10th Annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day

Instead of my normal Friday Favorites/Five Things Friday random posts, I am bringing a more serious cause to your attention.  Today, September 26th, is Mesothelioma Awareness Day.  I was recently contacted by Heather Von St. James about sharing her family's story.  In 2005, after recently giving birth to her daughter, Heather was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma and only given 15 months to live.  Today she is an 8 year survivor, mother, and advocate! 

I share my personal story to help spread hope and awareness for others going through this, in hopes that one day no one else will have to. - See more at: http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/#.VCLstRA-WQQ

I share my personal story to help spread hope and awareness for others going through this, in hopes that one day no one else will have to. - See more at: http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/#.VCLstRA-WQQ

I share my personal story to help spread hope and awareness for others going through this, in hopes that one day no one else will have to. - See more at: http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/#.VCLstRA-WQQ

I share my personal story to help spread hope and awareness for others going through this, in hopes that one day no one else will have to. - See more at: http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/#.VCLstRA-WQQ

share my personal story to help spread hope and awareness for others going through this, in hopes that one day no one else will have to. - See more at: http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/#.VCLstRA-WQQ

share my personal story to help spread hope and awareness for others going through this, in hopes that one day no one else will have to. - See more at: http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/#.VCLstRA-WQQ

I'm sure many of you are saying, What is Mesothelioma?  I had never heard of it until Chelsea did a post a few months ago.  Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that attacks the lining of the body cavity called the mesothelioma. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.  Most mesothelioma cases occur within the lining of the lungs. Between 2,500 and 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. On average, people who are diagnosed are given only 10 months to live.

I personally thought asbestos was an old insulation that isn't used anymore.  However, I learned that this is not the case at all!!  On average, 30 million pounds of asbestos are still being used in
the United States today. The substance can still be found in many homes, schools, and commercial or industrial buildings.  Several developing countries continue to use and mine asbestos as well.  The scariest fact that I learned is this one:

The EPA estimates that there are asbestos containing materials in most of the nations approximately 107,000 primary and secondary schools and 733,000 public and commercial buildings.

This means that everyone is being exposed-even children!!  For more information, check out the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance site.  Please join in Heather's mission: "to share {her} personal story to help spread hope and awareness for others going through this, in hopes that one day no one else will have to."

Good luck to the beautiful Von St. James family on their mission and all other future endeavors!


Have you heard of mesothelioma?  Do you know anyone affected?