Homegrown social media campaign grows rapidly in support of Wonder Woman with mesothelioma
Today is Wonder Woman Day in Rushville, Indiana. The town’s mayor made the declaration Monday in honor of Rushville resident and mesothelioma patient Janelle Bedel. A portion of today’s sales from the Rushville Hardee’s will benefit Janelle who plans to donate the funds to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.
The declaration is the culmination of an outpouring of community support for Janelle and her family after they announced her decision to enter hospice. Since then, thousands of people have changed their Facebook profile picture to the Wonder Woman logo in honor Janelle and her work to raise awareness of mesothelioma.
Janelle was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2007 at the age of 31. Her son was 4. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Sadly, its typical survival rate is 6 to 14 months. Janelle underwent multiple procedures, surgeries and chemotherapy to extend her life. Her local paper followed her story and the town rallied to support her.
After her diagnosis, Janelle bought a Wonder Woman shirt at her local Goodwill. She and her family adopted it as their own symbol of resilience and strength beyond that of just the average woman. Janelle took her fight against mesothelioma to the streets and became a hero to the mesothelioma community in the process.
She organized several events to raise awareness of mesothelioma including two Miles for Meso events that raised thousands of dollars for research. In addition, she also helped lobby on Capitol Hill for a national Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Along with her effort and many others, the U.S. Congress has since officially recognized Sept. 26 as National Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
In the six years since her diagnosis, she has not only beaten the odds, but has inspired thousands to continue advocating for a mesothelioma cure and an asbestos ban.
To honor Janelle’s heroic fight against mesothelioma, the Firm has changed its Facebook profile picture to the Wonder Woman logo. She is a huge inspiration to us, and we encourage everyone to join us in honor of Janelle and her mission to continue to raise awareness of mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos exposure.
