(Hauppauge, NY-September 26, 2013) Today, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone was joined by the Lindsay Family; Patricia Lindsay, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lindsay and their son Christopher, Denise Sullivan, Suffolk County Legislators, Mary Hersdorffer, Executive Director of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and representatives from IBEW Local 25, to proclaim Mesothelioma Awareness Day in Suffolk County in honor of the late Presiding Officer William J. Lindsay.
September 26th has been set aside by Congress as a national day to raise the public’s awareness of mesothelioma and to encourage all Americans to help raise funds to combat the deadly disease.
“It is my distinct honor to proclaim today as Mesothelioma Awareness Day in Suffolk County in honor of a great man and true public servant, the late Suffolk County Presiding Officer William J. Lindsay,” said County Executive Bellone. “Throughout his lifetime of service, Bill always fought for what was right and he served as voice to ensure those whom he represented were aware of mesothelioma and tried to ensure the least amount of exposure to asbestos for his members.”
Mesothelioma is a malignant cancer of the lining of the lung and abdomen closely associated with inhaling microscopic asbestos dust. About 3,000 Americans die each year of mesothelioma and thousands more die of lung cancer related to asbestos.
“Throughout my father's entire career he fought day in and day out to protect the rights of all workers and fought consistently to raise awareness about asbestos related diseases,” said the Presiding Officer’s son by the same name, Bill Lindsay. “His battle with this deadly disease was not lost, and is carried on in all of us, especially on days like today that promote awareness about the dangers of exposure to asbestos. He believed that workers nationwide had a right to work in a safe environment without fear of industrial related illnesses. To honor my father’s life and legacy on National Mesothelioma Day is something he would have been very proud of. I know he is looking down on us and smiling because his mission to end this debilitating disease continues on in all of us. “
“The mesothelioma applied research foundation remains determined to secure much needed research funding,” stated Mary Hersdorffer, Executive Director of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. “Bill was a firm supporter of our mission to find a cure for this aggressive rare cancer. Mesothelioma research is underfunded and we must continue research efforts to find more treatments for those suffering from the disease. We lost a true American hero who loved his family, community and was devoted to his faith. I encourage all to visit www.curemeso.org to find out information about the disease and ways that you can assist with research efforts.”
“Mesothelioma is a devastating disease. We can minimize the risks of this and other occupational diseases through awareness, prevention and avoidance,” stated Legislator Spencer, M.D. “I am committed to honoring Presiding Officer Bill Lindsay’s legacy and fulfilling my promise to him by supporting and fighting for the Long Island Occupational & Environmental Health Centers. Partnering with the North Shore University Health System and NYCOSH, I am dedicated to creating safer work environments for the employees and workers of Suffolk County through education, occupational medical and clinical services.”
The late Presiding Officer William J. Lindsay was diagnosed with lung cancer late in 2011 and while he was battling this treacherous disease he remained committed to serving Suffolk County and its residents. “We will continue to honor his service to the County by declaring September 26th as Mesothelioma Awareness Day in honor of William J. Lindsay,” stated Bellone.