Posted on January 16, 2014
Mesothelioma Warrior and longtime ADAO community member Heather Von St. James is turning tragedy into triumph with her Annual Lungleavin Day Celebration.
Eight years ago, when her daughter was only a few months old, Heather had a lung removed due to mesothelioma. Her fears were overwhelming. Would she live to see her child grow up? On the first anniversary of her surgery, she and her husband, Cameron, started Lungleavin Day, a day to let go of our fears and resolve to live life to the fullest.
ADAO is a proud participant in Lungleavin Day. For the past eight years, Heather and Cameron have hosted this day in their home, where people write their fears on a plate and throw their plates in the fire. She says the day is “to not only commemorate the loss of my left lung due to mesothelioma, but a day and time to conquer fears and celebrate LIFE!!!”
To join us, please go to Heather’s Facebook fan page on Saturday, February 1 beginning at 5:30 pm Central Time and show your support. Proceeds from the event will benefit three mesothelioma organizations – ADAO, MARF and IMP.
ADAO’s ongoing relationship with Heather includes, “The Value of My Life in Dollars and Tears,” which is her story shared through our “Share Your Story” program, as well as her presentations at our 2011 and 2013 Asbestos Awareness Conferences. At our 2014 Asbestos Awareness Conference, Heather will be one of three mesothelioma warriors to receive the Alan Reinstein Award in honor of her commitment to asbestos education, advocacy and support to countless patients and families around the world.
Thank you, Heather, for your generosity and your tireless support of ADAO. For more about Heather, follow “Heather’s Hope” blog.
Together, change is possible.
Linda