Posted on May 6, 2015
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 Christopher, as shared by his son Darren, 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.
“Robbed of His Life by Asbestos” – Christopher’s Story
Name: Christopher
Location: Queensland, Australia
Date of Birth: 13-OCT-1950
Date of Diagnosis: 15-SEP-2004
Date of Death: 29-JUN-2010
How has asbestos changed your life? I held his hand. I didn’t even know the doctor had been called into the room. It was surreal, so many trips in and out of hospital and he’d always come out. Not this time. My dad Chris, or Smithy as known by his mates, was robbed of his life by asbestos. He won the court case but lost the battle.
He was in the industrial bakery industry, where he worked since he was 15. The heat linings were all asbestos. Never did he know, never was he warned. No protection, no care.
I miss him every day, but he was never a victim. He was a fighter and I will now put on his gloves. In memory of all those who lost their fight.
* * *