I know you've seen the commercials on TV for law firms that say "if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma please contact..." The picture in my head of such clients is older, gruff, blue collar working men.  That is so not true!

Let's start at the beginning.  What is mesothelioma?  It is a cancer that affects the membrane lining of the lungs and abdomen.  There are three types of mesothelioma and they are differentiated by the affected organs.  Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs and is the most common of all diagnoses.  Peritoneal affects the abdominal cavity and pericardial affects the cardiac cavity.

What causes mesothelioma?  Asbestos.  Asbestos fibers are extremely durable and is resistant to fire and chemical breakdown.  The strength of asbestos and its heat resistant made it a material of choice is a large number of products such as roofing materials, insulation, floor and ceiling tiles.
The mesothelioma website has a list of products and so much information on this deadly disease.

Back to my mental image of a mesothelioma sufferer.  The list of occupations on the website is predominately blue collar workers.  For example, shipyard workers, aircraft mechanics, plumbers, electricians, and drywallers.

Heather was just 36 when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma.  Her baby girl was only three months old when she was diagnosed.  Her father worked in drywall construction and as a little girl she used to wear his work jacket that was covered in drywall dust.  Read her amazing story here.  Heather is now a ten year survivor!

Mesothelioma Awareness Day is Saturday September 26, 2015.   Please, pass it along.