Posted on August 1, 2019
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 Ioannis, shared by his friend, Roxani, who is 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.
“…for my childhood friend Yiagos”- Ioannis’ Story
Name: Yiagos (Ioannis) Palamidas
Location: Greece
Date of Birth: 04/17/1990
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma
Date of Diagnosis: 11/18/2018
Treatment: had 2 surgeries as well as a series of HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) and intensive chemotherapies
How has asbestos changed your life? (Shared by Roxani Nikoloudaki)
I never imagined before writing such a story for my childhood friend Yiagos.
Yiagos is just 29 years old and was diagnosed in November 2018 with biphasic malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Unfortunately, the symptoms of the disease started only after the tumor had spread all over his digestive system. Last September he had persistent high fever which he thought was just a flu when he first visited the hospital in Greece. Since that time, Yiagos has been bravely fighting for survival. He had 2 surgeries as well as a series of HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) and intensive chemotherapies that sadly have not been effective in stopping the progression of mesothelioma.
Following his doctor’s recommendations, Yiagos urgently needs to be transferred to the Sheba Cancer Treatment Centre of Israel where he will be getting further surgery and treatment. Yiagos’ family has already spent everything they had in order to offer him the chance to live and enjoy his life ahead of him. Therefore, I want to help to raise money by creating a crowdfunding page for his treatment as soon as possible as he is becoming weaker each day.
Yiagos is the strongest person I have ever met in my life. Even in the most difficult times, he has remained happy with a shiny smile, always staying positive and never complaining even during the worst days after chemo. Yiagos is an invaluable member of the community. He has worked hard both as a nursery teacher and as a chef. Please help Yiagos to go back into teaching toddlers with his immense smile and love for them.
We would really appreciate any donations from you to help Yiagos fight cancer and live a long life and we will be forever grateful. Please help make our wish come true.
Thank you,
Roxani
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