Charleston Mayor Proclaimed Mesothelioma Awareness Day
Mayor William Cogswell honored the late Joe F. Rice during a city council meeting this week.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Cancer
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Charleston Mayor William Cogswell officially proclaimed September 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day. The proclamation, read during a September 22 city council meeting, seeks to increase support for families impacted by the disease.
Why it matters
The recognition serves to raise visibility for mesothelioma, a severe illness caused by asbestos exposure that remains a significant occupational health hazard across the United States. It also honors the late Joe F. Rice for his long-standing advocacy work for victims of asbestos exposure.
Medical history indicates that mesothelioma can develop following asbestos exposure lasting as little as one month. Patients typically succumb to the disease within 12 to 15 months following a formal diagnosis.
The players
William Cogswell
William Cogswell is the Mayor of Charleston who issued the official proclamation recognizing the awareness day.
Joe F. Rice
Joe F. Rice was a co-founder of the law firm Motley Rice LLC and a prominent advocate for asbestos victims.
James Ledlie
James Ledlie is an attorney based in Mount Pleasant who received the proclamation on behalf of the mesothelioma advocacy effort.
The details
Mayor Cogswell presented the proclamation to attorney James Ledlie during the council meeting to commemorate the legacy of Motley Rice LLC co-founder Joe F. Rice. The initiative highlights the historical presence of asbestos in buildings and schools constructed before 1975, as well as the ongoing health risks faced by responders from 9/11 Ground Zero.
Timeline
Asbestos was commonly used in building and school construction prior to 1975.
Mayor Cogswell read the proclamation at the Charleston City Council meeting on September 22, 2026.
Mesothelioma Awareness Day is officially recognized on September 26, 2026.
The Big Picture
The city's move follows the pattern established by the 9/11 Ground Zero rescue worker health crisis by highlighting long-term respiratory disease risks following occupational toxic exposure. This proclamation reinforces local efforts to acknowledge environmental hazards similar to those faced by recovery personnel.
The proclamation aims to increase support resources for local residents dealing with mesothelioma diagnoses. It provides families with greater visibility and potential access to community-level awareness initiatives regarding asbestos-related illnesses.
The takeaway
Early awareness of asbestos exposure risks remains vital given the aggressive nature of mesothelioma. Residents are encouraged to consult healthcare providers if they have a history of working in industrial, shipyard, or construction environments.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Cancer research and advocacy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.
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