October 2, 2017

The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America would like to congratulate and thank the Southern California Pipetrades 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 were Founding Board Members Jim Kellogg and Jerry Neil Paul, Executive Director, Elizabeth Ann Paul, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee Dr. Parkash Gill, Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker. As always, 100% of the money generated at the event will go directly to mesothelioma research to support research and clinical trials for better treatment options with the mission and hope for an eventual cure.

After a beautiful day in the Angeles National Forest, the event’s supporters gathered for a barbeque lunch and the always popular raffle of prizes. 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 were Executive Director, Elizabeth Ann Paul, Board Member, Jerry Neil Paul, and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee Dr. Parkash Gill. After thanking John Ferruccio and Mike Layton for organizing another fantastic event, as well as everyone in attendance, Elizabeth and Jerry Paul spoke about the roots of the Foundation and the massive efforts taken in developing new drugs for the treatment of mesothelioma. They then introduced Dr. Parkash Gill who spoke about the development of EPH-B4 and it being a direct result of the support seen at events such as the DC 16 clayshoot and golf invitational. Dr. Gill also reported the promise that EPH-B4 has continued to show in the FDA Clinical Trials conducted at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. This was fantastic news that was met with applause and hope for future treatment options.

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 Mike Layton, DC 16 Director of Organizing John Ferruccio and Retired International Pipetrades Representative Jim Kellogg these types of events would not be possible.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND DEDICATION!!!

July 17th 2017

Everyone at the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of American would like to thank and congratulate the Southern California Pipetrades District Council 16 for organizing another overwhelmingly successful event! The 15th Annual District Council 16 Golf Invitational saw a full field of 144 golfers, all joining to support the goal of finding a cure for Mesothelioma and collectively generating over $100,000! Over the last 15 years the DC16 Golf Invitational (also known as the Alta Vista Golf Shoot) has raised over $1.6 million for mesothelioma research with 100% of the donations going directly to Mesothelioma Research!

We could not be more proud to be associated with such a great group of people.

Representing the Foundation at the event was Board Member, Jerry Neil Paul, Executive Director, Elizabeth Ann Paul, Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Parkash Gill.

Jerry and Elizabeth Paul thanked all of those who came out to support the Foundation, as well as John Ferruccio for his tireless work in making the event a success year after year.

Dr. Parkash Gill then highlighted research and development of new treatments, such as Eph-B4 being offered at USC/Norris Comprehensives Cancer Center and the great hope it has given to patients actively participating in the clinical trials. We hope to see Eph-B4 progress through the FDA approval process and one day become a first line treatment option for all mesothelioma patients.

The Foundation would like to personally thank each and every one of the Union Locals, contractors, vendors and individuals who supported the event. We also cannot thank DC16 Business Manager Mike Layton and Director of Organizing, John Ferruccio enough for all of their hard work and continued dedication to this great cause. They have done a fantastic job year after year and we are overjoyed with the success of the events and their amazing results.

THANK YOU!

June 9, 2017, marked the 11th annual California State Pipetrades’ Aim to Cure Mesothelioma sporting clay shoot event hosted by Jim Kellogg, retired U.A. Pipetrades International Representative and former California State Fish and Game Commissioner. Supporters of the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America converged on the Birdslanding Hunting Preserve and Sporting Clay facility just outside of Concord, California. The fun event was successful yet again, raising over $60,000 for mesothelioma research, and raising awareness concerning the development of new viable treatment options. The Foundation was represented by Jerry Neil Paul and Jim Kellogg, both Board Members, as well as Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker.

After the sporting clay shoot concluded, Jim Kellogg thanked attendees. He expressed his gratitude for the continued support of the event, and how meaningful it is to him to be able to see the event’s growth. Next, Jerry Paul spoke to the importance of staying involved in the fight to raise awareness and ensure progress in developing new treatment options. He highlighted the development of EphB-4 as a milestone that indicated the viability, importance, and progress of the research. The drug is currently being administered to mesothelioma patients and is being supported by USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. It is clear that with the continued support and involvement of tradesmen and other participants in events similar to “Aim to Cure,” advances in mesothelioma treatment options will become a reality.

As with every event, 100% of the funds raised at the Birdslanding event went 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 research will achieve sustained success. We are extremely grateful to all of the participants in this event. You are all part of the solution!

On June 5, 2017, the Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational continued to generate funds and awareness toward mesothelioma treatment options in its 15th presentation. This year’s event saw over $80,000 raised, 100% of which will go toward supporting Dr. Parkash Gill’s research within the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and the clinical trials of EphB-4. Over 140 participants were able to enjoy the beautiful course offered at the Napa Valley Country Club, and the day was a wonderful mix of camaraderie and philanthropy.

This event would not have been possible without our generous hosts, Doug Gamble and Mel Breshears of the Heat and Frost Insulators. For the second time in a row Gamble, the International Vice President, and Breshears, the Business Manager of Local 16, were gracious enough to host the event for our community. The success of the event rode upon the shoulders of their teams as they both planned and implemented the day’s proceedings. Just two 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. Since its inception, the Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational has raised approximately 1.6 million dollars for mesothelioma research in order to try and find a cure to end this malicious disease. For this continued great 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 participated.

After a great round of golf, the supporters reconvened in the clubhouse for drinks, dinner, and speeches. Doug Gamble and Mel Breshears were the first to speak, thanking both the sponsors for their continued support and the volunteers for their role in planning the event. Next to speak were Elizabeth Paul, Executive Director, and Parkash Gill, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, two of the four representatives from the Foundation at the event. The pair informed the sponsors about the history of the Foundation, pointing out its critical help in the development of better treatment options for mesothelioma. To close their speeches, 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.

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, Geoff Millar, 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 be found!

Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16
2017 Holiday Luncheon

On December 6, 2016, the Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 held their annual holiday luncheon at The Reef restaurant in Long Beach. With DC16 Business Manager, Mike Layton, at the helm and Director of Organizing, John Ferruccio, running the show, the 14th Annual Alta Vista Golf Tournament and the Aim to Cure Moore & Moore Clay Shooting Events were once again smashing successes! Business managers, representatives and contractors were in attendance for the presentation of proceeds from all DC16 events held on behalf of the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America.

The Foundation’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Ann Paul, Board Member Jerry Neil Paul and Assistant Executive Director, Shane Rucker were on hand to watch John Ferruccio present Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board, Dr. Parkash Gill, the generous donation of $200,000.00!

During the presentation, Mrs. Paul first spoke about the importance of the DC16 fundraising efforts to fund research on Eph-B4, the latest estimations for bringing a drug from conception to market, and the challenges of being an orphan cancer. Dr. Parkash Gill then highlighted the current development of Eph-B4 at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and the great hope it has given to patients actively participating in the clinical trials. Our hope is that one day Eph-B4 will be a standard treatment for those diagnosed with mesothelioma. We are so proud of the progress Dr. Gill has made and hope for continued success in the lab translating to successful patient outcomes.

Thank you Mike Layton and John Ferruccio, and the DC16 staff for all of your hard work and dedication to this cause that effects so many in the trade. They continue year after year to make these events both successful and fun while raising a significant amount of money! Thank you all!

International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators and
Allied Workers Local 16 Retirees Luncheon

On December 2, 2016, Local 16 Heat and Frost Insulators Retirees held their annual holiday luncheon at Zio Fraedo’s. Friends gathered, toys in hand, to donate and support the United States Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. The luncheon was hosted by Local 16 Business Manager Mel Breshears, along with Retirees President Alan Pierce. Members of the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America were invited to attend this Christmas event.

Mel Breshears and Local 16 President Bill Hodges spoke about the great teamwork witnessed during the planning of this year’s Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Tournament, which resulted in both an excellent turnout and result.

The Foundation’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Ann Paul and Founding Board Member Jerry Neil Paul spoke on the advancements of current research and the difficulty of funding orphan cancers. Mel Breshears presented the Foundation’s Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Parkash Gill, with the proceeds from the event, approximately $73,000.00!

Dr. Gill then highlighted the development of Eph-B4 and the promise it has shown in studies. With the continued development and results seen in mesothelioma patients, Eph-B4 is moving forward in its march to becoming a first line treatment for mesothelioma.

A big “THANK YOU” to Mel Breshears, Doug Gamble, Local 16 Officers and Staff, The Roger Hamilton Golf Tournament committee members, and Alan Pierce for the opportunity to attend the luncheon and for all their dedication towards making mesothelioma a disease of the past.

We are happy to announce the return of the Roger Hamilton Memorial Golf Invitational!  We were overjoyed to hear from International Vice President of the Heat & Frost Insulators, Doug Gamble, and the Business Manager of Local 16 Heat & Frost Insulators, Mel Breshears, who decided to bring back the event that had become a staple of the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America. The event was held on June 6, 2016 at the always pristine Napa Valley Country Club in Napa Valley, CA. Doug and Mel organized a great event that witnessed a large turnout and generated approximately $60,000 for mesothelioma research! As always, 100% of the event’s proceeds will go to mesothelioma research. Everyone at the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of American would like to say THANK YOU to all of our supporters, sponsors, committee members and volunteers who made this event possible.

You may recall that the event was established in 2002 by U.A. International Representative of the Pipetrades Jim Kellogg, California Building Trades President Bob Balgenorth, and then California Building Trades Vice President Roger Hamilton, who was also a past Business Manager of the Heat & Frost Insulators. It was Roger’s idea to support research into a cure for mesothelioma. Although, Roger had been diagnosed with cancer several months before the first tournament, Roger was determined to make the first event a success while having a great time out on the course. After Rogers passing, Cindy Hamilton had taken over as chairwoman and together with the California State Building Trades Council, grew the event into what it is today. She has done a magnificent job, dedicating many hours of hard work to bring friends and supporters together, and will continue to be an integral part of the event.

After a great round of golf and the always popular putting contest that saw both official and unofficial single putts by Doug Gamble and Elizabeth Paul, supporters came together in the clubhouse for drinks and a delicious dinner. Doug Gamble and Mel Breshears kicked off the event speaking together, thanking sponsors for their continued support and the great support that was received during the planning of the event. They turned the mic over to Elizabeth Paul and Dr. Parkash Gill who informed sponsors of the history of the Foundation while highlighting how the support has helped in the development of progressive treatments for mesothelioma. They thanked sponsors for their continued support, Local 16 Heat & Frost Insulators for taking over the reins of the event and all of the Local 16 staff and family volunteers who turned out to help make the event a success.

We would like to thank everyone who had a hand in making this year’s event a great success! Without Committee Chairman, Doug Gamble, Co-chair Mel Breshears, Stan Danielson, Bill Hodges, Mark Plubell, Ben Espinoza, Jerry and Elizabeth Paul, Chris Greaney, Fortino Curiel, Geoff Millar, Shane Rucker and all of the volunteers form Local 16 who came out to help, this event would not be possible. We truly appreciate your dedication, and efforts that went above and beyond. Your support ensures research into mesothelioma will continue and a cure will be found!

The June 2016 “Aim to Cure” event hosted by Foundation Board Member and Retired International Pipetrades Representative Jim Kellogg saw another great turnout of over 100 supporters. The event netted over $51,000 for mesothelioma research, 100% of which will be used in the research and development of new mesothelioma treatment options! Shooters and supporters of the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America converged on the Birdslanding Hunting Preserve and Sporting Clay facility near Concord, California to raise awareness and donations for mesothelioma cancer research. Representing the Foundation were Board Members Jim Kellogg and Jerry Neil Paul and Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker.

After a great day of strolling through the Birdslanding Sporting Clay facility, where supporters took their chance at breaking 100 sporting clays, Jim Kellogg thanked everyone who attended, as well as all of the sponsors who have a hand in making this event such a success year after year. Founding Board Member, Jerry Neil Paul, then spoke on behalf of the Foundation, providing a history of the Foundation and the advances being made by Dr. Parkash Gill at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. He noted the development of mesothelioma treatments, such as EphB-4, currently being administered to mesothelioma patients and a pharmaceutical company currently providing support, as being milestones we can all be proud of. With the support of participants and continued support from our event sponsors, advances in the development of mesothelioma treatment options are becoming a reality.

Everyone at the Foundation would like to thank the event sponsors, volunteers, participants for supporting this great event. We would also like to acknowledge and thank Jim Kellogg for all of his hard work and dedication in making the Aim to Cure event a success year after year! THANK YOU JIM!