About Us

With nearly 20 years of journalism experience, Walter has a history of making sure people are getting the information they need. As the editor of Asbestos.com, he ensures his team of writers provides patients and their loved ones with the latest and most accurate information on mesothelioma diagnosis, treatments, clinical trials and other facets of the disease.

Award-winning writer and journalist Tim Povtak brings more than three decades of experience to The Mesothelioma Center. He spends most of his time speaking with mesothelioma researchers, thoracic surgeons and mesothelioma patients in order to share their words and stories with everyone in the mesothelioma community.

Suzanne Dixon is a registered dietitian, epidemiologist and experienced medical writer. She has delivered more than 200 lectures on cancer, nutrition and public health and has co-authored medical and nutrition journal articles and book chapters. Suzanne has also volunteered with professional oncology organizations, including the American Society for Clinical Oncology and the American Institute for Cancer Research.

Michelle has devoted much of her professional life to helping mesothelioma patients get the assistance they deserve. For nearly a decade, she has shared resources about nutrition, health and wellness. Michelle is a member of the American Holistic Medical Association and has been quoted in The New York Times and many more publications. Her dedication to accuracy and clarity has helped Asbestos.com become one of the most trusted internet resources for mesothelioma survivors and their families.

Dedicated to sharing cancer research and treatment options with mesothelioma patients, Matt spends much of his time diving into mesothelioma research articles to ensure people in the mesothelioma community know the latest medical advancements. While he hasn’t been directly affected by mesothelioma, cancer runs in his family. His commitment to cancer survivors drives his desire to help every patient get the resources they need.

As an investigative writer with a dual interest in mesothelioma research and environmental issues, Daniel aims to educate others about the dangers of asbestos exposure in order to protect them from the deadly carcinogen linked to mesothelioma before it is too late. Daniel also comes from a military family and went to high school on a military base. He feels a close connection to veterans, military families and the many hardships they face. On a daily basis, he advocates for a U.S. ban on asbestos.

After struggling with symptoms and misdiagnoses for more than a year, Kasie was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2010. Two HIPEC procedures and several cycles of chemotherapy later, her cancer entered remission. Now, she spends her days running her cupcake business in Baton Rouge and bringing hope to others through her story of survival.

Lorraine is an Australian author and inspirational speaker known worldwide for sharing her firsthand experience as a cancer caregiver. Her husband Brian fought pleural mesothelioma for two years before losing his battle in 2001. Lorraine later shared her mesothelioma caregiver experience with the world.

Melanie was only 14 years old when she lost her father to mesothelioma. Working in tandem with her mother, Melanie took on the role of caregiver at a very early age. As she grew up, she vowed to use the loss of her father as a means to educate others about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the trials that accompany a mesothelioma diagnosis. Taking it one step further, Melanie is now in the process of becoming of clinical psychologist.