Posted on September 19, 2014

ADAO SYS 100 StoriesAs we begin a week of activities in honor of National Mesothelioma Awareness Day on September 26th, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the courageous Mesothelioma Warriors around the world and their stories.

Since ADAO was founded, nearly 100 patients and families have shared their stories with us.  Today we are publishing everyone’s stories and next month we will go back to again feature individual stories. Through our collective voices and common bonds, we join together to fight to end one of the largest man-made disasters.

In 2010, Heather Von St. James was the first woman to share her story, “The Value of My Life in Dollars and Tears,” with ADAO.  As Heather wrote, “I’ve been fortunate enough to have amazing people in my life who have the same passion that I do – to ban asbestos and find a cure. Through our pain, we share a common desire to make a difference that runs in our blood.  I’m happy to join together with Linda and the ADAO , to not only bring about awareness to a preventable disease, but make a difference in people’s lives.

These aren’t just stories – they fuel our work and serve as impactful examples of the human cost of asbestos.  For example, we were honored to share 70 individual stories with members of Congress during our 6th Congressional Staff Briefing in July. Your stories help lawmakers understand asbestos diseases on a human level, hopefully leading them to pass beneficial legislation. Please take a moment to read the inspiring stories in our Share Your Story collection below.

As this week of awareness begins, we encourage you to take part in the numerous events that are happening throughout the United States. But even if you cannot attend an event, you can Share Meso Warriors’ Stories with your social networks or Share Your Own Story with ADAO. Asbestos awareness is not restricted to just a day on the calendar.  Thanks to you,  ADAO will continue to raise awareness about these preventable asbestos-related diseases every day until there is a global ban and a cure.

In unity and with great gratitude to patients and families around the world,

Linda Reinstein

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