Miley's grandfather to be honored with memorial tribute

Ron Cyrus, Beloved Father of Billy Ray Cyrus, Honored Posthumously with the Warren Zevon “Keep Me in Your Heart” Memorial Tribute. Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Recognizes Esteemed Legislator for His Commitment to Making a Difference through Public Service

ADAO today announced that it is honoring Ron Cyrus with the Warren Zevon “Keep Me in Your Heart” Memorial Tribute. Cyrus, a Kentucky Legislator for 21 years, passed away in 2006 from the rare asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. The Warren Zevon tribute will be presented at ADAO’s Seventh Annual International Asbestos Conference April 2, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia.

“I am honored to accept the 'Keep Me in Your Heart' Memorial Tribute on my father’s behalf," said Billy Ray Cyrus. “The tragedy of asbestos disease is a story that unfortunately continues to be written for many families. I hope that my father’s legend of 'making a difference through his work' can help give an even louder voice to ADAO."

“I am enormously honored to have had the opportunity to pay tribute to Ron Cyrus,” said Jordan Zevon, ADAO spokesperson, who lost his father – Warren Zevon – to mesothelioma in 2003. “It is not just the deadly disease that they shared, but a passion for fearlessly taking a stance on what is right.”

“Ron Cyrus’ legacy is immeasurable, as he served in the United States Air Force and in the Kentucky House of Representatives for 21 years. His unselfish public service legacy echoes ADAO’s educational efforts to help end the tragedy of asbestos disease,” commented Linda Reinstein, ADAO CEO and co-founder. “We are extremely honored to have the chance to recognize Mr. Cyrus in Warren Zevon’s name.”

“Miley Ray Cyrus released the beautiful ‘I MISS YOU’ in 2007 in memory of her grandfather. As a widow who lost her husband to mesothelioma, this song literally brought tears to my eyes,” said Reinstein. “Our community of patients, families, and friends find its message especially meaningful. It is yet another reminder that as asbestos victims we are all connected by pain, yet simultaneously empowered by hope.”
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s 7th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference, “Asbestos: Impact on Public Heath, Environment, and the Economy” will be held April 1 - 3, 2011, at the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center. Presentations will include occupational and non-occupational exposure issues, detection and treatment advances, environmental and economic impact, and national and global policy. The conference is made possible with the support and collaborative efforts of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Michigan.

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is an independent global organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy and community. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation’s best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Karmanos is southeastern Michigan’s most preferred hospital for cancer care according to annual surveys conducted by the National Research Corporation. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute’s president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.

Source: businesswire.com