Today is Workers Memorial Day - a time to remember and pay tribute to all those who lost their lives as a result of negligence in the workplace. For every life that has been lost, the ripples of that loss spread out through families and friends, over time and through space, all over the world.
In our family, Steve's father died from mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos whilst working in the shipyards of Bristol. The loss of one man deprived the surviving family of a husband, a brother, a father and a grandfather.
27 years ago today Linda and Alan Reinstein started their married life together in America, only to have it stolen by mesothelioma in 2006 when Alan died after a battle lasting almost three years.
Alan was a former president of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). Today the ADAO continues to act as a voice for the victims of all asbestos-related diseases. The ADAO's latest event is "See for Yourself" Photographic Education Campaign. You can see it here:
Our small contribution to raising awareness of the risks associated with asbestos is this blog in which we share our experience of living with mesothelioma since June 2009 when Steve was diagnosed with this incurable cancer. I hope that what we have written will have already brought hope to some who find themselves faced with this diagnosis, and will continue to do so for years to come.
I also hope that reading the blog has raised your awareness of the risks posed by the presence of asbestos in our homes, schools and places of work. If as a result, just one person who might otherwise have breathed in these deadly fibres takes the precautions necessary to protect their health, then it will be worthwhile.
Please spread the word to others who might be at risk to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos, and to those who might take some comfort from our experience to date. Thank you.
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Hello Steve and Linda. I'm glad you are doing well. My husband has just been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma and we are both still in shock and very frightened. Your blog has given us hope and I think it would help us to talk with others in our position. Thank you for all the work you are doing. I would love to help but don't know how. Anna Ballard
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteWe know exactly what you are going through and how frightening it is. Different people deal with this in different ways - some prefer to keep the news to themselves and keep going as if nothing has happened. We found it easier to be open, and the support we have received in return from others who have gone through or who are still going through the same experience has been a great help.
If you are on Facebook, I can introduce you to the Meso Warriors who will always be there for you and your husband.
With love
Linda and Steve x