Posted in March 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 story of Lonna. We are pleased that Lonna’s daughters, Kim and Kristen, spoke at our 7th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference on April 1-3 in Atlanta. They graciously shared, “With Love Comes Hope.”

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.

LONNA’S STORY

(shared by her daughters, Kim & Kristen)

Name: Lonna

State: Minnesota

Date of Diagnosis: 11-FEB-2007

Diagnosis: Pleural mesothelioma

Treatment: Carboplatin, altima – chemotherapy – MN; EPP – Boston MA; (Dr Sugarbaker) heated cisplatin wash radiation – MN

1940 – 2009

How has Asbestos changed your life?:

My twin sister Kristen and I (Kim) lost our mother in September 2009. It was 6 months before we had a accurate diagnosis of her illness, which was quickly followed by suggestions for funeral planning and how to talk to your children about your passing. The doctors were very little help in finding a treatment method or any hope of support. After some diligent research of our own we found Dr. Sugarbaker based in Boston, she went through an EPP, chemotherapy and radiation after which she had several months “cancer free.”  Then some new symptoms revealed the cancer had spread to her lower abdomen and there was little more we could do. As young adults who had lost our father as young girls, we were again struggling with the cruelty of life as we held her hands and comforted her as she took her last breath, surrounded by loved ones in our family home.

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