Posted on August 23, 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 Burlene, as shared by her daughter, Sheryl, 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.

“Secondary Exposure” – Burlene’s Story burlene

Name: Burlene

Location: Missouri, USA

Date of Birth: 08-AUG-1930

Date of Diagnosis: 01-DEC- 2011

Diagnosis: Mesothelioma

Treatment: Chemotherapy

Date of Death: AUG 2012

How has asbestos changed your life?

My mother had never really been sick before. We were all surprised when her diagnosis came back as mesothelioma. Her asbestos exposure was secondary. She received chemo for 6 months and then decided to stop so that she could enjoy what life she had remaining. I am angry because the risks associated with asbestos has been known for decades and no one does anything to ban it. I don’t want to see others so through this terrible disease. I am also concerned for my own health because I lived in the same house where some of her exposure occurred. Our family has not been the same without her in it and I miss her voice and her joy of her faith, life and family.

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