On Saturday, February 27, 2010, I will be speaking at the Manhattan Beach TEDx Conference as one of twelve live speakers and four videos to speak and spark deep discussion and connection in a small group environment of only 100 attendees. The event theme is “Building Stronger Communities” and the day is divided into four sessions (1) learning, (2) creating, (3) sustaining and (4) leading. I will be speaking in the “Creating” section and discussing ADAO’s formation. It’s not always easy to speak about how ADAO was started, the personal anguish of my family torn apart, but we all know that we’re working on behalf of tens of thousands of people. When I think back on the last six years, I can’t believe how large ADAO has grown to a network of 6,000 people internationally, a revered science advisory board, and the ear of our Congress, WHO, EPA, OSHA, and many other agencies. ADAO’s successes stand on the shoulders of hundreds of volunteers who have given countless hours to raising awareness and fighting for a complete ban of asbestos. I hoped to share how perseverance and turning one’s anger into action can make a difference. I know it has for me and our ADAO family. In unity, Linda