Posted on February 13 , 2015

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 Wayne, as shared by his widow, Kathy, who is 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.

wayne - 1“I Once Had it All, Now I am so Lost” – Wayne’s Story

Name: Wayne

Location: Texas

Date of Birth: DEC 1962

Date of Diagnosis: FEB 2011

Diagnosis: Lung Cancer With Documented Asbestos Exposure

Date of Death: JUL 2012

How has asbestos changed your life?

We were given a few short months to try to write the ending to our 33 yearlong “love at first sight” story that started when we were kids age 15. We were always together, me sitting right up beside him in his truck holding his hand usually. This man who could do absolutely anything was reduced to having me carry him to and from bed to chair and restroom. I’m still not sure how I physically did that. The horrible fact is my husband is gone and the ones who are responsible are the companies who continue to mine and supply and use this deadly dust. In addition to the judges who have not taken a stand with the victims and their families like they would in any other crime in which someone lost their life at the hands or neglence of someone else. I was robbed of everything that made me, me when I lost him and am faced with trying to figure out how to take care of myself and my family alone until I join him in heaven. I once had it all, now I am so lost. I would not wish this sad existence on anyone, ever. He was 49 years young and I will miss and cry for him the rest of my life.

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