When Alan was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2003, I sat on a box in the cold garage and cried, overwhelmed by the enormity of our new reality. I was completely alone. After a good cry, I dried my eyes and went inside to be the strongest wife and mother possible. Alan wanted to hide his fears and it was my job to honor his wish, but being alone was horrific – my circle of family and friends knew nothing about mesothelioma.
Over the past few years, the asbestos victims’ communities have expanded exponentially. Social media has allowed us to instantaneously connect, share, and comfort each other. Patients, families, and friends from around the world are able to share hope, strength, and resources. Looking back, I wish I had these resources and communities from which to draw strength when Alan was diagnosed. This new forum has replaced our hopelessness with a community that allows us to share feelings, network for recommendations, and – most importantly – offer hope.
As we look to the promise off 2011, I want to share a new, consolidated digital reflection of some of the recent news, important calendar dates/events, and Facebook pages taken from an expansive social media stream of information. Our new Asbestos Victims’ Community Resource page provides a grassroots collaborative opportunity for Asbestos Victims’ Organizations to post links to their eNewsletters, list organizational and community Facebook pages and blogs, and add calendar events.
If you would like to add your Asbestos Victims’ Organization’s links, please follow these simple instructions.
The Asbestos Victims’ Community Resource page is a work in progress, and we ask both for your patience as it grows and your assistance in sharing this opportunity with other Asbestos Victims’ Organizations. Please help us preserve the integrity of this resource for asbestos victims by utilizing this opportunity only if you represent an Asbestos Victims’ Organization.
ADAO wants to send a huge thank you to Debbie, Rod, Kim, Mavis, Jan, Kat, and Terry for helping to make the 1st step building the Asbestos Victims’ Community Resource page possible.
Please join the ACOR candle lighting tradition on 12.28 and 1.4 as we light candles in memory and in honor of mesothelioma warriors.
ADAO wishes all of you a Happy New Year and may our friendships deepen and hope abound. Let’s strengthen our networks together – Find and ”friend” ADAO and me on Facebook – together, change is possible.
Linda