Help Make a Difference by Participating in a Mesothelioma Clinical Trial

Clinical trials can seem daunting. There are usually a lot of criteria and a lot of steps that need to be taken to even be considered as a participant. Once you are accepted, it can, in my family’s case, mean you’ll have to do some traveling and be monitored consistently. However, the benefits of participating in a clinical trial far outweigh these aspects. Sometimes, what may appear as a bother, can actually be a huge help.

When my Dad participated in a clinical trial in 2012, he was extremely open to it. He said that if there was a possibility that it could help him, why wouldn’t he do everything he could! He was happy to be involved in a study that could help someone else, even if it didn’t help him directly. He was glad to be monitored so closely; it made Dad feel good knowing that he was doing well and that he was free of cancer. It almost acted like a security blanket at times; he got to see world class doctors every two weeks, what a blessing!

Some people may look at a clinical trial and think that since it’s still in a sort of experimental stage, it’s not worth the time and energy required to take part. I challenge you to reflect on this in a different way. Sticking with the study can benefit you, and you could be the first success story in a long line of patients! Also, it’s a beautiful thing to know that you are helping someone else; it could be a total stranger, or someone 100 years from now, but you are making a difference.

Just think, nothing would get cured and no one would be able to make progress in medical research without those amazing individuals who tried out the mesothelioma cancer treatments first. Have faith and trust that God will put you exactly where you need to be!

Thank you to all who have been participants in clinical trials; your bravery and commitment are appreciated more than you know.