Posted on November 15, 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 Steve, as shared by his wife Gail, 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.
“Mesothelioma Can’t Take That Away” – Steve’s Story
Name: Steve
Location: Australia
Date of Birth:12-JUNE-1946
Date of Diagnosis: 28-MAY- 2012
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma
Date of Death: 06-NOV-2013
How has asbestos changed your life?
My darling husband Steve was a gorgeous, larger than life, gregarious, loving, laughing, hard working IT professional who loved life and lived it to the fullest.
I met Steve here on the Gold Coast in 1984. We soon fell in love – I never could resist his huge cheeky smile – and were married in 1986 and daughter Fiona became my daughter too. We both shared a passion for sailing our yacht “Dream Hunter”, skiing, hiking and travelling. We lived overseas for a couple of years (in Sweden and New Zealand) and travelled to many parts of the world together..
Our beautiful life was utterly shattered on March 28, 2012 – the day Steve’s thoracic surgeon uttered those fateful words “I’m so sorry Mr. Cook – the histology shows Mesothelioma”. We now faced such a short time together and all our hopes and dreams for our future together were just… gone.
Between bouts of chemo and after recovery from his many surgeries, we lived our lives to the fullest. I always tried to give him something to look forward to. So we travelled, we skied, we sailed, we renovated our home and we shared amazing times with those closest to us. We didn’t waste a minute.
Throughout his battle, Steve showed us all his incredible strength. He was so courageous, he fought so bravely. He could always find a great big smile… no matter what. I’m sure he had no idea how much his positive attitude inspired everyone around him. He touched the hearts of his friends and family at home and around the world.
I am so proud of him and I feel so privileged to have shared my life with him..
I miss him every minute of every day and am so, so sad to be facing the rest of my life without my gorgeous guy.
I loved Steve from the moment I met him and I will love him forever.
Even bloody Mesothelioma can’t take that away.
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