Posted in May 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 John, 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.
John’s Story
Name: John
Location: Washington
Year of Birth: 1960
Date of Diagnosis: 09-JUN-2005
Treatment: I have seen several doctors when I did have insurance, including the Mayo Clinic and was told that I had asbestos exposure, COPD, and emphysema among others.
How has asbestos changed your life? 
It started out as a diagnosis of COPD then Emphysema-Asbestos Exposure-Asbestosis. I used to be able to go hiking and lift things all day every day and then one day I couldn’t do as much as before. I figured it was me getting old, then I was told I had the Asbestosis. It has had an effect on me physically and mentally. I have two small children that I would really like to see grow up and start their own families. I am only 52 and have been dealing with HOW and WHERE did I get this? As well as being turned down by several law firms that only want in on the current trend of “‘MESO” lawsuits. Being pushed aside is really aggravating to me. I COUNT TOO.
Do they know what it is like to look your children in the eyes every morning and night and telling them you love them and not know how much longer I have here. I have not been to a doctor for this in over two years. I can feel the change in my lungs and the pain at times is more than overwhelming. I think I now know where I got exposed. At a place where I was living, they tore the roof off and did not warn tenants, which in turn “dusted” us and all of our possessions. It was when I lived in AZ for over 20 years.
I WANT AND NEED HELP. PLEASE ANYONE. THANKS AND MANY BLESSINGS TO ALL.
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