Posted on February 17, 2016

We have been touched by asbestos in individual ways, yet we are joined together by a common bond of community. As a testament to the strength of our global family, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is highlighting the courageous stories of our members with the new Share Your Story feature on our website.

This week, we would like to honor the courageous story of Heather. We are pleased that Heather presented her full story, “The Value of My Life in Dollars and Tears,” at ADAO’s 9th Senate Staff Briefing: “Asbestos: Impact on Consumer Safety, Public Health, and Asbestos Victims’ Civil Rights”, February 23, 2016 in Washington DC. Additionally, Heather will be presenting at ADAO’s 12th Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference on April 8-10 in Washington DC.

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.

HEATHER’S STORY

Name: Heather

State: Minnesota

Year of Birth: 1969

Time of Diagnosis: November, 2005

Diagnosis:Mesothelioma

Treatment: Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) with intrathoracic/intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy; four sessions of chemotherapy, Alimta, and cisplatin; six weeks of radiation.


How has Asbestos changed your life? (unedited):

It’s’ been 6 years since I first shared my story with ADAO and started my mission of advocacy and awareness.

I was diagnosed 3 1/2 months after the birth of my first and only child. Needless to say, what was supposed to be a joyous time in our lives was now overshadowed with a mesothelioma diagnosis. I was exposed to asbestos as a child through my father’s work clothes; little did we know that 30 years later I would be in the fight for my life because of this dust.

In 2016, I celebrated 10 years as a mesothelioma survivor. I’ve worked for the last few years to share my story of hope with the world and to bring more awareness to, this devastating disease.My life was changed forever that day and now;  I’m very thankful for all the research done to help save lives and find a cure. I am currently cancer free, and will remain so. Together with Linda, and ADAO, we will make a difference. Together we are stronger. Together we will change the world, one story at a time.

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