Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2014

PLEASE take a moment to read this post, it would mean the world to us. Please help spread awareness and show your support. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for your time and attention.

Life works in mysterious ways.

I was contacted by Cameron Von St. James, via email. He shared the touching story of his wife, Heather, revealing she is a mesothelioma survivor and her effort in raising awareness of this horrific little known cancer, which is caused by exposure to asbestos. After receiving Cameron’s compelling message, how could We refuse???? We can’t and you shouldn’t either, together let’s spread mesothelioma awareness.

Eight years ago, Heather was diagnosed with mesothelioma; a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. She had just given birth to her daughter Lily, and was only given 15 months to live. After a life saving surgery that included the removal of her left lung, she is thriving more than ever.

Little did Cameron realize this cruel disease took my mothers life November 25, 1999 as well as H. Lee’s grandfather. Needless to say we are proud to share Heather’s story and spread awareness of this savage and brutal cancer few know of.

Today is Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Inform yourself, this information can make a difference in your life, a loved one or that of a total stranger. Knowledge is power, together we stand strong against mesothelioma. It robs the afflicted and their family. Be aware and know your enemy, cancer can’t win all the time, Heather is living proof along with her family.

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Show your love and support for Heather click here to read Heathers blog.

WISE UP!!!
Facts you should know….
To learn more facts and statistics on Mesothelioma

Facts
▪︎Mesothelioma is a rare type of lung cancer.
▪︎Pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma in the lungs) is the most common type of mesothelioma.
▪︎Approximately 2,000 mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in the US each year.
▪︎Mesothelioma occurs more often in the right lung than the left lung and affects more men than women.
▪︎Mesothelioma is the only form of lung cancer not caused by smoking.
▪︎Most mesothelioma patients are over 50 years old.
▪︎Mesothelioma surgery can result in a significant five-year survival rate.
▪︎Mice and sheep are often used to study new mesothelioma treatments.
▪︎CT scans, PET scans, and biopsies can all be used to help diagnose mesothelioma.
▪︎Several genes have been identified as unique to mesothelioma cell lines.
▪︎Alimta was approved in 2004 as a chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma.
▪︎The biggest cause of mesothelioma is industrial asbestos exposure.
▪︎Mesothelioma can develop up to 60 years after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos Facts
▪︎Asbestos is an IARC Group 1 carcinogen, the most dangerous classification of carcinogen
▪︎Millions of people have been exposed to asbestos worldwide.
▪︎There are 98 active asbestos EPA Superfund sites in the United States.
▪︎In the 1950’s, some cigarette filters contained blue asbestos.
▪︎White asbestos was once widely used to mimic snow in Christmas decorations.
▪︎Vermiculite insulation manufactured before 1990 is likely contaminated with asbestos.
▪︎All road signs to the former asbestos mining town of Wittenoom, Australia were removed by the Australian government to discourage visitors to the asbestos-infested area.
▪︎Many navy ships used in World War II contained asbestos.
▪︎Several large asbestos companies have publicly admitted to hiding information about the health risks of asbestos.

Talk to me!