Posted on August 14, 2024

20 Years of Advocacy: ADAO’s Continued Impact Captured in a Powerful New Film

We are excited to share a new video in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). This video captures the essence of a movement that emerged from pain, anger, and a relentless quest for justice. It features impactful testimonials and reflections from individuals at the forefront of asbestos advocacy and provides a poignant retrospective on the founding and subsequent growth of ADAO, co-founded by Linda Reinstein and Doug Larkin.

The Unexpected Beginnings of ADAO

ADAO’s journey began in a fitting place: a Congressional briefing on banning asbestos led by Senator Patty Murray. It was here, through a chance encounter, that Linda and Doug first met. Both had arrived seeking answers about asbestos, the substance that had claimed their loved ones’ lives. Doug, a right-winger from the East Coast, and Linda, a left-winger from the West Coast, were united by a shared purpose. This connection sparked the beginning of a national organizing effort that has since grown into a community of thousands, still driven by the same goal: to eradicate asbestos-caused diseases and deaths.

ADAO’s Mission and Milestones

“When you’re right, you fight. And when you fight, you win,” Linda reflects in the video, capturing the spirit that has propelled ADAO’s triumphs over the past two decades.

The video highlights significant milestones and memories, including powerful moments with key supporters. Senator Max Baucus dedicated his award to the victims in Libby, Montana—a town devastated by asbestos-related diseases. Meanwhile, Senator Harry Reid commended ADAO for uniting the voices of thousands of asbestos victims.

“For twenty years, ADAO has led a successful effort to unite the voices of thousands of asbestos victims,” said Senator Reid. “Your work has illuminated the need for asbestos awareness, education, prevention, and ultimately, a cure.”

The Persistent Threat of Asbestos

Experts like Dr. Steven Markowitz and Dr. Arthur Frank emphasized the ongoing dangers of asbestos exposure and the need for persistent vigilance. The haunting reality that asbestos is still not banned in the United States, despite being a known carcinogen for decades, underscores the urgency of ADAO’s mission.

Human Stories Fueling the Fight

Personal stories from survivors and loved ones bring the human aspect of this battle to the forefront. Emily Reinstein’s heartfelt tribute to her father, Alan, where she tells him he won because he never gave up, and Julie Gundlach’s account of losing her father to lung cancer, followed by her own diagnosis, serve as powerful calls to action.

These stories remind us that while we are proud of the work accomplished by ADAO, we wish for a world where we are not needed. Asbestos should have been banned decades ago when world health experts first recognized it as a carcinogenic toxin. However, the U.S. government has consistently prioritized corporate profits over public health, leaving this deadly poison unbanned.

Linda shares, “When I talk about my story, I also speak for the hundreds of thousands of others. For those of us who have buried or cared for a loved one, the pain is immeasurable. We look at calendars, we look at empty chairs, we look at father-daughter dances.”

The Beacon of Hope: The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act

There is still hope. The video also highlights the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act, the most comprehensive asbestos bill presented to Congress in over 30 years. ARBAN has broad bipartisan support and the backing of medical experts, public health officials, and advocacy groups as the silver bullet to end this destructive conflict.

Linda remembers ADAO’s journey — 20 years of advocacy, education, and relentless efforts to prevent asbestos exposure and eliminate asbestos-related diseases. “We savor the victories, unite, and move forward,” she says, embodying the resilience and hope that define ADAO’s legacy.

A Call to Action

This 20th-anniversary video is more than just a retrospective; it’s a rallying cry for the future. It reminds us that while we have achieved a great deal, the fight is far from over. Still, we’ve never been closer to the finish line. Victory is near, and we are awaiting our final climb up its vaulted steps. ADAO’s story is a testament to the power of the voices of the righteous, standing for those lives taken in their innocence, the value of community, the importance of advocacy, and the unwavering belief that one day, asbestos will be banned and no one will suffer from its deadly effects again.

As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to the day we can truly say, “We did it.”
We’re almost there, and together, we make change happen.

ADAO Team