Posted in February 2011

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 Paul. We are pleased that Paul spoke at our 7th International Asbestos Awareness Conference on April 1-3 in Atlanta. He shared, “Dust into Gold: Banning Asbestos is Good Business” with us.

Paul is featured in the ADAO ban asbestos commercial (60 seconds).

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.

PAUL’S STORY

Name: Paul

State: California

Date of 1st Symptoms: 01-JUN-1998

Date of Diagnosis: 15-NOV-2003

Diagnosis: Peritoneal mesothelioma

xxxx- xxxx

Treatment: Surgical debulking of peritoneal mesothelioma, with intraoperative heated chemotherapy.  Removal of secondary tumor in abdominal muscle 2 years later.

How has Asbestos changed your life? (unedited):

I have been through many horrific medical procedures, like so many other patients. Sometimes I have flashbacks, especially when I visit someone in a hospital or go through a medical treatment or test – even if it’s unrelated to mesothelioma. I face periodic medical scans every few months with uncertainty, awaiting the inevitable recurrence of disease. My illness has affected my entire family and my outlook on life. I savor every moment with my friends and loved ones, and every opportunity to do something good in the world. I work to stay educated on the disease and positive in my attitude. My wife and I remain active in advocacy to stop asbestos poisoning, to improve medical treatments, and to protect the rights of patients and victims’ families.  This life has chosen me, and there is no going back.

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE SHARE YOUR STORIES