Month: May 2016

Birthday Wishes to My Dad

• Joseph Belluck
• Faces of Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma

April 25 would have been my Dad’s 60^th birthday. As I sit and ponder, I imagine what this day would have been like if mesothelioma hadn’t robbed us of him. It’s kind of difficult to think about, but my mind wanders there nonetheless.

When Dad turned 50, we had a huge surprise party for him. It was a night filled with music (provided by his band, of course), family, friends, and fellowship. I will never forget the beaming smile that he carried throughout the gathering; it was even more glowing than usual. Dad was so happy to be surrounded by those he loved, and touched that they took the time to be with him.

My father deserved to be celebrated every day, even though he never would have agreed with my sentiments. He was a humble man who felt that he was just doing what he was supposed to do. This meant helping others, seeing the best in every situation, and most of all, being true to his faith. There was not a fake bone in Dad’s body; with him, what you saw was truly what you got.

It is honestly heartbreaking to think that my Dad won’t be here to celebrate such a milestone with us here. I do, however, take comfort in knowing that whatever he’s doing up in Heaven pales in comparison with anything we could plan on earth. Happy birthday, Dad.  We love and miss you, and we know that you’re having a beautiful celebration that will last for eternity.

Know more about Mesothelioma and how you can deal with it.

ADAO’s Mission Impresses Mesothelioma Nurse

• Lisa Hyde-Barrett
• Nurse's Corner, Uncategorized

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization was co-founded by Linda Reinstein and Doug Larkin. This organization was founded by the courageous duo who watched their loved ones  pass away from the terrible illness caused by asbestos: mesothelioma. Linda’s husband was diagnosed in 2003. He endured chemotherapy and had to undergo multiple surgeries where his left lung, pericardium and diaphragm were removed, and his diaphragm was replaced with goretex. Sadly, he passed away in 2006 leaving behind his wife and daughter. Doug Larkin also lost a family member to this dreaded disease, and now he works tirelessly to serve his memory.

Together, the two have taken their grief and turned it into a positive example of helping the mesothelioma community and in fighting the world of asbestos. They are more than just a couple of individuals trying to prevent the spread of asbestos: they know what it feels like to lose a loved one to this disease and they have seen it happen to too many other families. Linda and Doug have a mission to ban asbestos globally. The ADAO started small, but today it is a 501c nonprofit, and is the largest U.S.- based independent asbestos victims organization.

The vision of ADAO is to eliminate asbestos-related diseases, like mesothelioma. ADAO works with public health organizations, healthcare workers, and many others to help ban asbestos. ADAO has three initiatives: education, advocacy and community.

You can find Linda at most mesothelioma conferences reaching out to help others who have been affected by the terminal cancer and other asbestos-related diseases. This month, she led the 12th Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference in Washington DC.

Since 2005, the annual conference has  brought over 300 speakers ranging from victims, lawmakers, and experts to share their information. Gathering so many experts can only bring more education, awareness and long-lasting relationships.

Thank you for all who continue to work hard at fighting this dreaded disease and at educating the world about the harm asbestos is causing in our communities.

By increasing awareness of asbestos, the hope is that other people’s loved ones will not suffer as theirs did. For more information about the good work from this organization, visit the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization website.