cancer, EphB4 Mesothelioma, Meso Cancer, Meso Facts, Press Releases

Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational

June 25, 2018

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America MesoRFA.org
Heat & frost Insulators Local 16 Business Manager Mel Brashears and the Foundation’s very own Elizabeth and Jerry Neil Paul prepare for the day’s festivities.

On June 25, 2018, the Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational returned for its 16th presentation to the Napa Valley Country Club generating funds for mesothelioma cancer research and clinical trials that will lead to better treatment options. This year’s event saw a turnout of 140 golfers and generated approximately $65,000! As always, 100% of the funds generated will go toward supporting Dr. Parkash Gill’s research at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America MesoRFA.org
Local 16 Business Manager Mel Brashears and International Vice President Doug Gamble(center). We cannot thank you and your team at Local 16 for putting on a great event and supporting this great cause.

The Roger Hamilton Event would not be possible without the continued support of Doug Gamble and Mel Breshears of the Heat and Frost Insulators. For the third year, Gamble, the International Vice President, and Breshears, the Business Manager of Local 16, have planned and hosted the event. We thank them both as they have taken 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 1.7 million dollars for mesothelioma research! For the 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 and vendors who continue to support the battle to defeat mesothelioma cancer.

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America MesoRFA.org
Chairman of the Foundation’s Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Parkash Gill, speaks to guests highlighting the great promise EPh-B4 and PD-1 have shown in studies.

After a great round of golf, supporters reconvened in the clubhouse for drinks, dinner, and learn how their donations are being used. Doug Gamble and Mel Breshears were the first to speak, thanking both the sponsors for their support and the volunteers for their roles in making the event a success. Elizabeth Paul, Executive Director of the Foundation informed the sponsors about the history of the Foundation, pointing out its critical help in the development of better treatment options for mesothelioma. Dr. Parkash Gill, Chairman of the Foundation’s Medical Advisory Committee then highlighted the use of immunotherapy treatment PD-1 antibody in combination with EphB-4 and the successes shown in the laboratory. Dr. Gill added that there have been several recent research publications in collaboration with doctors affiliated with UC Davis and University of Chicago regarding EphB-4! To close, the two acknowledged the continual support from the staff and family of the Local 16 Heat and Frost Insulators, and for their role in assuming the direction of the event.

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America MesoRFA.org
Jerry Neil Paul and Local 16’s Mark Plubell having fun together before a great round on the course.

An event of this magnitude takes too many people to thank, but certain individuals played a pivotal role in ensuring its success. To Committee Chairman Doug Gamble, Co-Chair Mel Breshears, Stan Danielson, Bill Hodges, Mark Plubell, Ben Espinoza, Chris Greaney, 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!

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America MesoRFA.org
The Foundation’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Ann Paul, Founding Board Members, Jerry Neil Paul and Jim Kellogg, and Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker represent the Foundation at the Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Tournament.