Posted on February 15, 2017

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 Raeleen, shared by herself, 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.

“One Day At A Time” – Raeleen’s Story

Name: Raeleen

Location: Canada

Date of Birth: 1978

Diagnosis: Mesothelioma

Date of Diagnosis: 2014

Treatment: Chemo/ debulking surgery/HIPEC

How has asbestos changed your life? (Shared by herself, unedited)

I lost a lot from this horrible disease but take everything one day at a time I always say ATTITUDE is 90% of the battle if you stay positive and hopeful and fight like you never have in your life you have such a good chance! Then again this battle hasn’t been easy for me I have underwent 20 surgeries and lost 3/4 of my insides and I mean everything I lost my gall bladder ovaries tubes uterus omentum all of my colon 19 feet of small bowel part of my liver bladder stomach lining and diaphragm. And was left with 7 feet of small intestine and an ileostomy. My day to day life is a constant battle with short I suffer from constant malnutrition and dehydration as my food comes out in 20 mins so no absorption! But I’m still here fighting this horrible disease and it’s because my fav quote A child is a Mothers Anchor to this life! I’m currently in a first remission from stage 4 Peritoneal Mesothelioma and praying everyday so I can be here for my sons!

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