Posted on May 23, 2014 

Troi Atkinson Troi Atkinson is a talented songwriter and Americana/Folk Rock musician formerly with Funk-IT Records. In 2012, his life changed drastically when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Since then, Troi has vowed to use his musical talents as a vehicle of social change to raise mesothelioma and asbestos awareness. He powerfully opens up about living with mesothelioma in his new song, “Not Ready Yet.” (Check out the music video below!) Troi and his family have been able to find comfort and support through other patients in our ADAO community. We are thrilled that he will be joining us and performing alongside other talented musicians, including Jordan Zevon, at our event, “Jammin’ for Asbestos Awareness,” on September 26th in Omaha, Nebraska.

This week, I had the opportunity to interview Troi about his music, his battle with mesothelioma, and his experiences with ADAO.   ~Linda

Reinstein: When did you first begin your musical career?

I first started singing in tent revivals out in the woods back in the Ozarks and I sang weddings that my Mother arranged at the age of 6. I wrote my first song at age 7. The very first record executive I ever met was in Seattle. I had just had the opportunity to play with some really cool cats who where getting “signed”…

Reinstein: With your love of music, who most influenced your style? 

Oh man the holy trinity of course; Dylan * Young  * Marley with a little Cash, Haggard & Willie thrown in.  But I really liked all types of songs & story telling it didn’t matter much as long as it was from the heart.

Reinstein: When were diagnosed with mesothelioma, had you ever heard of asbestos?

Years of shipyard work and a hard living rock & roll life forced a pit stop for me in Key West. I was diagnosed in Sept of 2012. I had briefly heard of it and its relationship to asbestos. A good friend & fan was a nurse in Key West suggested I look into it more in depth and so I began. I was baffled by the amount of information there was on the subject but how little was ever addressed publicly.

Her

[the nurse] information may have saved my life. All playing came to a stop, my family prayed. A month later after driving across country to rejoin our children, I had surgery and began treatment in California. That was 1 &1/2 years ago; as of spring 2013 I have 99% oxygen saturation and no new re-growth. My growth thankfully turned out benign and I begin a new journey to change everything about my life from the consumption level to the reflection & reaction level; it has all been vitally important to a solid recovery.

Reinstein: As a talented musician, what is your vision for raising awareness and creating social change?

There should be no needless death. There is Hope in the collective and freedom in knowledge. It is my desire to live out my days however many they may be always with a song in my heart, shedding some light on the strong walk to our healthier future.

Reinstein: How has the ADAO community influenced you?

The level of support from a group such as ADAO is immeasurable. Family members in need of support can find a network through the organization, to one on one dialog with other patients, everyone I have personally spoken with has been so ready to show such heartfelt support. The diligence ADAO spends getting current information out to the general public cannot be under valued. The only hope for our future generations is the opening of minds and hearts and ADAO is dedicated to this with impressive fortitude.

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Read Troi’s Share Your Story, “Not Ready Yet.”

Watch Troi’s exclusive performance of “Not Ready Yet” for ADAO.