Posted on September 9, 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 Paola, as shared by Luca, who is 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.
“Her Death Reduced My Life to Rubble” – Paola’s Story
Name: Paola
Location: Italy
Date of Diagnosis: 13-FEB-2012
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma
1976 – 2013
How has asbestos changed your life? 
Paola’s illness and then her death reduced my life to rubble, my certainties in life, my flans disappeared into thin air. I was left with fear, powerlessness and anger…I was living in an empty house, with days to fill and hours spent at her grave. I went from having a life I could not have asked more of, to a complete stalemate. ‘ And now, what shall I do now? ‘ I kept asking myself I was unable to answer the question and lived day by day without thinking too much of what Tomorrow had in store, focussing on each day. And to think I was someone who planned everything (or nearly everything) ahead. How could one even imagine being thrown into such a situation? Clearly living in Casale Monferrato we knew about the danger although we thought that being so young we had more of a chance.
Is it all bad? No?! Her death brought me closer to a group of friends who have been closet to me but also suffered a lot too. And now I can only wait for the day someone will embrace me so strongly that the shards I have become will reform a complete being.
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