About Meso

Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to the "miracle mineral" asbestos. Each year there are thousands more afflicted by this disease. A disease that has no known cure. Many of us connect the name mesothelioma with television commercials, attorneys and lawsuits. These suits are in fact justified, however, they should never distract us from the horrors of this disease. Mesothelioma is about real people suffering real pain and families crushed by loss. Even some members of the cancer community and research groups remain confused about the facts. Compared to other cancers, funding for meso-related cancer research remains low, while each year an increasing amount of meso patients lose their lives. While many other cancers can now be treated, there is no effective treatment for meso. The word mesothelioma has become synonymous with "terminal".

The Truth About Asbestos

Typically, when we combine greed and ignorance with hazardous materials, people die. The dangers of asbestos have been known since the early 1900's, yet even today we can still find products containing this deadly component. Many of us, including some legislators, find it hard to believe that something so dangerous can be allowed to remain in our lives. Many believe it has been totally banned, but this is not the case. Typically, it takes 10 to 50 years to feel the effects of asbestos exposure. By not educating ourselves and taking action today, we are jeopardizing the health of our children in years to come.

Taking Action

Meso sufferer, fundraiser and activist Larry Davis and his daughter Courtney Davis, maintain a web site called ActionAgainstAsbestos.com that supports the ban on using and importing asbestos. You can also find articles and videos here about the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and their efforts on Capitol Hill to increase mesothelioma research funding.

Standing Up

This "standing" cyclist solo tour has been symbolic of the history and progression of asbestos, mesothelioma and the move to eliminate both from our lives. For many years, the Pittsburgh area experienced tremendous industrial activity and the use of asbestos became the norm. Today, the number of mesothelioma cases here is up to 24% higher than our national average. DC represents the future of mesothelioma relief. The power to ban asbestos use and importation resides in DC. The power to increase funding for research sits on Capitol Hill. DC was the logical end point for this saddle-less challenge. The end of asbestos, the end of mesothelioma.

Trip Details

Frank Cavaluzzi rode a custom bicycle, in a standing riding position. The frame had been modified to prevent the possible use of a seat in route. Another unique feature of this bicycle is a single-speed, fixed-gear drive train. In simple terms, the bike cannot coast. When the wheels spin, the rider must pedal. The route was primarily off-road and followed along the Great Alleghany Passage and C&O Canal Towpath trail systems. End-to-end these two trails total 320+ miles and connect the Pittsburgh area to central DC. Each day between 40 and 60 miles of off-road terrain was covered, carrying food, water and camping gear. There were several stops for media coverage along the way.

Make a Difference

In support of this effort, you may still donate directly to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation through Larry Davis' Miles for Meso web site in honor of his amazing efforts, where your money will go towards raising awareness in Washington DC, finding a cure for mesothelioma cancer.