Asbestos victims unite in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada: Speeches, Photos & Videos, Press Releases, Blogs, and News

Light Your Candle Online September 30, 2011 – Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

We come together tonight as one, a family whose individual stories are unique, but also somewhat the same – as we have all experienced the pain and loss from preventable asbestos-caused diseases.

In keeping with a longstanding Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) tradition, I want to dedicate my speech to the Dewey Family of Sarnia, where asbestos-caused diseases have claimed five lives
– yes, five lives.

Tonight, we are honoring and remembering our loved ones and hundreds of thousands of unnamed victims with our candlelight of hope, unity, and love.

Although it has been nearly 5 ½ years since my husband, Alan, died from mesothelioma, the pain from grief and loss still hauntingly pains my heart.  Like you … It’s not enough to see my late husband’s face in floating clouds or feel him near – I want him back – he was my soul mate and my daughter’s father. But resurrection in not an option, instead – I must and will use my voice to make a difference.  When we light our candles and hold our photos and memories close to our hearts, we remember what was and is – but know, in unity, our voices are stronger and together we can work to end the deadly legacy of asbestos.

As we look around Centennial Park, there are many more faces, stories, and heavy hearts lighting candles virtually with us around the world.  Tonight I will light two candles, the first for my beloved husband, Alan, and Bill Shields, the reason ADAO was founded. The second candle is for the countless asbestos victims who have been silenced and left a shattered family behind.

Tonight we begin this incredible weekend of remembrance, community, and purpose – and I want to give special thanks to Leah and Stacy for having the dream and vision to bring us together.

As Leonard Cohen, world renowned Canadian poet and songwriter, said “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”  May the light of our candles, both here and online, bring comfort and solace to our friends and families around the world.

Together, change is possible.

Click here for more information about the events in Sarnia or join them by lighting a virtual candle in honor or memory of a loved one.

Join #ADAO in sharing, supporting, and taking action in Sarnia Sep 30-Oct 1 http://bit.ly/qoSFWa #asbestos #ADAO #Mesothelioma