It’s been more than 30 years since the peak usage of asbestos here in the United States but it seems we’re finding more and more cases of Mesothelioma popping up. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is most commonly caused by the exposure to asbestos. Symptoms of Mesothelioma can lie dormant for up to 30-60 years which is one of the reason’s we’re now hearing about more people with the disease. Every year approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma and most are only given about 10 months to live, the prognosis is very poor. Research for early detection is ongoing but meanwhile families are being torn apart by the loss of their loved ones and the struggles they endure.
One of those families that found themselves in the middle of this disease is the Von St James’. Wife and mother, Heather Von St James is a rare survivor of Mesothelioma. Just three months after welcoming their daughter, Lily, into the world, Heather was given just 15 months to live. The removal of her left lung and multiple treatments saved her life and 8 years later she has beat the odds.
Heather is just one of a few survivors of Mesothelioma and continuous research is being done to learn more about it and to help find a cure for this disease. If you would like to learn more or help aid their research you can go to the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.
Melissa Nagy Designs 