ADAO Interview with Sandra Neuenschwander: Ban Asbestos Activist Fights in Honor of Her Son, Michael

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Sandra Neuenschwander, who for the past four years, has been an extraordinary volunteer, relentless advocate, and dear friend to ADAO. Sandra has traveled to Washington DC where she participated in a Senate Staff briefing as well as spoke at ADAO’s Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention conference.

In honor of her late son, Michael, Sandra is hosting the 3rd Annual Michael’s Mission in Varnell, Georgia on Saturday April 23, 2016 at 12pm. ADAO invites you to check out our recent blog on the event, 3rd Michael’s Mission to Strike Out Mesothelioma. You can find Michael’s powerful story, “Asbestos Has Changed My Life” in ADAO’s Share Your Story section on ADAO’s website.

Sandra has vowed to continue her son’s fight for an asbestos ban and a cure.  It truly is an honor to interview and share her courageous story. ~ Linda

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LINDA: Please share with our readers about Michael Bradley.

SANDRA: Michael was a strong man with a big heart that loved his family and his faith in God and humanity was amazing.

LINDA: When, why, and how did you begin “Michael’s Mission to Strike Out Meso”?

SANDRA: We began Michael’s Mission in 2012, after his diagnoses of Peritoneal Mesothelioma, a deadly preventable cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. In 2013 Michael wanted to organize an event to educate the community and bring awareness.  Michael died, two days before his first event.

LINDA: Tell us about this years’ event.

SANDRA: Our event is held in Varnell Georgia, at the Varnell Gym. We hold a 5K run at noon followed by live music, great food, and a silent auction. We are honoring Michael’s memory and fulfilling his dying wish, to educate the community that asbestos is deadly and it’s still legal and lethal in the US.

LINDA: What do you hope to accomplish?

SANDRA: I hope to fulfill my sons dying wish and to share his story and continue his fight for a total ban on asbestos. I hope to reach out to all that don’t know that this deadly preventable cancer causing asbestos is NOT banned in the US.

LINDA: Where do you find your strength?

SANDRA: My strength comes from my son Michael and the promise I made him to continue his fight to ban asbestos.

LINDA: Why do you support ADAO?

SANDRA: Shortly after Michael was diagnosed, he contacted Linda at ADAO to inquire on how he could be involved and help. ADAO wrapped their arms around Michael and our whole family and they continue to do the same today two years after losing Michael.

LINDA: Do you have a message for other patients and families?

SANDRA: My heart goes out to all of them and they are not alone

LINDA: Do you have a message for your lawmakers?

SANDRA: Yes, it’s time for Republicans and Democrats, to come together and ban asbestos, for Michael and all Mesothelioma Warriors and their families.

LINDA: Do you have an asbestos fact or message to share?

SANDRA: Asbestos is not banned. It’s still legal and lethal in the US.  Any exposure to asbestos is unacceptable and deadly.

LINDA: How can people help you?

SANDRA: Continue to spread the word that asbestos is not banned. Stand up use your voice and be heard, get involved.

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If you would like to make a donation to Michael’s Mission to Strike Out Meso you can do so by clicking here.

Sandra, we can’t thank you enough for your tireless dedication to raising asbestos awareness and supporting ADAO.

We love you.