It was recently announced that the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) was selected to the first ever list of top-rated cancer fighting nonprofit organizations. The list was part of the 2009 GreatNonprofits Cancer Fighters Awards, which asked people to submit reviews and ratings about nonprofits serving the cancer community. This list is unique in that this is the first list compiled by people who have actually experienced these organizations’ work.

The contest asked for reviews throughout the month of July, and was sponsored by GreatNonprofits, GuideStar and Planet Cancer. Awards were presented to organizations in various geographical areas, and also to some organizations based on their annual budget, so that organizations with smaller operating funds would not have to compete against those with major funding. The Meso Foundation, based in Santa Barbara, Calif., was named Best of West.

The Meso Foundation is a collaboration of patients, families, physicians, advocates and researchers working to find a cure for mesothelioma. They provide education for patients and families, raise awareness about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, connect people into a supportive community, and raise funding for mesothelioma reserach.

According to a news release on the Meso Foundation web site, Perla Ni, CEO and Founder of GreatNonprofits is quoted as saying, “There are so many great nonprofits that don’t have an advertising budget and are not household names. Through this first-ever list of top-rated cancer nonprofits, you can see how some of these nonprofits literally have saved lives. Donors and volunteers who are interested in fighting cancer can now see which nonprofits are really making a difference.”

Visit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Great Nonprofits review page to read testimonials from people served by this great organization at http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/mesothelioma-applied-research-foundation-inc.

A complete list of the 2009 GreatNonprofits Cancer Fighters Awards is available on the Cure Meso web site at www.curemeso.org.