Karmanos Cancer Institute News
ADAO's March 29 Conference Unites Survivors, Families and Physicians
On
Reinstein experienced first-hand the devastating effects of asbestos related-diseases and the toll it takes on families. Her husband
"Alan courageously fought his battle with mesothelioma," said Reinstein. "He never complained about his surgeries or treatments, even after having his lung removed. He drew strength from his will to live and the love of family and friends. He was and still is an inspiration to all those impacted by asbestos-related diseases."
Inhaling or swallowing asbestos fibers permanently penetrates the lung and other tissue which causes cancer and other respiratory diseases. It can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years before the problem is realized and often it is misdiagnosed. Asbestos exposure causes lung cancer and causes twice the risk for getting colon cancer.
According to environmental and asbestos expert Michael R. Harbut, MD, MPH, FCCP, "There is no such thing as a safe level of exposure to asbestos fibers. Each and every fiber causes an increased risk of unnecessary suffering and unnecessary death."
There are 4,000 to 8,000 new cases of mesothelioma per year in the
On any given day, Gary Stevens' home in Shelby Township, Michigan, has flags waving proudly from the flagpole in the front yard — a
Stevens, 60 years old, is the vice president and acting president of Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 133, in
For the past 30 years, Stevens has been working maintenance at a cemetery, doing anything from digging grave sites to crematorium duties. He currently works full-time during the day at the cemetery and has another full-time job working the night shift at a department store. In addition, he is a compassionate volunteer advocate, not only for veterans but also for his fellow members of United Steel Workers Union Local 13702, which includes cemetery workers.
Concerned with the potential health hazards from working in a cemetery and crematorium, Stevens worked closely with
About 15 years ago, Stevens was experiencing severe breathing problems and at times he would gasp for air. He was also having migraine headaches and sinus problems. He attributed the symptoms to Michigan's changing weather. Once again, he decided to see
After a thorough exam, it was determined that Stevens had environmental asthma and the spots on his lungs were caused from exposure to asbestos and other environmental hazardous chemicals related to his time in the service and his work at the crematorium. Stevens recapped his years in the service, spending time on naval ships and serving in Vietnam.
"I have flashbacks of being on the naval ship at sea, lying in my bed and looking at the pipes above my head," Stevens said. "There were lots of pipes on the ship. There was a crystal-like dust coming down from the pipes that would sparkle in the light. The dust would fall on us. I never dreamt that was asbestos and I had no idea the damage it could cause.
"I was happy to be serving my country. I didn't even wait to be drafted — I enlisted," Stevens stated with conviction. "There are probably a lot of people out there who have been exposed to asbestos and don't know it. I bury veterans all the time. I can't help but wonder how many of them would still be here if they knew about asbestos screening and where to go to get help."
Stevens has frequent check-ups and is monitored closely.
"Dr. Harbut gave me my life back. My wish is that everyone would have access to screenings and the proper medical care. No one should have to worry about asbestos exposure."
Stevens' flags are still waving. They are at half-mast.
"Until all our troops come home and all the unaccounted people are returned to their families, these flags will continue to fly at half-mast."
The
There will also be a Remembrance Service & Brunch on
Registration for both of these events is limited. For more information visit www.adao.us and click Asbestos Awareness Conference.
For more information on asbestos-related screenings and treatment, call 1-800-KARMANOS.
About ADAO
In 2004, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families. The mission of ADAO is to provide the most advanced medical, occupational and environmental information available about asbestos-related diseases to individuals throughout the world. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to help ensure their rights are fairly represented and protected, while raising public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is an independent organization funded through voluntary contributions and staffed by volunteers. For more information go to www.adao.us.
About IBAS
The International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS), established in 2000, provides a conduit for the exchange of information between groups and individuals working to achieve a global asbestos ban and seeking to alleviate the damage caused by widespread asbestos use. Such use may be largely historical in the established economies of the West but is continuing in developing nations. Since its inception, IBAS has been involved in co-sponsoring and supporting national and international conferences furthering the above aims. In so doing, we have sought to counter the asbestos industry's control of the information stream and to provide a platform for victims to speak out against the injustices they have suffered. Through its coordinator, Laurie Kazan-Allen, IBAS channels the views of a network of victims' groups, medical and legal professionals and concerned individuals. IBAS has a continuing role in raising public awareness of asbestos hazards and providing informed comment on current developments.
About the
Located in mid-town
SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute
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