Tragically, Roland lost his battle with mesothelioma on January 16, 2013.

Posted in January 2013 

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 Roland, as shared by his wife Kathryn, 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.

Roland’s Story

(shared by his wife Kathryn)

Name: Roland

Location: Canada

Date of Diagnosis: 08-NOV-2009

Treatment: Alimpta/Cisplatin 6 rounds

1945 – 2013

How has asbestos changed your life? (unedited)

My husband, Roland Freeman, was diagnosed with Peritoneal Mesothelioma in November of 2009.  I will never forget that day or where I was when I received the news.  I always knew it was a possibility since he worked with asbestos, removing it from schools and hospitals for many years, but honestly never thought it would happen to him. Our lives are forever changed, for Roland, myself and our children.

Roland is now in the final stages and is becoming weaker and sicker every day. He is receiving palliative care and unable to walk or sit up on his own. He has fought this disease with everything he has and is the most courageous man I have ever known.

For anyone else who has been affected by asbestos, my prayers are with you.

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