Posted on June 4, 2018
In June 2013, our community lost two beloved Mesothelioma Warriors, Janelle Bedel and Debbie Brewer. Debbie and Janelle were women of valor, who refused to let mesothelioma take them without a fight. They were both recognized with the Alan Reinstein Award for their commitment to education, advocacy, and support to countless patients and families around the world.
Debbie and I shared many years together as moms, friends, and activists. When we first met in 2008 at the Mesothelioma Patient and Carer Day in Leeds, England, I felt as if we had always known each other. She had a special magic and brightened everyone’s day. Debbie was a cornerstone of social media for Mesothelioma Warriors around the world, and she was always there to listen. Her blog, Mesothelioma and Me, was filled with words of encouragement and generous sharing of others’ stories, not just her own. One of my fondest memories was meeting up with Debbie again in London, but this time, I met her son, Kieran. In between our many meetings, the three of us laughed and laughed.
Janelle “Wonder Woman” Bedel was a Mesothelioma Warrior, mother, and wife from Rushville, Indiana who won the 2014 Alan Reinstein Award. This award, named after the first ADAO President, recognizes Janelle’s commitment to education, advocacy, and support to patients and families around the world. During her six-and-a-half-year mesothelioma battle, Janelle never complained; in fact, while in pain, she offered others hope, faith, and love. Janelle also had a special gift – the art of communication. She could purr like a kitty or roar like a lion to have her powerful messages heard and understood. Her battle with this aggressive cancer led her to work diligently for change.
“Even though this disease is awful, I feel it was my purpose in life to be able to reach out and touch and change people’s lives; I believe that with prayer and with God anything is possible and that one person can make a difference,” Janelle said.
Community members continue to work relentlessly to share Janelle’s story and raise mesothelioma and asbestos awareness. The powerful voices of community members have been recognized by the mayor of Rushville. The mayor awarded Janelle a medallion for her efforts and has dedicated June 6th as Janelle Bedel “Wonder Woman” Day in Rushville!
Janelle and Debbie both exemplified the quote, “She needed a hero, so that’s what she became.” And they weren’t just heroes for themselves, either. These two powerful women were beacons of hope and sources of support and inspiration for the many thousands in our Mesothelioma Warrior community.
Each June, I am saddened to think of these two heroes we’ve lost, but I am at the same time reinvigorated to turn my anger and heartache into action and keep fighting hard for an asbestos-free world. This year, in honor of Janelle and Debbie, I encourage you to take action, too. Take a moment to sign this international petition to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), calling for a complete asbestos ban, with no loopholes or exceptions. No family should have to suffer the way Janelle’s, Debbie’s, and and so many others have.
Together, let’s follow Debbie and Janelle’s lead and be the heroes we wish to see in the world. Together, we can and we WILL make change happen.
In unity and strength,
Linda