A motorcycle rally held on Aug. 8 for the Breath of Life Foundation raised more than $10,000 to support research in mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. The Breath of Life Foundation is a charity established jointly by the Insulator Locals and Contractor Associations throughout the Midwest. Michigan based Insulators Locals 25, 47 and Abatement Workers Local 207 all participate in that Foundation and its fundraising activities.

Mesothelioma is a disease that primarily affects construction workers who worked with asbestos and similar materials. Members of the Insulators Union are particularly hard hit, but other trades have seen all too many cases among their membership as well. Presently, there is no cure for mesothelioma but intensive research is going on throughout the country. In fact, the Breath of Life Foundation supports research in the Detroit area, spearheaded by Dr. Michael Harbut at Beaumont Hospital.

Greg Revard, the new International Heat and Frost Insulators General Secretary-Treasurer, said the motorcycle rally was an effort to include more rank and file members in the fundraising activities. By holding the rally on the weekend, members did not have to take time off to enjoy their favorite pastime – riding motorcycles and raising funds for a worthy cause.

The rally was held in Dayton Ohio, but riders came from all over the Midwest, with the Michigan contingent meeting up with Ohio riders in Toledo and then heading down to Dayton. Good weather, fellowship and riding were enjoyed by all, marred only by the ever present orange barrels marking road construction. Even they didn’t dampen the day, since everyone knows that road work means work hours for brother tradesmen.

If you would like to learn more about the Breath of Life Foundation and mesothelioma risks, you can visit the Foundation’s website at: www.BreathOfLifeFoundation.net.