Mesothelioma Support & Asbestos Awareness Trust
Supporting mesothelioma patients,
their carers and family
The purpose of the MSAA Trust is to educate and connect people,
particularly those affected by mesothelioma.
Our core principles are as follows:
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Connect mesothelioma patients and carers with others to provide support through commonality
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Investigate and share treatment options available globally
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Raise awareness of malignant mesothelioma amongst the community and industry in New Zealand to support policy and regulations
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Provide relevant and helpful information for those affected by mesothelioma (and their families)
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Develop a link between medical and other services in NZ and up to date information on mesothelioma
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Raise awareness of the exposure (pathways and prevention) for asbestos which may lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma
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Advocate for better (current) treatment and equity in terms of treatment availability
The MSAA Trust is a registered charity CC60130
MESOTHELIOMA
Difficult to pronounce
Difficult to diagnose
Difficult to treat
Connect
Follow our Facebook Page for the latest information and links to our private support group for Mesothelioma patients, their carers and family.
Mesothelioma may not be curable
BUT it is one of the
most preventable cancers because the cause is known...
ASBESTOS
Our Team
Our board and volunteers
Dr Terri-Ann Berry
Trustee & Board Chair
Terri-Ann has over 20 years of experience working as a researcher in environmental science and engineering; finding solutions for problems associated with pollution and waste. Her key research interests include managing and mitigating risks associated with asbestos and asbestos-contaminated soils. As Chair of the MSAA Trust, Terri-Ann is passionate about raising awareness of the risks associated with exposure to asbestos to New Zealanders, inside and outside of the workplace. She is dedicated to creating a support network for mesothelioma patients, their carers and their families.
Beatrix Woodhouse
Trustee
Beatrix is a barrister based in Wellington with a special interest in mesothelioma cases. She has represented many people with mesothelioma over the years. Her background in law, science and bioethics and health law complements this area well.
Leonie Metcalfe
Trustee
Leonie feels well positioned to be a voice and support for mesothelioma patients and carers following her own diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma in 2020. She is passionate about raising awareness of asbestos which is the known cause of mesothelioma. Leonie has 50-plus years of nursing experience and has held leadership roles regionally and nationally within nursing and New Zealand Nurses Organisation. In 2021 Leonie was the recipient of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation’s ‘Award of Honour’.
Dan Cambridge
Trustee
Dan has over 20 years of experience in the construction and asbestos sector, working around the world in trying to set benchmarks standards of training, surveying, assessing and management of asbestos. His key roles in New Zealand included Chair of the Asbestos Surveyors and Assessors’ Group, working closely with the regulator on training consultation and development, and driving an asbestos company which created a platform of industry standards around asbestos compliance and competencies within the sector.
Sarah Tohill
Trustee
Sarah has worked in the Asbestos industry for 6 years as part of her role as Communications Manager for the New Zealand Demolition & Asbestos Association. Sarah was instrumental in launching the first Asbestos Awareness Week in New Zealand designed to help improve awareness of health risks of asbestos for tradespeople and the general public doing their own home DIY. She sees her role on this board as an extension of these awareness efforts.
Richard Sullivan
Trustee
Richard is a medical oncologist specialising in looking after and treating patients/whanau with mesothelioma, lung cancer and brain tumours. He has over 20 years’ experience and has been a lead researcher in research into new drug trials. He has held numerous leadership roles in the area of cancer care including the Director of the Northern Cancer Network for 15 years. He is currently the Deputy CMO at Auckland City Hospital and Co-chair of the advisory council for Te Aho o Te Kahu (Cancer Control Agency), and Chair of the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Governance Group. Richard currently practises at Auckland City Hospital and Canopy Cancer Care. Throughout his career he has been passionate about ensuring patients and whanau who experience mesothelioma get world-class care and treatment.
Shannon Wallis
Secretary & Treasurer
Shannon is a qualified civil engineer working in the research fields of waste and pollution. Her key research area is focused on asbestos and asbestos-contaminated soils. Shannon’s interest in finding solutions for asbestos waste has led to a dedication to raising awareness of asbestos risks in homes and in the workplace, through education.
Donate
Mesothelioma Support & Asbestos Awareness Trust
is a registered Charity.
Your contribution will help us to bring greater awareness to help prevent
others from contracting mesothelioma as well as providing support to those affected by mesothelioma.
Any amount that you are willing to donate helps and is appreciated.
Click the button below and enter your details so we know who to thank and to send your receipt at the end of the tax year.