Posted on July 5, 2016
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 widow, Sherry, 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.
“My Life Changed Overnight” – James’ Story
Name: James
Location: Arizona, US
Date of Birth: 1945
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma
Date of Diagnosis: 2009
Date of Death: 2011
How has asbestos changed your life? (Shared by his widow, Sherry, unedited)
My life changed overnight when my husband of 35 years was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Jim had a lifetime of good health and was a Black Belt martial artist. He retired as a Major from the U.S. Marine Corps after serving 30 years. He spoke three languages fluently and served in the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He was exposed to combat risks, but mesothelioma was one risk we could not have anticipated.
He suffered through an extra pleural pneumonectomy, peritoneal surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. I thought if anyone could beat it, he could. He tried so hard to stay, but in the end, he left as he had lived, with courage, grace, and humor.
I have lost the most important person in my life from a long-known carcinogenic killer and it is still hard for me to reconcile that exposure most probably came during a career he loved so much.
Even after 5 years, I still think about him every day and can’t imagine that we won’t grow old together. The long years ahead alone look bleak to me still. I’m fortunate to have very good friends who care about me, but my best friend and life companion left me much too soon.
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