Posted on April 30, 2015

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is pleased to introduce our ADAO Florida Representative Ms. Vida Sheffield Hargrett! Vida won the title of Mrs. Florida in 2014 and has since used her new title to bring about asbestos awareness. Like so many others, Vida’s family was also affected by asbestos when her mother in law, Patricia, was diagnosed with Mesothelioma back in 2012. Click to read Patricia’s story –“Oblivious to the Exposure.“ As we issue this newsletter, we have received an update from Vida that, “mom had her 4 month cat scan for Meso yesterday and results were great. We couldn’t be more happy and hope that there are many more! In her most recent event Vida raised mesothelioma awareness by working with management of the Miami Heat Basketball team with a portion of the group ticket sales dedicated to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization!. Thank you Vida for your dedication and heartfelt work. – Herman Hamilton, ADAO Executive Assistant.

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“The First Mesothelioma Awareness Night” by Vida Sheffield Hargrett

Mesothelioma made an unwelcome appearance into my family in the year of 2012.  We were all oblivious to this type of cancer and uninformed of the fact that it even existed. To hear life stats, side affects, and chemotherapy options’ regarding a disease is heart wrenching but to hear this information about your mother is mind-boggling.   As an advocate for mesothelioma awareness and Florida Representative for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), I partnered with the 3x NBA champions, Miami Heat and hosted the 1st Mesothelioma Awareness Night. On April 13th the Miami Heat battled the Orlando Magic and made a slam-dunk against asbestos usage.  Over 30% of the funds raised were donated to the ADAO for further research and education associated with asbestos-related diseases.  My mission is, was, and will always be to empower, educate, and eliminate asbestos-related diseases by utilizing my voice, networking capabilities, and heart as a megaphone to save lives.  A special thank you the Miami Heat Organization, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, and to all those who supported this great cause, because of you we are continuing to make a difference!

Vida Sheffield Hargrett
ADAO – Florida Representative
Mesothelioma Awareness Advocate