Posted on April 27, 2014
April 24, 2014: The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Mourns the Loss of Mesothelioma Warrior Michael
April 22, 2014: Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization to Attend Michael’s Miracle 5K on April 26
March 14, 2014: Cure Mesothelioma: Michael’s Miracle 5K
February 1, 2014: Mesothelioma Patient, Michael Bradley, Receives the 2014 ADAO Special Recognition of Valor Award
May 21, 2013: Mesothelioma Patient Fundraiser for Michael
February 5, 2013: “Asbestos Has Changed My Life” – Michael’s Story
April 26, 2014: Michael’s Miracle 5K
“On behalf of all of us at the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), I am truly honored to be here at Michael’s Miracle 5K. When Sandy invited me to speak today, about asbestos awareness and prevention, we were hoping and praying that Michael would be here with us. But sadly, we are honoring his memory instead. As we mourn the heartbreaking loss of our dear friend Michael, we are comforted to be surrounded by so many who loved him – standing here today and online.
Michael’s courage and perseverance were an inspiration to Mesothelioma Warriors and their families in the US and around the world. When he heard his mesothelioma diagnosis in 2012, he never looked back. He set his course on change and we all saw his remarkable accomplishments.
When Michael first contacted me, he wasn’t asking for help – instead, he wanted to know how he could offer hope to others and raise asbestos and mesothelioma awareness. As a giver, he always made time for others.
I remember like it was yesterday when I first met Michael and Sandy in person. There was no hiding Michael’s beautiful sky blue eyes that were filled with love. We had the best visit and took a photo by his car to remember the day – I couldn’t help but notice the “Life is Good” wheel cover. Each day Michael found the goodness in life and people.
Sadly, Michael knew that he wouldn’t see a cure for mesothelioma in his lifetime, but he was so wise about prevention. By sharing his story, his battle, his pain, his anger – he raised awareness around the world. Michael allowed me to share his story in more than 15 Congressional hearings, staff briefings, and keynote speeches. Trust me, each time I spoke about Michael – there was silence and people felt and heard his words. Some people found these last months of sharing to be difficult to read or see. I gently reminded them Michael and his family were living this each day. As we work to stop asbestos imports and ban asbestos – Michael’s story will continue to be shared, felt, and remembered.
It is said, “Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death.” Michael was a selfless man and deeply religious. I remember Michael telling me during his last hospital stay, that he was visiting and praying with other patients. Michael was a great teacher of the importance of hope, faith, and family. His love for his mama was so pure and their bond was undeniably unbreakable.
On February 1, 2014, I was honored to present Michael with the ADAO Special Recognition of Valor Award due to his extraordinary commitment to raising awareness and action to prevent exposure and policy to ban asbestos. Thanks to Sandy and David, I was able to see Michael’s smile via their video. Dr. Richard Lemen, retired Assistant Surgeon General and ADAO Science Advisory Board co-chairman, wrote a commendation letter to Michael for his Valor award and said, “It takes a brave and courageous man to open up his life and to share as you have. Thank you for being who you are and for showing all of us how life’s most difficult challenges can be faced with courage and dignity. Your experiences will make a difference.”
Around the world, we are united by our pain and fervent belief that change is possible. Everyone here – loves Michael – but there are thousands you can’t see. When I asked our mesothelioma community for help in designing Michael’s ADAO conference tribute page – within seconds – Domani, whose father has mesothelioma, had offered and designed this beautiful page.
I’m so happy Michael knew he was a hero! Michael was scheduled to present at our Washington, D.C. conference in April, but became too ill to attend. When the Acting U.S. Surgeon General, Rear Admiral Boris Lushniak learned about Michael, he made sure his keynote speech included Michael and his family. Dr. Lushniak called Michael a hero many times and we all know that he was absolutely correct – Michael is and will always be a hero.
Even when he was very sick, Michael’s spirit shined through in Facebook postings like this one: “Thank you God for helping me through the rough days so that I can enjoy the good days. … Thank you everyone for your prayers. Love you!! Have a good day.”
The loss of Michael at the age of only 29, to mesothelioma, an entirely preventable and senseless disease, reinforces why we must stop importing asbestos and pass ban asbestos legislation. We are eternally grateful to Michael for dedicating so much time at the end of his short life to advocate against asbestos. As we mourn, we must now continue that fight in his memory.
Michael, I will miss your humor, optimism, and support. I promise, you will remain in my heart and work forever. Look for Alan in heaven; he will undoubtedly have a hug for you too. Hey Michael, can you please do me a favor? Tell Alan that Emily and I are doing ok – but we miss him every single day.
May we keep Michael’s family in our thoughts and prayers.” ~ Linda
NOTE: Sandy and Misty presented ADAO with Michael’s “Ban It Bear” on Saturday. It was deeply touching, as Michael wanted ADAO to have his bear. I left it with his family for now, in hopes the extra comfort will help them through their healing. Michael’s voice and mission lives on in each of us.
The memorial service for Michael Bradley will be on Saturday, May 3 at 4:00 pm at the Wilson Funeral Home, 443 Boynton Road, Ringgold, GA. If you would like to make a donation to the family in lieu of flowers, please use the ADAO PayPal link. 100% of all donations received will go to Sandra Neuenschwander.