Mary Hesdorffer has contributed to the scientific field by:
- Former Executive Director of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (curemeso.org) – the only independent mesothelioma organization in the country
- Co-authoring peer-reviewed medical papers on mesothelioma treatment and management published in major medical journals;
- Participating in major consensus reports in collaboration with institutions like the National Cancer Institute;
- Co-editing and authoring the book Caring for Patients with Mesothelioma, which focuses on long-term care and survivorship;
- Co-authoring the best-selling book 100 Questions & Answers about Mesothelioma with Dr. Harvery Pass and Joseph Belluck, Esq.
- She has testified before Congress on the link between mesothelioma and military service, advocating for dedicated federal research funding for this historically underfunded cancer.
- She has successfully advocated for the Congressionally Directed Medical and Cancer Research Programs’ funding that has so far resulted in nearly $30 million directed toward mesothelioma research.
- Under Mary Hesdorffer’s leadership, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation: Funded millions of dollars in peer-reviewed research
- Connected patients with top specialists and clinical trials Elevated national awareness of the disease through media and public speaking engagements.