The Faces of Mesothelioma
Patty’s Story: Hopeful & Optimistic
August 6th, 2010
Standing in the lukewarm waiting area was a vivacious, petite woman with sun-kissed skin and a gleaming smile. Her energy was radiant. Her spirits were high. Her fingers gently swept her disheveled bangs across her forehead in one swift motion, revealing the skin-tone colored patch on her upper right arm and the white bandage on her lower arm. The vibrant, 49-year-old Patty looked as though she had just spent the day with her son, Ross, on the shores of Galveston, Texas. Instead, Patty had just finished her intravenous treatment at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. From the outside looking in, Patty is healthy and happy, but from the inside looking out is a hopeful, optimistic woman who has mesothelioma…
Dino’s Story: An Unexpected Diagnosis
August 6th, 2010
When Dino, of Belmar, NJ was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma at the age of 48, his older brother, Albert, was shocked. "Dino is my baby brother. I never thought that I'd be helping my baby brother like this."
Katherine’s Story: An Assignment from God
August 6th, 2010
Katherine, who describes herself as "self sufficient", used to put in 17-hour days as an office administrator for more than 12 years. Now, the 53 year-old, churchgoing woman is left with one lung and excruciating pain and has readjusted her priorities. Katherine was diagnosed with mesothelioma over three years ago and has since learned to slow down and appreciate the assignment she said God has given her.
Doug’s Story: Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
August 6th, 2010
As a platoon sergeant for the U.S. Army for 34 years, Doug was dedicated to taking care of wounded soldiers coming in from Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, this man with warm, contemplative eyes is taking care of himself and allowing himself to slow down and accept the fate that was given to him. Doug was diagnosed with mesothelioma on October 6, 2009, just a few weeks after the death of his wife of 34 years.