Posted in June 2011

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

This week, we would like to honor the story of Richard. His daughter, Kathleen, has made a film called Breathtaking to honor his life. See a trailer of the film here.

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.

RICHARD’S STORY

(shared by his daughter, Kathleen)

Name: Richard

Location: Canada

Date of 1st Symptoms: DEC-2001

Date of Diagnosis: 02-APR-2001

Treatment: He decided not to take the painful treatment. He took pills for nausea and they did drain his lungs.

1931 – 2003

How has Asbestos changed your life? (unedited):

My father lived a long and good life but at the same-time he was taken away by a vicious disease that was caused by asbestos and was preventable. My life has changed drastically because of not only his death but in my own attempt to find answers to why asbestos would still be used. I miss him a lot. In his honour I made a film called Breathtaking about him and his work and life, my family and the some of the current politics of asbestos-use today.

He was never an activist but in the year before he died he made a legal testimony about how he was exposed to asbestos. He wanted to do this so that the companies that had exposed him were held accountable. I feel inspired by his dedication to his family and colleagues and I hope to make a difference by telling his story.

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