Posted on April 21, 2014
Posted on March 31, 2014
Guest blog by Lou Williams, 2014 Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Alan Reinstein Award Honoree
It is hard to believe that in less than 2 days and us 2 gals (Lou and Linda – my gorgeous sister in law) will be on our way to Washington, DC for ADAO’s 10th Annual Asbestos Conference. I have my speech/powerpoint presentation for the conference packed, shoes, toiletries and will pack my clothes tomorrow! It is hard knowing exactly what to pack as we will be heading straight into the cold weather in Washington, DC and New York where we will be staying a few days with my dear friends there, then onto Santa Monica/LA area for a couple of nights ‘rest’ before flying back to Melbourne where the climate will be milder.
Today I caught up with another dear friend Julie Stafford. Julie’s husband Bruce sadly lost his battle with mesothelioma a few years ago – so our connection goes back to the early days of when Bruce and I were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Julie has written a beautiful book about a seagull/mesothelioma. It is a reminder of life, love and finding your inner strength when faced with having to be ‘brave’. Read first chapter of ‘The Seagull’ at www.juliestafford.com.au for free. A love story to change your life.
I have my passport, ticket and jacket ready – all that I need is my suitcase packed! A photo coming when we are at the airport!
Bye for now.
Lou x
March 29, 2014: Only 4 more sleeps until I fly to Washington for ADAO’s 10th Annual Asbestos Awareness Conference!
I am so excited to be well enough to fly and attend the 10th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference, “Where Knowledge and Action Unite” on April 4 – 6, 2014 in Washington, DC. I will be guest also blogging for ADAO about my journey, feelings, and experiences so each of you can join me.
When ADAO contacted me last year (2013) and asked if I would accept this award – I was just so humbled by being asked to accept an award! I thought to myself ‘Why should I be singled out to accept an award when there are so many other warriors who are more deserving than myself!
It truly is an honour to accept this award on behalf of all other brave and beautiful warriors who are not able to have a voice anymore, and one of those warriors was my dear father who lost his life in 1985 to mesothelioma,
The fight continues to ban asbestos on a global scale. America still has not banned asbestos! We still have a long fight ahead of us for a worldwide ban on eradicating asbestos. Small steps like coming together in unity such as this 10th annual ADAO’s asbestos conference goes a long way in promoting unity, awareness, education and support for each other to join forces and march onwards until asbestos is banned/eradicated entirely from the world!
I’m off to pack and will write again on Monday.
Lou Williams
Louise (Lou) Williams BLOG Asbestos – Living with Mesothelioma in Australia
Lou Williams – Asbestos Awareness, Information and Support Officer – Bernie Banton Foundation
“Lou Williams is the Asbestos Awareness, Advocacy awareness, Information and Support Officer with – Bernie Banton Foundation. Louise (Lou) Williams, is a mother, a grandmother, wife, and lives with the ‘asbestos’ cancer mesothelioma. Lou lost her father aged 54, in 1985 to pleural mesothelioma. Since then she has been passionate and dedicated in raising asbestos awareness, advocacy and support both in Australia and globally.
In 2001 she was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma and bravely fought that with extensive surgery and chemotherapy. Unfortunately in 2009 she was then diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, which required major surgery & extensive chemotherapy.
Her battle is never ending, and quite often unforgiving, throughout Lou is a very positive lady, her strengths shine through with her giving of hope, love and support to victims and their carers.
In June 2013 Lou was awarded the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organisation‘s (ADAO), 2014 Alan Reinstein Award. This award recognises Lou’s commitment to education, advocacy and support to countless patients and families around the world.
Lou has served on boards of anti asbestos support organisations since 2003, and is a valued member of the Bernie Banton Foundation team, serving as the Asbestos Awareness, Information and Support Officer.”