Category: Faces of Mesothelioma
Worker’s Memorial Day Is a Sad Reminder About the Dangers of Asbestos
April 28 is recognized as Worker’s Memorial Day. It is a day to remember those who have died or who have become ill because of their job, and is a time to look toward the future in building and requiring safer working environments for all.
You always hear on the news about tragic accidents that take employees’ lives far too soon. Unfortunately, as the mesothelioma community knows all too well, the workplace is not always the most harmless place to be. Many people who have been victims of mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in the workplace. My Dad, Don Smitley, passed away at the age of 57 from mesothelioma. This disease is a direct consequence of exposure to asbestos.
Maybe this day is a good time to renew our commitment as well. By recommitting ourselves to the cause of removing all traces of asbestos from our lives, be it at work, at home, or at play, we can make a difference. The mesothelioma community has a goal to make this toxic substance illegal. Taking this on can be a key step in helping to eradicate mesothelioma.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have lost a loved one in or because of an unsafe work space. Banding together, we can be the catalyst to make a change for the better.
During Asbestos Awareness Week Daughter of Mesothelioma Victim Reaffirms Commitment to Educating Others About Asbestos
“You worry too much about asbestos.” That’s what I’ve been told. To hear that I worry too much about the presence of the substance that killed my father is insensitive, cold, and inherently wrong. There is not enough concern about asbestos, which is why mesothelioma is a problem in the first place. Speaking these words to someone who has felt the snare of this disease is like pouring salt in a wound. It is painfully indescribable.
How can I explain the hurtfulness of their words? I can’t see a way, because they don’t know how I feel. They don’t feel the overwhelming sadness when I look at my daughter, knowing that her grandfather never got a chance to meet her; or the burden I carry silently to make sure that she knows everything about him that she possibly can.
They haven’t seen the countless times I’ve cried when no one was looking, just because I heard a song that brought back a treasured memory. They never picked up the phone to call my Dad to tell him something that would make him so proud, only to realize that no one is going to pick up. They haven’t noticed all the times I’ve needed them, but they just weren’t there.
They don’t understand my commitment to the mesothelioma community, and how many stories that have been shared with me, causing me to need to do more. These kinds of comments break me, but motivate me at the same time; it’s an odd juxtaposition.
No matter what, mesothelioma and its root cause will always be on my mind and the minds of those who have been impacted by this torturous cancer. We’ll pick up the slack of worrying for now…but we hope and pray that you’ll learn to care, too.
Mesothelioma Patients Encouraged to Take Time to Smell the Roses
Spring is quickly approaching, a time where new life and new beginnings are all around us. If you are a mesothelioma patient, caregiver, family or friend, now is the perfect time for a fresh start.
When you are presented with a mesothelioma diagnosis, it is easy to become detached and want to keep to yourself. Spring is a great time to change that. Why not get out and enjoy all the beauty that this world has to share. Take a walk, sit outside, visit a friend. As the old adage says, “take some time to smell the roses!”
My Dad always believed that it was the simplest things that mattered most; that the littlest nuance could make the biggest impact. Every new day is full of promise so take advantage of the time that God has blessed you with and let others bless you, too! Look around you and take notice of things that you would usually take for granted. The sunshine and beauty of springtime could be just the medicine you need!
Know more about Mesothelioma and how you can deal with it.
Be Educated About Mesothelioma at Rare Disease Day
February 29 was rare disease day, a day to recognize and remember all those who have been afflicted with these illnesses and to pray for a cure. Mesothelioma is one of the nearly 7,000 diseases in the United States that is considered “rare;” however, to someone dealing with the effects of mesothelioma, there is no rarity to it at all.
Since mesothelioma is such a rare disease, it is understandable, but not acceptable, that the general public knows so little about it. I include myself in this lot, as I did not even realize that it was a form of cancer when my father was diagnosed. I find myself thinking about all of the missed opportunities to educate people on what meso really is instead of just those television advertisements.
Now is the perfect time to take a stand for this community. With faith, education, research, and fundraising, we can help take mesothelioma from being classified as a rare disease to an eradicated disease.
Contact your state and local representatives and ask them to push for legislation for more funding for mesothelioma research. Let them know that there are faces to this awful disease and that there is more to us than what may meet the eye. We may be a group that came together from something uncommon, but there is definite strength in our assembly.
Know more about Mesothelioma and how you can deal with it.
Wishes and Gifts to a Patient Traveling for Mesothelioma Treatment
Many people have to travel for mesothelioma treatment, doctor appointments, clinical trials, and events. Oftentimes, you would like to send something along with them to make the trip a little more comfortable, but you’re not really sure what that should be.
Here are a few ideas:
- Why not send along some comfort in the form of slippers, a robe, or a pair of pajamas? Whether your loved one is in the hospital or a hotel, it’s always nice to get cozy and relax.
- Send something to keep their mind occupied like a puzzle book, music, or a novel. I know that for me, my mind can be my own worst enemy at times. These items could help them keep busy and forget about the mesothelioma for a while.
- It’s always nice to have some words of encouragement; sending a card or letter can make someone’s day. When my Dad was in the Hope Lodge, his cousin would mail jokes from time to time. Dad always enjoyed that – the laughter coupled with knowing that he was being thought of made him smile.
- Send some snacks along! Before doing this, be aware of their appetite and eating habits. Some treatments might cause their favorite foods to be not quite so appetizing.
If you don’t know what could be useful to your friend or family member, simply ask! Tell them you would like to give them something to help on their trip and see if they have anything in mind. If not, just get creative! Your thoughtfulness will make all the difference! (And don’t forget about their caregivers!)
Free Mesothelioma Patient & Treatment Guide
We’d like to offer you our in-depth guide, “A Patient’s Guide to Mesothelioma,” absolutely free of charge.
It contains a wealth of information and resources to help you better understand the condition, choose (and afford) appropriate treatment, and exercise your legal right to compensation.
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