Posted on August 30, 2024

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 Gilbert, shared by his daughter, Rachel, who is 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. 

“We Had to Watch Him Deteriorate Before Our Eyes” – Gilbert’s Story

Name: Gilbert
Location: Colorado
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma 
Date of Diagnosis: August 2020
Treatment: Chemotherapy Radiation 
1954 – 2023

One of my first memories was my dad telling me he would always be there for me no matter where I was or what I did.  In August 2023, a week before he died, he apologized for not being able to keep that promise. 

My father was diagnosed with mesothelioma in August 2020.  The doctors gave him 6 months to live. He said he would give us longer and battled mesothelioma for three years. 

For three years, he lived in pain and was unable to breath comfortably despite constantly being hooked up to an oxygen machine and taking countless pain medications.   He had dreamed of retiring to enjoy his ranch and spend time with his loved ones. Instead, his retirement consisted of going to doctors appointments and hospitals. 

My mom and I had to watch him deteriorate before our eyes. With every hug, it was evident mesothelioma was slowly breaking his body down. We spent hours in the hospital watching him take his chemotherapy and radiation drop by drop. We saw him sell his beloved goats because he knew he could not care or enjoy them anymore. 

As his last days grew nearer and nearer, none of us could comprehend why asbestos was still being permitted in the United States. Sitting there in the hospital, we read about this deadly substance and the indisputable evidence of the harm it causes people. Yet construction workers are still being asked to handle this deadly substance knowing it is easily inhaled and will almost certainly deliver a life sentence. 

Days before dying, my father looked in our eyes and said don’t let this happen to other families. It just isn’t right and can be prevented.

We now spend each day of our lives with an incurable pain and an eternal resolve.