Posted on March 29, 2024

Each year, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) dedicates April 1-7 to increasing awareness of asbestos and preventing exposure by bringing together experts and victims from around the world to share, learn, and take action. To view all 7 days of Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) content, please click here. Be sure to follow the online conversation by using #2024GAAW. 

Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and there is no safe level of exposure. While promising research continues, prevention remains the only cure.

On this solemn final day of Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW), April 7th, we unite in a Candlelight Vigil to honor and remember the lives profoundly impacted and lost worldwide to asbestos-related diseases.

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) dedicates this day to the memory of Mavis Nye, a remarkable friend and indomitable Mesothelioma Warrior from the United Kingdom. Mavis’ valiant fourteen-year battle with mesothelioma, and the support of her husband Ray through all those years, has illuminated the path of hope and resilience for many. Her compelling narrative, “I fight on for all our Meso Warriors past, present, and future,” continues to resonate and inspire, a testament to her enduring spirit available for all to read online.

On Day Seven of #2024GAAW, we spotlight the moving release of the 2024 Mesothelioma Warrior Video, an emblem of resilience, hope, and collective determination in our ongoing battle against asbestos. This year’s video, enriched with nearly 300 dedications, stands as a poignant testament to the courage of those affected and the unified strength of our community. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) wishes to express profound gratitude to the numerous families who courageously shared their personal stories, enriching this tribute with their truth and heartache. Special thanks are also extended to Jordan Zevon, who has generously allowed ADAO to feature “Keep Me in Your Heart,” a Grammy Award-winning song by Warren Zevon, further deepening the emotional resonance of our message. This powerful piece not only honors those we’ve lost but also galvanizes our commitment to fight tirelessly to prevent asbestos exposure and to eliminate all asbestos-caused diseases. 

In a year where our outreach has been translated into Turkish and Ukrainian for the second time, our hearts go out to those in Turkey and Ukraine navigating the challenges posed by both natural and human-induced adversities. Echoing the sentiment of Kevin Bampton from the British Occupational Hygiene Society, we are reminded of the urgent need for action: “Asbestos is a curse we are storing for future generations. We owe it to our children to act now.” This powerful statement underscores the responsibility we carry to address the scourge of asbestos, ensuring a safer world for the generations to come.

In today’s educational spotlight, we present the press releases and video translated into Turkish and Ukrainian.

Press Release: ASBEST HASTALIĞI FARKINDALIK ÖRGÜTÜ TARAFINDAN BU YIL 20’NCISI DÜZENLENEN “KÜRESEL ASBEST FARKINDALIK HAFTASI” 1-7 NİSAN 2024 TARİHLERİ ARASINDA BAŞLIYOR and the Asbest: Göremediğiniz Katil video (Turkish).

Press Release: 20-Й ЩОРІЧНИЙ «ВСЕСВІТНІЙ ТИЖДЕНЬ ОБІЗНАНОСТІ ПРО НЕБЕЗПЕКУ АЗБЕСТУ» 1–7 КВІТНЯ 2024 РОКУ, ЗАПОЧАТКОВАНИЙ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЄЮ З ПІДВИЩЕННЯ ОБІЗНАНОСТІ ПРО ХВОРОБИ, ВИКЛИКАНІ ВПЛИВОМ АЗБЕСТУ and the “Азбест: Вбивця, якого ви не бачите” video. (Ukrainian) https://youtu.be/7LGZKNf7oOE

Tonight, our virtual candlelight vigil shines as a tribute to the courageous individuals battling asbestos-related diseases and commemorates the lives tragically lost. As we light our candles, let us reflect on the countless lives touched by asbestos, united in our collective hope for a future free from its dangers.

As #2024GAAW draws to a close, we are reminded of our community’s formidable strength. This week has showcased the power of our unity and the significant strides we are making toward a world free of asbestos. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported and participated in the 20th GAAW, driving forward our shared mission to ban asbestos and safeguard communities worldwide.

In honor of Mavis’ enduring legacy, and to support the ongoing battle against mesothelioma, we encourage contributions to The Mavis Nye Foundation in the United Kingdom. Your support empowers the vital efforts in research advancement, awareness raising, and assistance to those impacted by mesothelioma. And to Ray, remember, we love you.

#2024GAAW Sharing from my Heart …Here is my graphic, “Navigating the Path of Grief: Reflections and Guidance from a Fellow Traveler.” Grief is a journey that none of us choose. When I lost my husband Alan to mesothelioma in 2006, my world shattered. I hope my reflections and lessons learned can offer some light to others walking a similar path. 

Together, through awareness, advocacy, and the sharing of our stories, we inch closer to a future where mesothelioma claims no more lives. We are the architects of change, laying the foundations for a safer, asbestos-free future.

With compassion, empathy, and understanding. Onward. Together.

Linda Reinstein