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!