Posted on June 25, 2014
We have been touched by asbestos in individual ways, yet we are joined together by a bond of community. As a testament to the strength of our global family, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is highlighting the courageous stories of our members with the “Share Your Story” feature on our website.
This week, we would like to honor the story of Daniel, as shared by Karen and Jennifer, his wife and daughter, who are a part of our ADAO family.
We encourage you to submit your personal stories by clicking here and following the simple instructions on the page. In sharing, comes healing. Remember, you are not alone.
“Giving Everything and Never Giving Up ” – Dan’s Story
(as shared by Karen and Jennifer, his wife and daughter)
Name: Daniel
Location: Michigan
Date of Diagnosis: 14-MAR-2013
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma
Treatment: Chemotherapy, Radiation
1942 – 2013
How has asbestos changed your life? 
March 14, 2013, changed our lives forever. It was the day my dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma. His symptoms started with pains in his right side. He went into the hospital where the doctors found fluid in his right lung. The fluid was drained and a biopsy was done on his right lung. the biopsy came back and it was Pleural Mesothelioma. My dad started treatment of Radiation and Chemotherapy.Weeks went by and he was in and out of the hospital. My mom, my two sons and myself were by his side. In June during a chemo treatment his right hand started going numb and his arm started shaking. More tests were done…the cancer had spread to his brain. Through out the weeks he was loosing more and more weight. He was back to the E.R. many times that summer. And each time he could not wait to go back home. My dad’s wishes were to be at home and we made sure we kept his wishes. We kept my dad home and took care of him. Visiting Nurses came and then Hospice came. We never left his side and would take turns holding his hand and talking to him during those summer days and nights. The last week he could no longer eat or drink. The pain never went away that he had in his side from the cancer and everything he was prescribed for the pain did not help very much. Sometimes the pain would be horrific for him and he could not sleep. Dan fought this battle with everything he had and never gave up. He was a Warrior…for what he endoured and for what a battle he fought. Dan passed away on July 17, 2013, peacefully with his family by his side. He will be forever missed and will be in our hearts and thoughts forever. Dan was a great son, husband ,dad, and grandpa and great person. We love you and miss you. Karen and Dan Miller’s 49th wedding anniversary was June13, 2013. It was spent in the hospital and their 50th wedding anniversary would have been June 13, 2014.
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