Sadly, Mary passed away in April 2015.

Posted on November 22, 2014

We have been touched by asbestos in individual ways, yet we are joined together by a bond of community. As a testament to the strength of our global family, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is highlighting the courageous stories of our members with the “Share Your Story” feature on our website.

This week, we would like to honor the story of Mary who is a part of our ADAO family.

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.

“Put a Smile On” – Mary’s Storymary

Name: Mary

Location: Australia

Date of Birth: OCT 1956

Date of Diagnosis: JUNE 2014

Diagnosis: Mesothelioma

How has asbestos changed your life?

I grew up in a small country town where the majority of the community were employed by the State Electricity Commission (SEC) who operated and owned open cut coal mines and power stations. The power stations were well known for their asbestos use and that’s where my dad worked. I had a very happy life up until June 28th 2014, when I was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. Life changed dramatically for all of us, my husband, two sons, my daughter, daughter-in-law and my soon to be born grandchild. We had bought land by the sea and had plans to build and run a B&B when we retired in two years time. I choose not to know too much about my illness, I have not googled mesothelioma to see what it will do to me – I will deal with things as they happen. I’m about to have my 5th treatment of chemotherapy which I’m currently coping with very well. I have the love and support of my family and friends. I made the decision that every day I would get up, shower, get dressed, put my make up on and put a smile on my face, which helps us cope with this disease the best way we can.

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