3rd Annual, “The Greatest Escape” Motorcycle Ride is Back with Grand Marshal Fabio, Register Now!

Worthington & Caron is thrilled to announce that it will again serve as lead sponsor for the 3rd Annual “The Greatest Escape” Motorcycle Ride for Mesothelioma Research in Los Angeles. “The Greatest Escape” is inspired by actor and motorcycle enthusiast Steve McQueen, whose vibrant life was cut short by mesothelioma at the age of 50 on November 7, 1980. The Greatest Escape is hosted by The Pacific Mesothelioma Center (PMC) at the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI), with 100% of proceeds supporting PMC’s much-needed research for a cure for mesothelioma.

“The Greatest Escape” will take place on Sunday July 26, 2015. Sign-in and day of event registration begins at 8:30 AM, with the ride taking off at 10 AM from Glendale Harley-Davidson located at 3717 San Fernando Rd in Glendale. Riders will cruise along scenic Angeles Crest Highway led by this year’s celebrity grand marshal, actor/model and motorcycle enthusiast Fabio Lanzoni. The ride will finish at the legendary mountain-top roadhouse, Newcomb’s Ranch.

Upon arriving at Newcomb’s ranch, riders can kick back in the shade of the surrounding redwoods, enjoy a barbeque lunch, quench their thirst with a cold craft beer and be entertained by the rock band Cherry & the Bulldogs. There will also be raffle prizes and a live auction. K-Earth 101’s Morning Show host, Gary Bryan, will MC the event.

Registration for riders is $40, and $30 for passengers who pre-register by July 25, 2015. Day of event registration is $45 for riders and $35 for passengers. Participants will receive a commemorative pin, bandanna, and lunch. Non-riders are also welcome to join for $25 which covers lunch, entertainment, and parking.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities and to register please visit http://www.thegreatestescape.org/, or contact Clare Cameron at 310-478-4678, or via email: ccameron@phlbi.org.

The last two years raised over $100,000 for mesothelioma research! Help us break the record!

• The Greatest Escape Shows Anything's Possible
• “The Greatest Escape” Motorcycle Rally for Meso - The Sequel

Deaths Caused by Exposure to Asbestos Much Higher Than Previously Estimated

The  Environmental Working Group (EWG) is reporting that the number of deaths caused by asbestos related disease in the U.S. is much higher than previously believed. Extensive analysis done by EWG Action Fund concludes that approximately 15,000 Americans die every year from asbestos-related diseases, that’s 5,000 more than previous estimates of 10,000 a year.

EWG analyzed death records from the Centers for Disease Control for 1999 to 2013, identifying all deaths attributed solely or in part to mesothelioma or asbestosis, and found that the actual number of deaths caused by exposure to asbestos is likely much higher. Asbestos exposure is now being linked in many cases to ovarian cancer, abdominal cancers, colorectal and laryngital cancers.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 107,000 people around the world die every year from asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Read the full report here.

FACT- Here We Go Again

If we've learned one thing, it's this: the asbestos industry is incapable of doing the right thing. Their history speaks for itself.  A legacy of lying, poisoning, cheating, obfuscating and denying. Billions spent on covering up their crimes. Thousands  of preventable and premature deaths. Millions spent on lobbyists to change the laws to make it harder for victims to get to a jury. Nary a nickel invested in prevention or cure.

Every few years, the Asbestos industry gathers up their favorite politicians and prop up another bail out bill. The last one they called the FAIR act even though a six year old understood that the bill was anything but fair. The most recent effort is another fine tribute to George Orwell's dire warnings of the encroachment of "doublespeak" -- the FACT act (Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency). It's mission is to make it more difficult for asbestos cancer plaintiffs to get a fair trial with a chance for a full, honest and fair recovery. But, again, even a six year old understands that the only thing "transparent" about the FACT act is it's grotesque support of the abusers and abject criminalization of the abused.

Please read the article below posted by Susan Vento, whose husband Congressman Bruce Vento died from mesothelioma 15 years ago. (Susan has spoken out about this bill as far back as 2013.)  Bruce was one of the good guys. At the time, we advocated that Congress recognize Bruce's work by creating a mesothelioma research and treatment plan in his name. Congress, alas, looked the other way. Instead of launching an effort to cure asbestos cancer, they've instead chosen to spend the people's time ginning up embarrassing corporate bail out bills. 

Stay tuned. Like the Terminator, they're back, and they simply will not stop, unless we stop them. 
------------
Asbestos Victims to Congress: Stop Fast-Tracking Legislation That Would Violate Victims' Privacy  By Susan Vento, May 13, 2015

The Spirit of John Johnson Alive and Well at the 2015 Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling

Karl Menzies
Wins the 2015
Dana Point Grand Prix

Dana Point, CA. The Men’s Pro race at the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling this weekend exemplified what the John Johnson Family is all about – celebrating life, rewarding risks, never giving up, and going for the gusto.

John Johnson is well known on these pages. John passed away from mesothelioma in 2012. His family had every reason to be bitter. John was misdiagnosed by the VA. When he was diagnosed, an inexperienced VA surgeon attempted to operate on the tumor but aborted.

John finally found Dr. Robert Cameron, who performed a grueling 11 hour operation. But it would prove to be too late to save John from his unrelenting disease.

Wanting justice, John pursued a lawsuit against the companies who poisoned him with asbestos. His health was declining. But John knew that if he did not complete his testimony, the defendants would win and his family would be stuck with the ever-increasing bill for his illness.

One tough Marine, John hung on and preserved the record for his family so the case would live on. He passed away shortly after completing this final mission.

Michael Johnson Family

The Johnsons prevailed in their lawsuit, thanks to John’s warrior spirit and love of family. Thereafter, the Johnson family embraced John’s warrior spirit and has fought to prevent their tragedy from smacking down other families.

The Johnsons lobbied for a change in California law to make it less burdensome for ill plaintiffs to enforce their legal rights. They prevailed. They then lobbied to create a Mesothelioma Center of Excellence at the VA hospital in West Los Angeles, headed by Dr. Cameron. Again, they prevailed.

The Johnson family stands for hope, for life, and for winning, against impossible odds. For the past three years, they have been the lead sponsor of the Dana Point Grand Prix Pro Men’s race. Son Michael Johnson is a world class athlete, and he’s been using cycling as a vehicle to get the message of hope out for mesothelioma patients.

The racers heard the message. They went from the gun, all out, never looking back, not making excuses, and charged hard like it was their last race ever. A breakaway of four formed early and they held off the charging peloton at the line.

Roger Worthington, Mary and Terry
Latham and John Caron

Karl Menzies of United Health Care, a tough, savvy and muscular veteran pro hailing from Tasmania, took the victory. He was followed by youngsters Tyler Magner (Hincapie Racing), from Georgia, and Canadian Ryan Aitcheson of Team Astellas.

It was especially gratifying to have on hand another mesothelioma warrior, Terry Latham, and his lovely wife Mary. Terry, now 74 years old, was operated on by Dr. Cameron in June of 2010. Having recently celebrated his fifth year as a survivor, Terry continues to love life and go for the gusto!

Well done bike racers! Kudos to the City of Dana Point for hosting a world class event! Thank you John Johnson Family! And may the spirit keep moving you Terry and Mary Latham!

Cheers

Roger Worthington

5/5/15

Future Pro Racer

Latest Lung-Sparing Therapies, Patient Resources and “Hollywood Ending” at Pacific Meso Center’s 5th International Symposium

Dr. Robert Cameron

The Pacific Meso Center, in conjunction with The Office of Continuing Medical Education of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, held the 5th International Symposium on Lung-Sparing Therapies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma on May 2nd, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. The Worthington & Caron Law Firm was proud to again be the platinum sponsor of this unique medical seminar focusing on rational treatment options for patients with pleural mesothelioma.

As in years past, the course organizer and chair of the symposium was thoracic surgeon and pleural mesothelioma specialist, Dr. Robert Cameron. An ardent supporter of rational lung-sparing treatments for pleural mesothelioma, and innovator of the pleurectomy/decortication (“PD”) surgical procedure, Dr. Cameron is the founder and director of the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program at both the UCLA Medical Center and the West Los Angeles Veterans’ Administration Medical Center.

International Panel of Specialists Discuss Latest Treatment Developments

Dr. Walter Weder

Dr. Cameron started the program with a presentation regarding the pros and cons of extending lung-sparing surgery to include the diaphragm and pericardium. Reviewing relevant study data along with his experience treating patients at UCLA and the West Los Angeles VA, Dr. Cameron concluded that it is preferable to limit the procedure to where the tumor is already present. Resection of the diaphragm and pericardium poses a risk of spreading tumor cells distantly to the abdomen and contralateral pleura and is not necessary in most patients.

In a second presentation, Dr. Cameron addressed the potential role of vaccines as an immunotherapy agent in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. He explained how vaccines can be used to overcome the immunosuppressive microenvironment of tumor cells. He sees a potential for using vaccines before, during and/or after lung- sparing surgery for pleural mesothelioma.

Dr. Walter Weder, Head of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Zurich Hospital in Switzerland, gave a presentation on his experience in transitioning from Extra-Pleural Pneumonectomy (“EPP”) to lung-sparing PD as the preferred surgical treatment for pleural mesothelioma. He also addressed a new study at the University of Zurich exploring the efficacy of a strategy to improve local control after surgery. The study, which is in its very early stages, involves spraying a mixture of Cisplatin and fibrin intraoperatively to the tumor site.

Dr. Percy Lee

Dr. Marc de Perrot, Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Toronto, addressed the present and future use of IMRT radiation therapy before surgery. He addressed a recent study showing encouraging results for patients with epithelial mesothelioma who received one week of hemithoracic IMRT before surgery. Dr. Perrot suggested that in future studies, the protocol should be refined to include an immunotherapy agent.

Three separate presentations regarding topics relating to adjuvant radiation therapies were presented by Dr. Percy Lee, Chief of Thoracic Radiation Oncology and member of the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program at UCLA Medical Center, Dr. Peter Chen, Radiation Oncologist at Hoag Family Cancer Institute, and Dr. Shilpen Patel, Associate Professor at the University of Washington Medical Center. The presentations revealed that recent advancements in technology and treatment methods, including helical tomotherapy, have decreased toxicity and increased the effectiveness of adjuvant radiation therapy.

Dr. Olga Olevsky

Dr. Olga Olevsky, Oncologist and member of the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program at UCLA, addressed recent developments in systemic therapies for pleural mesothelioma, including numerous immunotherapy treatments and treatments involving cancer stem cells. Dr. Olevsky indicated that as more systemic therapies become available, developments in identifying and correlating biomarkers may allow doctors to identify which therapy will be most effective for a given patient.

Dr. J. Andrea McCart, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto Department of Surgery, presented the results of a recent study regarding the use of virotherapy as adjuvant to debulking surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma. She also presented the results of animal studies involving the use of virotherapy in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma, concluding that the favorable results suggest that it should be developed for use in humans.

Dr. Raymond Wong

Pacific Meso Center Research Scientist Raymond Wong, PhD gave a presentation regarding the results of his study at the Pacific Meso Center Lab in Los Angeles using mesenchymal stem cells to deliver drugs to tumor cells to increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy agents. He noted the opportunity to incorporate delivery via mesenchymal stem cells with the many studies that are currently being conducted for the new PD-1 immune checkpoint blocking drugs.

Patient Resources and Advocacy

Lien Hua-Feng,
Nurse Practitioner

Lien Hua-Feng, Nurse Practitioner at the Pacific Meso Center, gave an eye-opening presentation regarding deceitful tactics employed by disreputable lawyers seizing on the vulnerability of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. She provided examples of websites appearing to be maintained by medical professionals offering free assistance with medical treatment and contacting mesothelioma specialists. But the “disclaimer page” on the sites reveals that they are really maintained by a law firm and should not be relied upon for making medical decisions. She explained that, instead of getting reliable medical information, patients who contact the sites are besieged with calls from so-called “patient advocates” or attorneys seeking to sign them as clients. Nurse Hua-Feng warned patients of the importance of turning to “real” medical professionals for reliable medical information and experienced attorneys for reliable legal information.

Linda Reinstein, President and CEO of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, gave a presentation on recent legislation regarding asbestos and the status of her ongoing efforts to get congress to enact a meaningful ban of asbestos in the United States.

“Hollywood Ending”

Clare Cameron

Pacific Meso Center Executive Director Clare Cameron gave an enlightening presentation regarding the long-standing use of asbestos in the film industry and the number of actors and production workers who have been stricken with mesothelioma. She provided shocking statistics about the amount of asbestos used in such classic movies as “Wizard of Oz,” “White Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

The symposium concluded with an emotional presentation from Mia Lauter, wife of actor Ed Lauter, who appeared in over 550 feature productions and lost his life to mesothelioma in 2013. She explained that when Ed was diagnosed, the only treatment options his doctor told him about were chemotherapy and amputation of his lung though EPP. Ed eventually had chemotherapy and died shortly thereafter.

Mia expressed regret over not knowing about the Pacific Meso Center at the time, and how, with information about additional treatment options such as the lung-sparing treatments available through UCLA and Dr. Cameron, Ed’s situation could have been different.

Mia and Ed Lauter

Mia is converting her grief into action to improve the outcomes of others who contract mesothelioma, both in and out of the entertainment industry. She is working with PMC to hold a fundraising gala in November at the SLS Hotel in Hollywood. Ed’s good friend and former co-star Liam Neeson has committed to participate in the event which will raise much needed funds for mesothelioma research conducted by PMC.

Mia stated that when Ed was diagnosed, he and others afflicted with mesothelioma needed a “louder voice.” Now, with her commitment to raising awareness and the need for research, mesothelioma sufferers will have a “Lauter voice!”

The Pacific Meso Center plans to release videos of the symposium presentations on its website in the coming weeks.

Fight Mesothelioma, Raise Awareness, Have Fun

This Sunday, May 3, sunny Dana Point, California will host the 9^th Annual Dana Point Grand Prix (DPGP). Professional cyclists, amateurs, and kids (yes kids!) will race around downtown Dana Point in the largest single day criterion race in America!

The races will begin at 7:00 a.m. sharp and will include 13 races total, including free Youth Races sponsored by the Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation. There will also be a $12,000 Pro Women’s criterium prize, the largest in Southern California history. It’s not all about cycling of course, there will be music, food, and craft beer to be enjoyed by all, cyclist or not.

In remembrance of John Johnson and his courageous fight against Mesothelioma, the Johnson Family is sponsoring the final event of the day, the John Johnson Family Pro NCC Classic for the third year in a row.  John Johnson was a veteran and plumber who was poisoned by asbestos, contracted mesothelioma, underwent aggressive treatment to prolong his life, but ultimately succumbed to the disease. 

John Johnson Family

After his death, the Johnson family set out to increase public awareness of this horrible disease which disproportionately affects military veterans, by providing substantial funding for a mesothelioma treatment center at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, and by pushing for changes in the law which impacts the rights of all mesothelioma sufferers. John’s son, Michael, is a competitive cyclist who will be participating in the day’s events and is also a hard-charging advocate and source of information and support for mesothelioma patients and their families.

We would love to see you there!

All Proceeds from the DPGP Youth Races benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley.

For registration information, details, and directions, click here.

Jury Finds Colgate-Palmolive Talcum Powder Causes Mesothelioma, Awards $13 Million.

Los Angeles County, CA  

A jury in Los Angeles County (Chatsworth) yesterday on April 28, 2015 unanimously found that Colgate-Palmolive’s Cashmere Bouquet talcum powder, which they sold from the 1930s to 1995, caused our client Judith Winkel’s malignant pleural mesothelioma.

The jury deliberated just two hours. They found that Colgate failed to warn consumers about their defective product, among other violations. The jury also found that Colgate, which denied that their product contained asbestos, was guilty of malice, which exposed Colgate to possible punitive damages.

On nearly a daily basis from 1961 to 1977, Judith Winkel used Cashmere Bouquet Talcum powder, primarily after showering. Like every other consumer, she loved the fragrance but had no idea the silky white powder could later cause one of the most insidious cancers known to medicine.

This was the first verdict ever against Colgate-Palmolive, whose army of lawyers argued that their product did not contain asbestos, that Judith Winkel did not use their product, that her life would not be shortened by mesothelioma, and that if she was exposed, the amount was too small to cause mesothelioma.

The jury disagreed, finding that Colgate’s Cashmere Bouquet Talcum Powder was 95% responsible for Judith Winkel’s mesothelioma. The evidence showed that Colgate purchased its talc from mines in Italy, North Carolina, and Montana, and the talc was contaminated with up to 20% asbestos fiber, including the most toxic form of asbestos (viz., amphibole).

The evidence also showed that scientists had begun detecting asbestos in talcum powder since 1942, but Colgate did not begin testing its Cashmere Bouquet for asbestos until 1971. At that time, Colgate was warned that their talcum powder contained dangerous levels of asbestos. But Colgate neither alerted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the health risks, nor did they warn consumers that exposure to their product could cause cancer. 

Judith, a 73 year-old retired office clerk, mother and grandmother who has been married to husband John “Cubby” Winkel since 1964, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in early 2014. She was operated on by Dr. Robert Cameron of UCLA Medical School. Dr. Cameron noted that thoracic surgeons regularly use talcum powder in mesothelioma patients to retard the spread of the tumor, but when they do so they require that the talcum powder be certified as “asbestos free.”

“This trial was about accountability,” said John Winkel. “Colgate made a dangerous product but they refused to admit it. Judy and I are thankful that the jury was not bamboozled by their shenanigans. Now we just want to enjoy the time we have.”

The case was tried by our co-counsel, David Greenstone and Chris Panatier, of Simon Greenstone Panatier  and Bartlett (SGPB). A Colgate lawyer proudly boasted before trial that they would destroy our respective law firms, the Winkels and our experts. Their lawyer also warned us that their war chest to win this case was virtually bottomless.

“While we celebrate the first verdict ever against Colgate-Palmolive, and are thankful for the jury’s service, as well as the courageous work of our colleagues at SGBP,” said Roger Worthington of Worthington & Caron, P.C. “We are also mindful that Judy continues to live with mesothelioma. She and Cubby deserve compensation, but what they really want is to be able to play with their grandchildren and tend to their garden. With Dr. Cameron’s expert guidance, we are hopeful that Judy will be eligible for experimental therapies that will buy her many more years with her grandchildren and her flowers.”

“Dr. Cameron is an incredible physician,” said Cubby. “We are so thankful for his dedication. He’s always been there for us. This is a tough cancer with a bad prognosis but we’re thankful that Dr. Cameron and his team keep searching for a cure.”

Roger Worthington

April 29, 2015