ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwired - December 05, 2016) - Gleneara E. Bates, MSW, has joined the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation's team as Director of Support Initiatives and Medical Outreach.

In her new role at the Meso Foundation, Ms. Bates will support patients and family members and develop patient education programs; work with the medical community on initiatives to help strengthen mesothelioma research and resources; oversee the Foundation's research grant program; and expand the Foundation's medical resource library and network of professionals.

Gleneara is a licensed social worker who attended Columbia University School of Social Work and Columbia University Law School. While in graduate school, Ms. Bates worked with the New York City Administration for Children's Services writing health polices for children in care. During this time, she co-authored a sexual reproductive health policy that was put into action in New York State in Fall 2014.

She is currently a researcher and instructor at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. Her work focuses on the bio-physiological aspects of tumor resistance in response to chemotherapy in mesothelioma. Her recent studies focus on heat shock proteins and their role in tumor resistance in response to chemotherapy, the role of platinum agents in inducing checkpoint inhibitors related to tumor progression, and the quality of life of mesothelioma patients and caregivers during and post-treatment.

Ms. Bates hosts a summer internship program for students interested in mesothelioma research. She currently serves on the ASCO Cancer Survivorship committee and IASLC Tobacco Control and Smoking Cessation committee.

Ms. Bates can be reached at gbates@curemeso.org or (703) 879-3821.

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the lining of the lung, abdomen, or heart known to be caused by exposure to asbestos. With the life expectancy of less than one year after diagnosis, medical experts consider it one of the most aggressive and deadly of all cancers. An estimated one-third of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed while serving in the Navy or working in shipyards. Currently, few treatment options exist. There is no cure.

ABOUT THE MESOTHELIOMA APPLIED RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The Meso Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma and easing the suffering caused by this cancer. The Meso Foundation actively seeks philanthropic support to fund mesothelioma research; provide patient support services and education; and advocate Congress for increased federal funding for mesothelioma research. The Meso Foundation is the only non-government funder of peer-reviewed scientific research to develop life-saving treatments for this extremely aggressive cancer. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $9.4 million to research. More information is available at www.curemeso.org.