Posted on November 29, 2018

If you would like to donate in honor of Nozomi, please click here. 

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 Nozomi, shared by herself, who is 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.

“I Never Dreamed I’d Be Here Writing This” – Nozomi’s Story

Name: Nozomi

Location: New York

Date of Birth: 9/21/56

Diagnosis: Sarcoidosis, Asbestosis

Date of Diagnosis: 10/04/2004

How has asbestos changed your life? (Shared by Nozomi, unedited)

I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 2004 (which can cause fibrosis and lead to complete pulmonary failure) and with asbestosis in 2018 (which has added to the fibrosis I already had). The asbestosis diagnosis did not surprise me because I know I had lots of exposure playing in the attic as a kid with all that asbestos insulation there. Also, in grad school, I had massive chemical exposure, which is thought to be the cause of the sarcoidosis I have, but nobody knows for sure. Sometimes, I have breathing difficulties, but I have more good days than bad days. On the good days I live life to the fullest, and on the bad days, I take care of myself.

Asbestosis has changed my family and me. We gave up the joys of hiking together, going to all kinds of places, but the worst was when my kids were young and asked if I was dying. I always said I’d be fine. I suppose I am fine, in a way. Despite all the things I have had to give up and all the events I’ve missed, I still carry on. I’m just grateful I got to be here long enough to bring up my children and see the people they have become.

***

CLICK HERE TO READ PREVIOUS SHARE YOUR STORIES