$3.6 million for mesothelioma research at University of Hawaii

File this under "angels among us": an anonymous donor recently gave $3.58 million to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center to further their mesothelioma research. Jennifer Kelleher, writing for the Associated Press, reported yesterday that 

The funds will help the center's director, Dr. Michele Carbone, research whether there are locations in the United States exposed to a fiber called erionite that is more potent than asbestos in causing mesothelioma, a cancer of the cells that line the chest and abdominal cavities.

What is erionite, and what does it have to do with mesothelioma?

For 15 years, Dr. Carbone's studies have centered on one region in Turkey where 50% of the residents cause of death is mesothelioma. His research team concluded that this abnormal rate of mesothelioma stems from erionite exposure. Erionite is a naturally-occurring mineral, like asbestos. The team found erionite in the rocks that residents use to build their homes. 

States like North Dakota have naturally-occurring erionite, and it has been found in gravel pits throughout the western part of the state, and is occasionally used to pave rural roads. Dr. Carbone is eager to use his years of study in Turkey to prevent further tragedies:

"We are still in time to intervene, to clear up these areas and reduce the exposure," Carbone said, so that what happened in Turkey doesn't happen in the United States. 

The National Institutes of Health has planned a conference this fall to discuss potential public health concerns related to erionite exposure in the United States, Carbone said, adding that the Environmental Protection Agency is also looking into the issue.

Congratulations to Dr. Carbone, the thoracic oncology department, and the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, and heartfelt gratitude to the anonymous donor that made this mesothelioma research possible.

A wise man once said (or perhaps it was a wise woman--I can't remember who said it), "All true art is anonymous." The spirit of giving is anonymous, too. Whether or not a gift is anonymous, I believe it is a generosity that transcends specifics like the name of the giver that makes those gifts possible.

Generosity from a person from an unknown locale will fund research begun in Turkey and continued in Hawaii, for the benefit of North Dakota. Some much needed good news. Thank you, anonymous donor!