At a time when it seems our country is more divided than ever, there is one thing we can all put our support behind: winning the fight against cancer. Not long ago, a rare bipartisan moment between Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden and conservative TV host Meghan McCain reminded us that, while cancer can be devastating, the hope for a cure is not split down party lines. This emotional interview on cancer was uplifting.
Biden appeared on ABC’s The View on December 13, 2017 to promote his book, Promise Me, Dad, in which he describes in heartbreaking detail the struggles of dealing with cancer. Biden’s son Beau was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer that claimed his life in May of 2015. Biden is no stranger to personal tragedy, having lost his first wife and daughter in a car accident in 1973. In the book, he discusses the unique difficulty of watching a loved one suffer from cancer, especially as a parent.
Biden and McCain Share Same Struggle with Glioblastoma
During the interview on The View, McCain said that she was not able to get through the book. McCain’s father, Senator John McCain of Arizona, recently succumbed to the same form of cancer that killed Biden’s son. When McCain was overcome with emotion, Biden sat next to her and grasped her hand to comfort her, saying that Senator McCain’s courage had been a comfort to Beau. Despite their ideological differences, Biden described Senator McCain as a good friend and admired his dedication to public service.
Biden, a champion for cancer research, went on to discuss some of the recent medical advances that are giving hope to patients. Specifically, he mentioned immunotherapy developments at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania that are helping T-cells to effectively target and destroy cancer cells. Novel treatment methods such as this are critical to patients suffering from rare forms of cancer, like glioblastoma, for whom conventional treatments may not be an option. We have made incredible strides recently, and as Biden says in the interview, the breakthrough we need could happen tomorrow.
Breakthroughs Needed to Defeat Rare Cancers such as Mesothelioma
It can be devastating to watch a loved one fight a losing battle with cancer, even more so if their cancer was preventable. Mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer infecting the lining of the lungs, heart, and chest cavity, is caused by exposure to asbestos. Though heavily regulated since the 1970s, asbestos is still found in many older buildings and some consumer products. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and once diagnosed, mesothelioma is very difficult to treat effectively.
Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Advocate for Victims of Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, call the mesothelioma lawyers at Shein Law. Our knowledgeable, experienced lawyers will thoroughly review the facts of your case to determine who is at fault for your asbestos exposure and get you the compensation to which you are entitled. With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, we help victims of asbestos exposure throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us today at 1-877-SHEINLAW (743-4652) or contact us online to discuss your case with a Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyer.