Posted on September 26, 2015
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 Norman, as shared by his daughter Stacey, 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.
“A Veteran Exposed” – Norman’s Story
Name: Norman
Location: Connecticut
Date of Birth: 05-Jan-1927
Date of Diagnosis: 2005
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma
Date of Death: 08-OCT-2007
How has asbestos changed your life?
My dad, Norman Forin, passed away almost eight years ago from this horrible disease. He was exposed to asbestos in the Brooklyn Navy Yard where he worked when he was only 15 years old. He then joined the Navy to fight in WWII although he was underage and forged his parents’ signature to enlist. He told us stories of how he worked with and was forced to sleep under pipes which emitted a fine white powder. He was 16 at the time. We know now that when my father was exposed, the companies mining the asbestos, using the asbestos and purchasing asbestos knew about its dangers. No one was warned, given protective gear, etc. Some 60 years after his exposure, my dad started to exhibit symptoms, and after being misdiagnosed many times, he was found to have the disease and faced chemotherapy and experimental treatments with dignity and the fight of a young man. He did everything he could to help others suffering and to further research for a cure. I am blessed to have had him as my father. I pray for all those dealing with this horrible disease and pray that a cure is found soon.
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