Posted on May 6, 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 Robert, 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.
“Traumatic Stress” – Robert’s Story
Name: Robert
Location: NH
Date of Birth: JUNE-1950
Date of Diagnosis: 1975
Diagnosis: Asbestosis
Treatment: Had some EMDR treatment for “Life Threatening” events causing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
How has asbestos changed your life?
Exposure to it was one more traumatic stressful experience, in my life, and not knowing whether I will eventually succumb to effects from exposure remains to be seen. In spite of my asking the then owner of Culver Tool & DIe, on Somerton St., in Rochester, N.Y., for $0.50 3M paper masks (for all employees), we all were exposed to asbestos dust when I machined it on a milling machine at the foot of the stairs to the office.
***