Posted on August 30, 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 James, as shared by his grand daughter Rachel, 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.

“Last Breath” – James’ StoryJames

Name: James

Location: Missouri, USA

Date of Birth: 03-NOV-1924

Date of Diagnosis: 23-DEC- 1990

Diagnosis: Mesothelioma

Treatment: Chemotherapy, Radiation

Date of Death: 28-NOV-1991

How has asbestos changed your life? Asbestos changed our lives when it took my grandfather away from me when I was 10 and he was only 61 years old. We were very close and while I was young, I have many vivid and fond memories of us together. The last year of his life I watched him get sicker and sicker each month until he was confined to a Lazyboy chair. He took his last breath on Thanksgiving Day with all of us there. I remember my grandfather laying there “sleeping” all morning and then taking his last breath. He was an amazing grandfather and I always wished I had more years with him. Later on I would be diagnosed with cancer and an ongoing challenging medical journey and he always was an inspiration.

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