With May being recognized as National Cancer Research Month, the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance has launched an initiative to persuade some of America's 100 million daily coffee drinkers to donate the cost of one cup of coffee towards cancer research.

Join the movement and kick your cup for cancer research today!

If you ask my daughter about my cancer, she will tell you one thing, “I saved my mommy’s life.” She says it in such a nonchalant manner, it is if she is saying “The sky is blue” but she is right, she DID save my life.

My husband and I didn’t rush into parenthood. We waited 7 years into our marriage before trying to get pregnant. I was a little nervous that we might have some issues conceiving; I was 35, not some young virile girl. I had no idea how long it would take to get pregnant, or if I even could. But, we were lucky-- 3 months later, I took the pregnancy test (3 of them actually) just to make sure. They all said the same thing-- I was pregnant! I was going to be a MOTHER! It was funny how almost immediately I started rubbing my belly and thinking of all of the scenarios of having a baby. What would life be like to be a mom and have a baby? What kind of mom would I be? A fun mom? A strict mom? The cool, fashionable mom? I wanted to be the good mom, the one with the kid that behaved. I wanted to be the mom that had the career with the fulfilling family life at home.

When Lily decided to come into the world, she did so on her terms. After finding out she was in the wrong position, we had an emergency c- section. I remembered saying, “At least she will have a round head.” I’m always looking at the bright side of things. When I finally got to hold her, I was unprepared for the amount of emotion that overcame me. All at once, I wanted everything for this little bundle in my arms. I wanted to protect her from anything that might hurt her. I wanted to nurture her to become the best she could be, teach her, coach her, love her like no mom has loved their child before. The whole working mom scenario seemed not so important. I just wanted to spend time with her, spend time getting to know her, study her and memorize every detail about her as she changed before my very eyes. Nothing really mattered anymore, but this little girl who was so dependent on me. She became so much more to me that I ever dreamed a child could.

When the mesothelioma diagnosis came just 3 1/2 short months later, my first thought was Lily. I was supposed to be there to raise her! I was her mommy. I NEEDED to be there. As a mother, we make necessary sacrifices for our children without giving it a second thought. I sacrificed being there for Lily’s 6th month of life, so I could be there for the many years to follow. It was pictures of her, emailed to me while I was in the hospital, that gave me the strength to fight, to get up and move, and heal. It was this adorable little girl that needed her mommy to live that gave me the courage to face the unknown world of life threatening surgery, chemo and radiation. It was, in essence, being a mom that saved my life; so Lily is right when she tells people that she saved my life.

With this year’s Mother’s Day, and every Mother’s Day I’m blessed with, I’m reminded to look back, and reflect on what being a mom is. I’ve ended up being just the type of mom I always wanted to be, one that is here to celebrate Mother’s Day with my little girl, who saved my life.

For all of the support you give to charities, walks and events against cancer, do you ever wonder if you are really making a difference in the fight against this seemingly invincible enemy known as cancer?

The answer is this: Yes! Every donation in the name of cancer research is important in the continuing fight against this foe. As of 2007 and 2011, Congress even stepped up to the plate to help recognize May as National Cancer Research Month alongside the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

The goal of the medical community has always been simple—find a cure for cancer. The best way that any individual or group can help reach that goal is by giving funds. Many people may not feel that they have enough to give to help make a difference, but every amount, even a small donation, can help bring about a large change.

Here are some examples of how people and companies are helping to further cancer research and find a cure:

"Small donations are incredibly important. Many small labs depend on small contributions from donors and community foundations to pursue research. Because these labs don't have money to waste, each donation is used as efficiently as possible.Donations of $5 and $10 can buy general lab supplies. $20 can buy primers for experiments. Research cannot be conducted without these seemingly insignificant supplies; so small donations really do make a big impact. And when enough small donations are pooled, entire projects can be financed.”

--Chris Rovin, Executive Director & Co-founder of we-search.org, a crowdfunding site for medical research.

“Our company has teamed up with Drive Away Cancer to raise funding and awareness for Cancer Research. We have created a Drive Away Cancer cause shirt and, being a vintage automotive themed clothing line, we found it was a great fit. We end up making nothing on the shirt once we factor in design, production, and shipping costs, but we are able to send $10 from each purchase to support Drive Away Cancer. Just about everyone in our office has been affected by cancer, from my own Grandmother passing away two years ago, to close friends, and the few lucky ones that have beat it.”

--Michael Satterfield, Director of Morgan’s & Phillip’s, an automotive themed clothing company.

“Every year, The Pampered Chef® joins forces with the American Cancer Society® to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and early detection programs. Since 2000, we have raised more than $10.2 million through our Help Whip Cancer® program.

With more than 65,000 Independent Consultants worldwide, the Pampered Chef dedicates the months of May and October to Help Whip Cancer®. Consultants raise money from the sale of limited-edition pink products and offer Help Whip Cancer® Fundraiser Cooking Shows, where a percentage of the sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Plus, in October, both Consultants and Home Office Coworkers participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® Walk to show our support and raise more funds for those battling cancer.”

-- Kate Johnston, Sr. PR Coordinator for Pampered Chef®, the premier direct seller of high quality kitchen tools.

“I am the co-owner (along with my mother Sandy) of Jewels For Hope. We create handmade jewelry and donate to 15 organizations close to our hearts. We donate a portion of the profits of every item sold on our site to one of the amazing organizations we support.One of the organizations we donate to is the American Cancer Society. Our jewelry ranges from $20 to over $500 no matter how much money someone has to spend, they feel as if they are doing their part in donating. Every little bit does count! All of our causes mean something to us and every year we hope to donate more and more to them. Everyone can Look Great & Donate!”

-- Stevie D’Andrea, Co-Owner of Jewels for Hope, a unique, handmade jewelry company.

These are just a couple of examples of individuals and businesses working with cancer organizations to make a difference in cancer research and care. Every small donation helps make a big difference; share what it is that you, your family or your workplace does to help support cancer research!

Though the accused con artist is not giving up his real name, “Bobby Thompson” is accused of raising $100 million in donations from his bogus Navy veteran charity, U.S. Navy Veterans Association. According to the Associated Press, “[l]ittle, if any, of the money collected by the charity was use to benefit veterans.”

The $100 million in donations was raised in 41 states, resulting in a nationwide scam that touched hundreds, even thousands of well-intentioned victims.

The real Bobby Thompson had his identity and Social Security number stolen, and does not have any affiliation with the phony charity. Authorities are not confirming whether the fugitive is the one that stole Bobby Thompson's identity.

This recent case is potentially the highest profile scam that deliberately targets veterans and those who choose to support veterans.

How to Keep Your Donations Safe

Before you decide to donate to a new charity – veterans or otherwise – it is best to check out the organization to make sure that your hard earned dollars are actually being spent helping others.

• Similarly to this case, a phony charity may rely on using a familiar name in their charity name for legitimacy. In this case, “U.S. Navy Veterans Association” sounds like a reputable organization, but really isn't. Just because a charity has a name that sounds familiar to you or uses parts of another well-known group doesn't always mean that it is legitimate.
• Run the charity's name through the Better Business Bureau's(BBB) Charities and Donors and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Charities and Non-Profits to make sure that the group is legitimate.
• Don't succumb to pressure from a charity. Reputable charities understand that it takes a lot of thought and consideration when a person decides to make a donation. If someone is pushing you for your money and won't let you “think about it,” then walk away.
• Never donate large sums of cash. When you can, donate money through wire transfers, money transfers, or bank or personal checks. Asking the donor whether they'd like a receipt for their financial donation is customary. Those charities that don't offer that option are often bogus.
• If you come across a questionable charity, report it to the BBB or IRS.

I’d like to take a moment to thank Rebecca Arnautovic, the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance’s Advocate of the Month for April. Rebecca has been incredibly active and visible in our Facebook community and continues to help spread the message of the MCA, while lending her support and knowledge to others affected by cancer. Beneath is an interview with Rebecca about her own experience with cancer and how that has shaped her way of life.

MCA:
Has cancer affected you in some way? If so, in what way? Tell us about your experience.

Rebeeca Arnautovic:
I was always aware of different cancers and people being affected by them but I never once thought it could happen to someone I knew or loved. My dad was a very tall, strong and healthy man; he worked 12-hour shifts and always provided us with the very best of life. It wasn’t like my dad to take sick days or any days off really. He believed if you worked hard you can have whatever you want and enjoy life.

My dad was 59 years old and had begun planning his retirement with my mum. They discussed what they would do, where they would go and how they would spend the rest of their lives. Little did we know, my dad had a vicious disease growing inside him that would soon shorten his life.

Every year after Christmas, our family would take a long, deserved vacation to Lake Charm. We’d sit by the water, fish, go out on the boat and just enjoy the time we had together before we had to head back to reality. The few months leading to our holiday my dad became very ill. He was fatigued, had shortness of breath, chest pain and a nasty cough. When the doctor saw him several times, it was diagnosed as the flu or a chest infection. He was prescribed antibiotics and was dismissed as not having anything more serious than that. My dad started to call in sick to work regularly and decided to take his long service leave earlier then expected. He rested everyday and was doing well.

Two weeks before we left for Lake Charm, the symptoms returned. He was back at the doctors and had 1 litre of fluid drained from his right lung. He felt amazing afterwards; he described it as a weight being lifted from his chest and off we went on our holiday. I was concerned about the fluid and my dad told me “Don’t worry dushy, a litre of fluid never hurt anyone.” I believed this; I believed nothing would ever hurt my dad.

After we returned from our holiday, my dad’s results were in. The doctor asked if he’d ever been exposed to asbestos and that the pathology results had showed malignant pleural mesothelioma. So what did these 3 long words mean? Dad came home and we researched the diagnosis only to be shattered with the results-- no cure, poor prognosis and limited treatment options.

I cried for days. I couldn’t picture life with my dad. He was my dad and my best friend; we shared so many things and I was daddy’s little girl. I told myself not to get to worked up about it until he saw the oncologist. The day arrived and the news didn’t get better; my beautiful dad was given 6 months to live. Our treatment options were limited but as a family we decided to take mesothelioma on and give it a good go. If anyone could beat it my dad could!

Our battle had begun by trying many different mesothelioma treatments-- diet changes, chemotherapy, clinical trials-- you name it we tried it! Dad started to show positive signs as the tumors began to shrink. We were stunned and so happy that he was beating it despite the prognosis. I knew my dad was fighter and believed he would beat the mesothelioma and follow through with his retirement dreams. The months that followed went against us; chemotherapy was making my dad ill, making him lose weight and developing pneumonia. He required oxygen 24 hours a day and his list of medication kept increasing. By this stage, being September 2011, the doctors had told us the mesothelioma had taken over and had spread into his other lung. He still requested chemo and wanted to fight it out. He ended up having one more chemo treatment, but his body was so tired. His mind was still ready for the fight but his body just couldn’t handle another chemo treatment. My dad’s wish was to pass away at home and we granted him this wish. We worked closely with palliative care and made my dad very comfortable.

On October the 5th, 2011, my daddy passed away. It’s now been 6 months and I feel like a piece of me is missing. I still expect him to walk through the door and hug me. I will never recover from seeing my dad suffer and pass away. It was a horrible experience and I'd give anything to have him back.

MCA:
How has it shaped you as the person you are today?

Rebeeca Arnautovic:
This experience has made me realize how strong and determined I really am. Even though my experience was a negative one, I still love working with others going through cancer struggles and still hope for a cure for mesothelioma. I live everyday for my dad and know that he wouldn’t want me being upset and missing out on life. He would want me to carry out my dreams and honor him and the beautiful person he was. I feel I’m doing all of these things. I’ve also had to become my mum’s rock and support her through this as well. I definitely underestimated my strength.

MCA:
If you were affected by cancer, what are the two biggest things you learned from this experience?

Rebeeca Arnautovic:
Never give up hope! Despite the prognosis or what you have been told, you should never give up! Fight it out with everything you have and you will be surprised with the strength you actually have.

The second thing would be to do whatever it is my heart desires. Anything you’ve said you’re going to do and put off, DO IT! Even without a cancer diagnosis, life is to short not too!

MCA:
What was your motivation to become a MCA advocate for the month?

Rebeeca Arnautovic:
My dad and my other meso warrior friends who have passed on, they are definitely been my inspiration. Even though they aren’t here with us physically, I want to carry on their legacy and make sure they are always remembered and honored as truly amazing people. I also know my dad would want me to be involved and raise awareness everywhere possible! So this is for him!

MCA:
If you could say one thing to the world about cancer, or mesothelioma specifically, what would it be?

Rebeeca Arnautovic:
I would say this to suppliers and distributors of asbestos materials-- DON’T DO IT! Until one of their family members or close friends is diagnosed, they will continue to be careless. Stop being so ignorant to the facts and ban asbestos products! It’s sickening to know people are more worried about making financial gains than the risks associated with the products. My dad wasn’t aware of the dangers, but in this day and age we all are so STOP IT! BAN IT! DESTROY IT!

MCA:
Is there anything else you would like to say to the MCA community?

Rebeeca Arnautovic:
We are all in this together. By creating an alliance we are making a difference. Although there is currently no cure, I remain optimistic! All we can do at the moment is raise awareness and prevent future diagnosis.

For anyone battling mesothelioma or who has a loved one battling, NEVER GIVE UP! Never stop telling them how much you love them and how proud you are of all their accomplishments. Make them comfortable and accept their choice to a good quality of life rather them treatment. They know their body and how much it can tolerate and sometimes it’s for the best.

The entire 11th floor of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston is dedicated to thoracic patients. They have lung transplant patients, collapsed lung patients, esophageal cancer patients and, of course, extrapleural pneumonectomy or EPP patients like myself. The nurses and residents are highly skilled and know exactly what to do to care for us.

The first few days after surgery are a blur; I was in the ICU for 3 days. During that time, I had to pass certain milestones before I could move to the step down ward. The first thing I had to accomplish was “dangle” that was sitting on the side of the bed with my feet “dangling” No easy task when there are about 14 tubes connected to you. After I accomplished dangling, I got to graduate to sitting in a chair-- woohoo! This was a huge step and meant I actually got up out of bed. After sitting for a couple of hours, I would need to sleep. It must be what a newborn feels like. Simple tasks would exhaust me.

The second day in the ICU I had a very special visitor; my dear friend Doug, who I had met back in December at an MRI appointment. He too, was a mesothelioma patient and was scheduled for surgery the next week. He told his wife before coming to see me that if I looked awful, or was in bad shape, he wasn’t going to go through with the surgery. The moment I saw him and his wife, Jane, I lit up-- smiled from ear to ear and was elated to see him. His first words to me were, “Damn, now I have to go through with the surgery.” I was limited to 15-minute visits with people, so they couldn’t stay long.

Me escaping -- the only way I could rest in TICU

Not long after, the nurses got me up and walking with the help of a huge walker contraption. It was tall, had a place for the oxygen tanks to sit and another place for all the IV bags to hang. I would lean forward on it, my hands holding onto two handgrips on the top for balance, and I would do laps around the ICU. This exercise I would do a few times a day-- getting up and walking is so important after chest surgery so fluid doesn’t settle in the chest cavity. After 3 days, I was well enough to go to the step down unit called the TICU; this was probably the most unpleasant part of my hospital stay. The TICU was a ward type of room with 4 beds, sectioned off by only curtains for privacy. There were two shared bathrooms, one on each side of the room, and no television. This was before the days of WIFI in the hospital rooms and before the days of smart phones, iPads, e-readers, or any other such items that make a hospital stay a little more bearable. I had an mp3 player and a cd player with headphones-- that is what kept me sane during those long days.

Flashing V for VICTORY on one of my many walks around the 11th floor. This was around my 9th day or so-- don't I look lovely?

I was the only female in this large room; two of the other patients were also EPP patients, and the 4th was a collapsed lung patient. We were all in about the same place in our recovery. During those next 5 days, my kidneys stopped functioning correctly. It was a side effect of the heated chemotherapy. The staff would come in and check my creatinine levels to help determine my kidneys' ability to filter fluids. If creatinine levels are too high, your kidneys won't function properly. My creatinine levels kept creeping up and up and, by the 4th day, I was told if they didn’t start declining by the morning I would have to have dialysis. This scared me. I had already been through the wringer and now I was up against one more set back. I didn't want to have to do dialysis. I started praying and praying hard. I told my husband to email everyone on our email list and to call my parents and ask them to pray-- this is all I knew how to do.

The next morning, when my blood work was done, I was fully expecting to have to start dialysis. My medical staff found that the creatinine levels had started to drop! During the night, my kidneys had started functioning and were filtering the fluids like they were supposed to-- no dialysis for me! Later on, my dad told me that he had a dream the night I asked him to pray; a bright column of light entered my room through the window and angels rode it down from Heaven. He saw them surround my bed and start singing and, when he woke up, he knew that everything was going to be ok. Miraculous healing? I think so no matter what anyone thinks. I hang onto that.

From that day on, I started recovering really well, and so did my kidneys. They started working so well that they were filtering too much, the opposite problem. I now didn’t have enough magnesium and potassium, so I was put on supplements to keep those levels normal. If you've ever had to drink potassium drinks, you would understand how unpleasant this is. It’s a nasty tasting concoction they mix with cranberry juice in an attempt to make it palatable, without success. I some how managed to choke it down and, slowly but surely, my kidneys started to behave themselves.

Baby Lily!

I was finally moved to a normal room in yet another wing of the 11th floor. Every day, Cameron would come to the hospital, go to the family waiting room, update emails and print off the pictures of Lily that my mom would send us. We literally watched our baby grow through grainy black and white print outs of pictures, but they were our lifeline to our little girl. I had a huge stack of these photos I would show to the nurses, who would look at them while trying to hold back the tears. My beautiful little girl made me fight harder each day. During my stay, I walked countless miles around the 11th floor. If you do something like 24 laps, it equals a mile. They told me to walk, so walk I did. By this time, my friend Doug had had his surgery and was also recovering on the 11th floor, in another wing. So during those walks, I would make sure to stop in and see him. He had his ups and downs as well, but in no time was out of the hospital and on his way home. I also met another woman in the hallway, Sandy. She had her surgery the day before mine and we were introduced by the social worker for the mesothelioma program. We called ourselves “surgery buddies” and exchanged information. We still keep in touch to this day.

It was those last days in the hospital that was the hardest. My husband had to return home on the 17th of February, and my sister arrived to take his place. As much as I wanted him to stay, bills needed to be paid and he had to get back to work. Danna, my sister arrived late in the afternoon and was a little nervous. It is always a shock to see someone after surgery, no matter how well I was doing; I was still not the vibrant sister she remembered.

It was on February 18th that the seriousness of this disease and the people it affects hit us. Doug’s wife, Jane, came to see me that day to tell me that our friend Bill had his surgery on the 17th. Cameron and I had met Bill and his wife Gloria back in December, became fast friends, and stayed at the same guesthouse. We had spent our evenings together and were quite close. Knowing that Bill was quite a bit older, I was worried about his surgery. Jane’s news for me was not good-- Bill didn’t make it. His heart simply could not take the stress. The tears flowed for him, for Gloria, and their family; all of who had been there to support him. They had left sometime during that night, and we didn’t even get a chance to tell them how sorry we were. When I called Cams to tell him, he didn’t take the news well. It was the one time he gave into the sadness, the anger, and the fear. He told me later that after we hung up, he collapse to the floor and curled up and just sobbed. Bill’s death hit us all very hard, and we vowed to fight on, in his memory. That was the first of many heartbreaks.

This is Shannon's House-- the home we stayed in.

Finally, 18 days after checking into the hospital, I got the wonderful news that I could leave. I was not able to leave the Boston area for a couple of weeks yet, but I was no longer a patient IN the hospital! My sister was there to help me with my things; we jumped into a cab and made our way back to Shannon’s House, a group home for adult cancer patients and their loved ones to stay during treatment and recovery. That big old, Victorian home in Brookline was to be our home for the next 2 weeks and my life with one lung was just getting started.

Today, April 28th, marks the international Workers’ Memorial Day. Observed each year, it is a day for remembering fellow workers who have been hurt or killed on the job and a day to renew focus on the efforts to continue to work towards safer working conditions for all.

This year also marks the 41st anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) being formed, which works diligently to advocate for jobs with safe working conditions and support for unions. Since the inception of this administration, the death toll of workers on the job has decreased but approximately 4,500 workers still die each year from their working conditions.

Use Workers’ Memorial Day as a time to reflect on your own working conditions and your efforts to help keep your job, as well as the jobs of those around you, safe.

Remember--

• The next time you are upset because of a construction zone, remember that construction tends to be the leader in workplace fatalities, with falls being the biggest risk and claiming 255 lives in 2010.
• When you’re worried about punching out of work as soon as the clock hits 5pm, remember that an average of 12 people a day leave for work and don’t get the chance to come home.
• If you’re worried that the air is too hot or cold in your office, know that in 2010, while 4,500 workers died while on the job, another 50,000 died from occupational diseases, like mesothelioma from asbestos exposure for example. Coal miners are another great example of this.

Instead of using the time over the water cooler to gossip, next time you can hang up posters with more information about OSHA, unions and Workers’ Memorial Day to help make a change and bring awareness to businesses that are still cutting corners and allowing their workers dies from preventable events.

As David Michaels, the Director of OSHA, stated, “Making a living shouldn’t include dying.”

Find local Workers’ Memorial Day activities near you here.

On April 24th, I had my bi-annual check up in Boston with Dr. David Sugarbaker. It’s been 6 1/2 years since my diagnosis. It has been 6 years and 3 months since my subsequent surgery to have the tumor and my lung taken out—wow! I get giddy when I think about it. The few weeks before my appointments I usually suffer from what I call “Scanxiety,” or this anxiousness that comes before the scans to see if “it” came back.

This time, however, it was not that bad. I was a little nervous, but not seriously. I think maybe the main reason was during this trip I was meeting a patient who I had spoken to on the phone a few weeks prior. Bill O’Brian contacted me to discuss his upcoming surgery. It just so happened that his surgery was scheduled for the 11th of April and he would still be in Boston when I was going to be out for my appointment. I had spent about an hour on the phone with him and his wife, telling them what I had been through and what to expect. Something I vowed to do for others, since there was no one to do that for me. In those 60 minutes we bonded. Before we hung up, he said to me, “I just love you!! I really do! You’re family now!!” We made plans to meet when I came to town.

Bill and I.

My flight arrived at noon; I dropped my stuff off at the hotel and headed over to the apartment that Bill had rented for the duration of his stay in Boston. He and his daughter were outside waiting for me when I arrived. Even though this was our first time meeting, it felt like we were long lost relatives. He looked amazing despite having had a pleurectomy just 12 days earlier! We spent the afternoon together at the apartment talking over our lives, his diagnosis, his exposure to asbestos, and sharing my story. We had lunch at his apartment and just enjoyed each other’s company. Our get together was good for the both of us. He kept telling me how happy he was that I came by. I told him wild horses could not have kept me away. After a few hours, I knew he was getting tired, so it was time for me to leave. We said our good byes and promised to keep in touch.

My appointment was scheduled for the next morning, so I just went back to the hotel to rest and relax. I am thrilled to say that everything is perfect. No cancer anywhere! Dr. Sugarbaker always greets me with “Hey! There she is!! My favorite patient” when he walks into the exam room. He goes to shake my hand, but I insist on a hug, the man did after all save my life. He complimented me on all I’ve been doing to raise awareness and is so happy with my progress.

New "family" members.

After my appointment, I always go to the new patient orientation to speak with people who have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma and are there for the first time. I know how they feel. I know the fear, the uncertainty, and being overwhelmed with all that lies ahead of each and every one of them. I hope that in some small way, I can alleviate some of that fear and be that glimmer of hope that every person who hears “You’ve got cancer” so desperately needs.

I felt a renewed sense of purpose after this trip to Boston. It makes me want to work harder to raise more awareness for mesothelioma and get more voices of survivors heard. I don’t want to just sit back and do nothing. This is me just getting started.

4 Tips for Happiness

It’s no secret that life can get tough. There are things that happen beyond our control that can turn life upside down and make you pretty down, but it’s important to remember that things will get better if you take a proactive approach in making things better. Physical health and mental health go hand and hand, and there are several ways in which you can ease your mind and also improve your health.

1. Creativity

As important as it is to nurture our bodies with healthful foods and physical activity, it’s vital that we nurture and explore our minds—our creative side. Imagination doesn’t have to go away when you grow up, you just have to make sure to engage it. It can be as cathartic as it is productive; putting your feelings into what you are creating is often very therapeutic. So while you’re taking your walk, bring your camera and snap a few pictures. When you find the time, write down your thoughts and goals. Pick up and start that crafting project you always thought you wanted to try. Start a scrapbook to document family outings or just random creative presentation kits. Why wait? Channel all of your anxiety into things that can relax your mind and serve as an outlet of inner expression!

2. Interaction

One thing that is essential to our well-being is that feeling of being needed and heard. We can give so much back to the world, and it’s incredibly rewarding to give without expecting anything in return. One thing that I find extremely rewarding is the simple act of engaging with others around you—by sharing your story you’ll propel yourself into an environment where through encouragement, healing can take place. There is no shortage of things to do that will leverage that level of meaningful interaction. Whether it takes place online [through blogging or social networking], within your own community, or even at your own dinner table, communication is key and you will be so happy you did.

Inspire. Educate. Motivate.

Be inspired. Be educated. Be motivated.

3. Affirmations

It’s difficult sometimes to maintain a positive outlook in life, especially when times are tough. One helpful tip is to say daily affirmations from when you wake up to whenever you need to remind yourself just how wonderful you are. You can say anything you want: "I am strong and beautiful" or “I will be better than I was yesterday.” Anything that takes you to a more peaceful place is effective. Sit in the driver seat on your road to wellness and cheer on that “personal trainer” mentality—by knowing that “I can do this!” will turn into “I have done this!” As stated before, physical health and mental health go hand and hand, which is always something to remember.

4. Wellness

Our bodies are wonderful gifts that nature has bestowed on us, and if we take care of our bodies then they will take care of us. If you’re feeling stress or going through tough times, release that from your body. Exercise serves so many purposes—and exudes characteristics of being highly therapeutic. You don’t have to go to the gym and pump iron to exercise. Exercise can be done in the comfort of your own home and can be done at your own pace based on your own abilities. Eating healthy, following prescribed treatments and treating your body to the activity that it needs will help lay a good foundation for overall wellness!

When you learn how to find happiness during times of stress or unease, you are giving yourself a gift you truly deserve. Remember above all else: be kind to yourself.

Here is a glimpse into their stories--

Leonie from Dancing Paper Cranes was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and blogs about her day to day experiences and emotions with cancer. Heather Von St. James, a mesothelioma SURVIVOR has beaten the odds and devoted her life to raising awareness about mesothelioma cancer. Shannah was diagnosed with Leukemia a few years ago. She created a now thriving magazine that gave her something to fight for; you can follow her updates at her Tumblr as well. And then there is sweet Leah, a ten year old Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor who sees all of the beauty she has to offer by just being who she is. Finally, there is the strong and talented Yvonne; she had a brain tumor and small cells of cancer. Yvonee is "a fashionable survivor" and shares her beauty secrets at Style by Yvonne.

All of these amazing women have a passion for life. These are their inspiring and uplifting quotes about what makes them feel beautiful. Read, share, and comment! Tell us what makes you feel beautiful!

Hair loss can be one of the most difficult and feared side effects of chemotherapy. Upon learning we will lose our hair, we immediately begin anticipating our hair loss and its impact on ourselves and others. Feeling helpless in anticipation of our hair loss can cause or increase feelings of reluctance, fear, and depression. By researching options, making deliberate choices, and taking specific actions to determine our appearance without hair, we gain a greater sense of control over our changing appearance. A greater sense of control over our appearance may help motivate us to take control of other aspects of our lives that contribute to a greater quality of life during cancer treatment. Clearly, it is not "just hair."

Our hair is part of us, part of our feminine identity, part of our style and image. Without our hair, we feel stripped of our identity, and in the context of cancer, it often feels like we are systematically being stripped of ourselves. Hair loss strips us of our anonymity at a time when we desperately want to maintain a sense of normalcy. In the words of one anonymous respondent to 4women.com's "Emotional Side of Hair Loss" survey:

"Hair loss is a neon sign saying 'I have cancer' that makes feeling healthy psychologically more difficult."

Your hair will almost certainly grow back, but that doesn't mean losing it is inconsequential. Grieving the loss of our hair does not make us vain or demonstrate a lack of appreciation for our life. On the contrary, losing our hair is a very visual reminder of the disease that is threatening our lives. By taking control of our image without hair, we can increase our self-confidence, build our sense of optimism, and cultivate a greater sense of self-empowerment. How do you take control over your image without hair? Great question!

There are numerous ways you can determine your appearance without hair. From wearing wigs, hats, scarves or other headwear, or experimenting with combinations of all such options, you can determine which feels right for you. In most cases, women find a combination of head wear options suits their needs and lifestyle. You might feel fine going completely bald. Be prepared by having an assortment of headwear items on hand before your hair starts falling out so that you are not caught off-guard and unprepared to face the world. Comfort is key. Keep in mind that you may be wearing your head wear much or most of the day for many consecutive days, so make sure it's neither too tight, nor requires constant readjustments to stay put. Have a soft cap on hand for nights. Even the warmest nights can feel chilly without hair.

Regardless of which headwear options you ultimately choose, most women recommend cutting your hair before beginning chemo and then shaving your head once your hair starts to fall out. Doing so can minimize the visual impact of watching your hair fall out in handfuls and also allows you to get a head start on adjusting to your new image.

Accessorize. While we tend to focus on the loss of the hair on our head, chemotherapy can also cause the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes. Fashion accessories, such as colorful neck scarves, jewelry (especially earrings), and fashionable headwear can effectively reframe our faces and brighten our image.

Remember, when you feel good about yourself, your burdens seem lighter. Be true to yourself. Give yourself permission to grieve and to feel your feelings. You are not alone.

About the Author:

Susan Beausang is the President of 4women.com and designer of the patented beaubeau® head scarf, a fashionable scarf designed specifically for women and girls with hair loss. The beaubeau® unites the worlds of fashion and medical hair loss. 4women.com's mission is to help women and girls cope with the emotional upheaval of medical hair loss with dignity and confidence and to advocate for greater attention to the emotional impacts of medical hair loss among medical professionals and the public. Susan is a Previvor, having undergone a prophylactic double mastectomy and oophorectomy upon learning she carries the BRCA2 mutation, which translates into an estimated 85 percent lifetime chance of developing breast cancer. She is also an Alopecian, having lost all of her hair due to alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes permanent hair loss. Susan strives to be a source of strength and hope for women and girls with medical hair loss.

Debbie & I finally meet!

Friends

I cannot remember the moment I became aware of other mesothelioma warriors around the globe, but, sometime in the last few years, my friendship base grew from a couple of people I knew from Boston to many people from all over the world—the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil; the list goes on and on. A few in particular stuck out because of their fierce passion against this disease and what it has done to their lives and to others’ lives as well. “Turn anger into action,” they say. Sadly, many have passed, succumbed to this dreadful disease and mourned by people worldwide. Many are doing well, fighting hard, and making it known that they won’t give in. I was lucky enough to meet one of these brave women this last weekend when my husband and I attended the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s annual conference in Los Angeles, CA.

Debbie Brewer is a tireless mesothelioma warrior in England. We became Facebook friends about 3 years ago and we both had been aware of each other for months before that. Debbie and I have a lot in common; I nicknamed my tumor Punxatawny Phil and she nicknamed hers Theo; we both sought out rather extreme mesothelioma treatments for our disease and we both had great success with them. The friendship grew through the last few years; I would cheer her on when she was giving speeches all over the UK about her battle and she would do the same for me when I was asked to share my story at various conferences. When I found out she was to receive the The Alan Reinstein Award for her commitment to education, advocacy, and support to the many people she comes in contact with, I was elated! It also meant that we might actually be able to meet after all this time since I planned on attending the ADAO Conference as well.

Plans were solidified for both of us and we were finally going to meet!

When I was given my mesothelioma diagnosis, I felt so very isolated. Here I was, a new mom and just diagnosed with a cancer that was not normally found in women my age; I was facing odds that seemed daunting at best. Through the next few years, part of my recovery was to get involved in the mesothelioma community and, at the urging of a couple of friends, I attended a conference in Washington DC put on by The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF). It was there that I met Linda Reinstein, who is the co-founder of the Asbestos Diseased Awareness Organization. As we talked through lunch, Linda kept telling me how important my story was. It was Linda who made me realize I had a voice, a story to share, and hope to give.

When Linda invited me to speak at the ADAO Conference in 2011, I jumped at the chance. She asked me to speak on the value of my life in dollars and tears; to speak about the cost of mesothelioma diagnosis, but not strictly monetary. It was this opportunity that started my advocacy mission. I got more involved with bringing awareness and even turned my yearly “Lungleaving Day” party into a fundraiser for mesothelioma research.

From left to right: Myself, Debbie Brewer and Linda Reinstein

Faith

So as the end of March approached, so did the date for the ADAO Conference. My parents arrived to stay with Lily so Cameron and I could both go. Cameron knows how important it is to be a part of an organization like the ADAO and he looks forward to this event every year now; having his support means the world to me.

When we arrived, I checked Facebook to see if Debbie was in yet and when we should plan to meet. I’ll admit, I had butterflies in my stomach at the thought of finally meeting her. We agreed to meet in the lobby and we both rushed down; I got off of the elevator, took a few tentative steps into the lobby and found her; her fabulous red hair was the first thing I noticed. We both let out a little squeal and ran to each other. Finally, after all these years we were meeting and it was seriously like a dream come true for me. We hugged, took pictures and sat down together beaming. Just then, Linda arrived and we were all able to reacquaint ourselves.

Debbie, Cameron and I spent the afternoon together; Cams drove us around LA so we could do some sightseeing. We talked and talked, comparing stories, finding out that our stories were so similar. Debbie’s exposure also came from her father who worked with asbestos. We talked of losing so-called friends, gaining amazing new ones and how, when she was diagnosed, she had no one to look to. From that feeling, Debbie decided to become the person that others looked to. I had the same experience here through my own disease. We both are all about hope, fighting this disease with our entire being, but mostly LIVING.

When we got back to the hotel, Debbie and I stopped in the bathroom where we met a woman who was getting ready in there because her room was not open yet. We discovered that we were all there for the ADAO conference and she told us her story of how she lost her husband 9 years previous and, still to this day, the horror stayed with her. She asked how asbestos affected us and when we told her we were both mesothelioma survivors, Debbie 5 1/2 years, and me 6 1/2 years, the look on her face was priceless. Her experience with mesothelioma was horrible; for her to meet us by chance, two vibrant, thriving survivors, she burst into tears. She knew then, despite all her misgivings she had in coming to the conference, she was meant to be there.

This inspiration is exactly what Debbie and I both believe in and right there, in that moment, it made everything so right. I also met two other women at the conference who told me that my story inspired them and they made sure to share those stories with me. Debbie and I know things happen for a reason-- without our mesothelioma diagnosis, without Theo and Phil, we would not have each other. We would not know all the other amazing people that make up this small and tight knit community.

From left to right: Debbie Brewer, Linda Reinstein, Julie Gundlach and me

I also got to spend the rest of the weekend with another amazing warrior, Julie Gundlach, who is a peritoneal survivor, and advocates from all over the globe. All of us came together wanting the same thing; a worldwide ban on asbestos.

The Future

As the weekend came to an end, Debbie and I knew our time together was too. I likened the experience to going to summer camp when you were a kid—you make fast, fierce friendships and, when you go home, you literally ache for these people again. Thankfully the internet makes the world much smaller. I can find Debbie on Facebook and we are able to visit through Skype. We made friends with people from Italy, Belgium, Brazil and, thanks to social media, we can still be involved.

It strengthens my resolve to work harder to make people more aware of mesothelioma, to show the world that this disease doesn’t mean a death sentence and to advocate the need to ban asbestos use.

I will continue to strengthen the friendships as we all continue join together on our journey. And for my next big trip? I think it’s my turn to go to the UK to see Debbie.

Here is the video of my speech from the 2011 ADAO Conference-- "The Value of My Life in Dollars and Tears"

Photos of the ADAO Conference are taken by Emily Reinstein and provided courtesy of ADAO.

“What we can expect is very predictable – an absolute catastrophe of death and disease,” Dr. Arthur Frank, chairman of environmental and occupational health at Drexel University, said in a recent interview with this reporter. He added that the coming catastrophe is “all preventable.”

“What we can expect is very predictable – an absolute catastrophe of death and disease”
- Dr. Arthur Frank, Chairman of Environmental and Occupational Health, Drexel University

Frank’s cautionary words parallel numerous scientific studies and expert predictions forecasting a surge in mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases in Asia in the coming decades. This is primarily because India, China, and other countries on the continent continue to use – or in some cases, even increase – their dependence on asbestos for cheap roofing insulation, in cement, and other widespread applications.

Another expert, Dr. Amir Attaran, a scientist, lawyer and acknowledged expert on global health issues, said that the consequences of continued heavy use of asbestos will be felt particularly hard in India, a growing nation of 1.2 billion people with few limits or controls on the use of asbestos.

“It’s a scientific failure, a clinical failure, and a social and moral failure of India. It is a failure of culture and science”
-Dr. Amir Attaran

When asked about the consequences of the country’s widespread use of asbestos, Attaran, a leader in the fight to stop exports of the material to Third World countries, quickly replied: “In disease terms, incalculable. India has no public health controls. They will pay dearly for this with an epidemic of mesothelioma.”

“It’s a scientific failure, a clinical failure, and a social and moral failure of India. It is a failure of culture and science,” Attaran added.

Asbestos and Asia

Asbestos has historically been used as cheap insulation material in construction, ships and cars. In the United States and Europe, it has been banned for most uses because of its clear-cut links to mesothelioma and other diseases, but it is still widely used in Asia and other nations because it is effective, yet relatively inexpensive. In Asia, it is used primarily for cheap roofing insulation, and in cement and power plants. The health hazard of exposure is compounded by the fact that Asian workers often toil in factories with poor ventilation.

A few Asian nations, such as Japan and South Korea, have banned asbestos, but they are the exceptions.

In recent years, numerous studies have documented the anticipated rise in mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases over the next several decades in Asia. One recent study, in the Journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, said that Asia, with its large, developing countries, currently accounts for about 64% of the world’s asbestos use. This represents a steady increase -- the continent accounted for a 33% share from 1971 to 2000, and 14% from 1920 to 1970.

Medical experts say that it generally takes people 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos to develop mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. This timetable clearly forecasts that Asia’s current rate of usage is likely to lead to a huge hike in asbestos-related diseases in the coming decades.

An Asbestos Tsunami

Ken Takahashi, the lead author and acting director of the World Health Organization Collaborative Center for Occupational Health, has said that Asia can anticipate an “asbestos tsunami,” in the coming decades. In response, WHO has identified asbestos as one of the most dangerous occupational carcinogens in the world, and says there is an urgent need to stop asbestos use in order to curtail the enormous associated health damages.

An estimated 107,000 people worldwide die each year from asbestos-related diseases, a number that will continue to grow if efforts to curb its usage fail.

While already substantial, this assessment is probably low, according to leading public-health experts, as it is difficult to categorically track deaths from asbestos-related diseases in Asia because India, China and other countries do not to keep reliable data on them.

In recent years, some Asian nations, including Japan and South Korea, have banned or limited asbestos use. But in most other Asian nations, most significantly India and China, the use of asbestos has continued with little or no regulation or oversight. (This reporter got a first-hand view of the problem in the late 1990s while investigating India’s notorious shipbreaking facilities in Alang, where thousands of unprotected workers worked on large, retired vessels with high asbestos content).

Many public health experts, such as Frank of Drexel University, have called for a ban on asbestos exports to Asia. Last year, Frank led a group of 120 medical doctors and other health professionals in a campaign to stop Canada from exporting asbestos to developing nations. Canada, which has largely banned asbestos for domestic use, is the second-largest exporter of asbestos to Asia, behind only Russia.

In an appeal to Canadian medical experts, Frank and his colleagues warned that Canada is morally obligated to consider the “enormous harm to health for generations,” if the exports continue – a plea that so far has gone unheeded.

In the recent interview, Frank reiterated the urgency to stop developed nations such as Canada from exporting asbestos to the Third World, along with the need for Asian nations to ban asbestos and start using available non-lethal substitutes.

“What needs to be done is very simple,” Frank told me. “They should stop using asbestos in Asia.”

However, this is unlikely to happen as long as established countries continue to chase the profits from exporting the carcinogen. “Canada is the world’s biggest hypocrite when it comes to asbestos,” said Frank. “It is taking it (asbestos) out of Parliament buildings but willing to sell it overseas.”

Next up: The hypocrisy of asbestos-exporting nations. Canada, for example, has banned the use of asbestos domestically and is scheduled to begin a $1 billion renovation project to clean its parliamentary buildings of asbestos this summer. Yet Canada remains one of the world’s biggest exporters of asbestos to the Third World.

Please help raise awareness of mesothelioma by sharing this video and help advocate the banning of asbestos use in the United States.

Below is a recap of each day that I was there as well as a 3 point recap of each day.

DAY 1

The highlight of my weekend and thing I was probably looking forward to most was meeting Debbie Brewer, another mesothelioma warrior who I have been friends with on Facebook for about 3 years. She lives in the UK so we had never met in person until now; it was so amazing to meet her. We talked a lot about mesothelioma treatments, why she went to Germany, why I went to Boston, and how, despite the miles between us, our stories are very similar. We face the same challenges and had similar situations with friends, or rather people we thought were friends who are no longer are in our lives. How we have good days, bad days, and everything in between. I didn't realize that all of the asbestos in England has been imported-- none of it is mined or manufactured there. Essentially, most every case of mesothelioma in England could have been prevented.

When 4:30 arrived, we went to the gathering for honored guests and speakers. I met a woman who saw me last year and heard my story; she said it literally shook her out of a decades long struggle against fear of talking about mesothelioma and asbestos. Her father died over 30 years ago and she had been scared since. It also left her wondering why, 30 years later, we are still struggling with a ban on asbestos and having the same conversation. Another woman, who is from Canada and now lives in Utah, whose father also died from mesothelioma was given encouragement through my story to go get a CT scan, to check for the disease. She too had the fear that she would get it, and decided it was time to do something about it. Thankfully it was totally clean. If I could go through what I did then she could too. I am utterly blown away. Humbled and honored by these women.

Recap of Day 1:

1. Question I answered: How did I get started in the advocacy work? I started in advocacy work because of Linda Reinstein asking me to speak at this same conference last year. It started me on the path of wanting to make a difference, educating people, bringing about awareness and it's working.
2. One Thing I learned: I learned that England imported all the asbestos. I didn't know that. There are thousands of mesothelioma sufferers and most of them could have been prevented had asbestos not been imported. It has now been banned in the UK.
3. Pictures: Debbie Brewer and I finally meeting; Cam and I in our MCA Shirts

DAY 2

Day 2 started bright and early with a full line up of professionals, doctors, patients, loved ones and caregivers all slated to give their presentations; so much information from all over the globe. There was an impassioned plea to ban asbestos globally from Fernanda Giannasi who is known as the Erin Brokovich of Brazil. Another presentation told of the maddening lack of enforcement when it comes to asbestos abatement, how unqualified workers are being exposed and exposing countless others to the deadly mineral. Another presentation shared how blatant lies are believed, like how only blue asbestos is harmful and white asbestos, or chrysotile, is not. The W.H.O deems ALL forms of asbestos are dangerous, yet the lies continue.

Such an incredible day, all capped off with a banquet to honor Steve McQueen, who died of mesothelioma in 1980. His wife, Barbie, was there to receive the Warren Zevon Keep me In Your Heart Award and share her experience as a mesothelioma widow. For Barbie, her years of silence was let go among the support of the mesothelioma community.

Recap of Day 2:

1. The good news: The good news was on the medical front and this was a questions I asked about: Doctors at University of Pennsylvania are having great success with gene therapy, really cutting edge technology. I asked if they had had success with gene therapy in re-occurrence in mesothelioma and learned that yes they have, with good results. It is still in trial but shows great promise.
2. The bad news: The US has a very poor grasp on asbestos control. It is still used in many products: Spackling, duct tape, and was even found in a child’s toy fingerprinting kit. This is inexcusable. Asbestos kills and the fact the US continues to import and use it is just disgusting. Most of our asbestos comes from Canada. I also found out that the supposed "safe handling" is a farce. Most places don't enforce proper asbestos abatement procedure and by doing so put their workers, and workers families, at risk.
3. Picture: From left to right: Linda Reinstein, Ann Samuelson, (who saw me last year and whose father died 30 yrs ago) Matt Peacock, Australian Journalist, and 3 survivors, Julie Gundlach, me, Debbie Brewer.
   

The Donnelly Family

The Donnelly family came face to face with mesothelioma in 2009, and may continue for many years to come. On Christmas day of that year George, his wife Pauline, and their three children received news that George’s doctor diagnosed him with the disease. 16 months later, he lost the battle with mesothelioma. The grieving family was hit hard a month later when Pauline too was diagnosed with mesothelioma. George had been exposed to asbestos while working on boats and submarines in Navy shipyards, and he brought the deadly fiber home on his clothing. Pauline unintentionally came in contact with the material simply doing the laundry. Now their three surviving children are going through tests to determine whether they were exposed to the asbestos, and know there is a real chance they too are at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Kelly Diaz De Leon’s Father

Kelly Diaz De Leon’s father and family struggled through the difficulties of diagnosing mesothelioma. Her father first knew something was wrong in November of 2009 when he developed a cough that progressed into pain and shortness of breath. Persistent doctor visits kept turning up the same answer of a common cold. This just raised more questions for the family as symptoms continued. Doctors were able to locate and remove fluid from his lungs and, at that point, Kelly knew something was wrong. Her father battled pain and surgery for ten months trying to find an answer. In October of 2010, doctors were able to solve the puzzle and diagnosed him with mesothelioma. Unwilling to quit, her father optioned for chemotherapy, but could no longer keep up with treatments. A year after first symptoms, and a constant unforgiving battle, Kelly’s father passed away.

Rebecca Arnautavic’s Father

Rebecca Arnautavic was on a family trip when the news first came; her father Mick was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. Up to the date, he battled a constant sickness that doctors wrote off as a nagging case of the flu, or chest infection. Taking his prescription, he went back to work while the cancer grew inside his body. Time passed and Mick knew things were much more serious. Sick, fatigued, and short of breath he sought more tests. Doctors were able to find the source and diagnosed Mick with mesothelioma; he was given six months to live. With his family in mind he battled the disease, but the cancer had spread to both lungs. Doctors could no longer help and after nine months, Mick passed away.

Jill Leavitt

Jill Leavitt’s father was diagnosed with mesothelioma more than 20 years since last contact with asbestos. At the age of 85, he began to develop a cough and found himself out of breath. Never a smoker, they attributed this to old age. Asbestos exposure never crossed his mind. Doctor’s X-rays were able to show fluid on his lungs. After years of lying dormant, the asbestos began to attack. He made frequent visits to the hospital for surgery to remove the fluid, two to four liters at once. Although this helped relieve the pain, this was not a cure. In an alarming amount of time, the cancer had taken over his body. From first X-rays in the spring, being diagnosed in October, Jill’s father succumbed to mesothelioma in December 2011.

Benjamin Monteiro

Straight out of high school, Benjamin Monteiro served with the United States Navy for six years working as a boiler technician where he was constantly in contact with asbestos. Just like many cases of mesothelioma, the asbestos laid dormant within his body for a long time. He was taken by surprise some 27 years later when doctors found cancer in his lung. Going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Benjamin was lucky enough to be deemed operable. Days later, doctors removed a fist size tumor from his left lung. Benjamin was able to recover from the surgery. He encourages those who have been exposed to asbestos to seek doctors before it is too late. Catching the disease early dramatically increases the odds of a successful recovery.

Mesothelioma is real. It is a silent and sudden disease that, like many cancers, takes a major toll on the lives of families. Many people, mostly unaware, have been exposed to asbestos not knowing the deadly effects it could have later on down the road. Doctors today are finding faster ways to diagnose the disease in its early stages, and better ways of treating the cancer. With symptoms that mimic common ailments, most don’t see the diagnosis coming. It is so important to seek doctors early if any of the symptoms begin to occur, or if there is a possible history of asbestos exposure. Time is the killer for mesothelioma, and if one waits on the signs, it may be too late.

What is Asbestos?

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), asbestos is “the name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals used in certain products, such as building materials and vehicle brakes, to resist heat and corrosion.”

In total, the “group” of asbestos includes at least 6 different minerals, including chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite. Asbestos mines stretch across globe – from South Africa to Canada and Australia to the United States.

Where can Asbestos be found?

Since 1989, the use of asbestos minerals has been banned from use in manufacturing in the United States. Though many other economic heavy-weights have since banned or regulated the use of asbestos, it remains quite prevalent in industrialized society.

From an array of building materials, including adhesives, bonding cement, caulking and mortar, to ships and ocean going vessels commissioned by the government, asbestos was used in a variety of specialized and common products.

Universally, the widespread use and nature of asbestos was really brought to light in recent natural and manmade disasters, especially that of September 11, 2001. The total and complete destruction of the buildings at Ground Zero and those surrounding it released an incredible amount of asbestos – along with other hazardous materials – into the air.

Who is susceptible to Asbestos and why?

From the middle of the twentieth century onward, one of the highest at-risk groups were veterans. Every branch of the military – Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines – were exposed to asbestos, but those involved in ship building and ship repairs had the most exposure.

Further, the susceptibility to asbestos between men and women is considerable, but societal. Meaning, during the mid part of the last century, men mostly worked with asbestos on the job. However, women were also exposed to asbestos during that time, namely through secondhand exposure.

Asbestos fibers cling to all types of surfaces – including clothing and shoes – and were easily transported between locations, putting loved ones at risk.

Why is Asbestos so dangerous?

The naturally occurring minerals are not dangerous. When material is dislodged or disrupted from its intact state, the risk of exposure rises exponentially.

According to the National Cancer Institute, “[a]sbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.”

Though rare, the most commonly associated health condition linked to asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the delicate lining of the lung, heart and abdominal cavity. Asbestosis, a condition where scar tissue in the lung develops, and lung cancer are also diseases that result from prolonged asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Exposure Prevention Tips

• Always wear protective clothing, eyewear and masks when working in an environment with asbestos.
• OSHA requires that miners must wear respirators in unsafe areas.
• In private residences with suspected asbestos, hire a professional removal service.

Unfortunately, the rate of unemployment among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans is higher than the national average and is the leading cause for the rampant homelessness – among other economic issues – in this population.

Though the federal government has made it easier and – frankly – more lucrative for employers to hire veterans through tax breaks and other incentives, the unemployment numbers, especially for the under 25 crowd, remains much too high.

On average, the unemployment rate for recent veterans is between 13% and 30%, where the national unemployment rate hovers around 8%.

Hiring Our Heroes – a program developed by the United States Chamber of Commerce – aims to not only find gainful and meaningful employment for our recent veterans, but also for their spouses. This program signifies a change in the way we think about veteran unemployment, in that, it just does not affect the former service members themselves but their entire family.

The premise behind Hiring Our Heroes is simple: by using the incredible network of local and state Chambers of Commerce, along with partners in the public and private sectors, potential employers can find ideal employees. Instead of tax breaks, Hiring Our Heroes throws job fairs specifically for veterans and their spouses across the country.

Starting off with just 100 job fairs in 2011, Hiring Our Heroes grew at a rapid rate and with tangible results. This year, there are 400 job fairs scheduled nationwide, along with the new support of the small business community.

In 2011, 100,000 veterans and spouses connected with 5,000 employers through the job fairs, and out of those, 8,500 veterans and spouses were hired.

For many employers, veterans are an untapped market. The training it requires to go into combat, the dedication to a mission and resiliency found in veterans are all characteristics that make an ideal employee. Further, some studies suggest that what makes entrepreneurs successful – tenacity, clear vision and bouncing back from failure – are traits that veterans also possess.

In all, Hiring Our Heroes has an audacious yet simple mission, and though the program is only in its early stages, is on pose to truly make a difference in the lives of our veterans.

This court is entirely different than what we all may think of “traditional” courts. In fact, these courts offer veterans a second chance after committing a crime.

Taking a step back, what Maine recognized – along with Buffalo, NY in 2008 – is that many recent veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts suffer from severe psychological trauma associated from their time in the service.

From this undiagnosed trauma, some veterans have committed crimes that they may not have otherwise committed if they had received proper mental health care. Also, these new courts will provide substance abuse treatment and a mentoring program, where these veterans receive support from other veterans.

The “second chance” courts provide these struggling veterans a chance to receive the treatment they so desperately need instead of being incarcerated and still battling the same demons.

Though arguments can be made that these new courts are “brushing under the rug” the serious crimes these veterans committed. However, the aim of these new courts is not to become a scapegoat for veterans, but rather provide treatment.

When these new courts in Maine are opened, veterans arrested for crimes have the option to have their case heard in “traditional” court or “treatment” court. Veterans in the treatment court will face mandatory treatment for mental health issues or substance abuse problems, along with community service work or fines. Similarly to more traditional court systems, if the veteran does not follow through on their sentencing, they will be immediately remanded to jail.

Maine recognizes the incredible sacrifice and dedication of our veterans, and in so doing, were a part of unspeakable situations that left many physically and psychologically wounded.

Though not dismissing any crimes committed or lessening the gravity of breaking the law stemming from their time in the service, these optional courts will serve up justice along with hope.

Currently, there is a significant push at the federal level to make funds available to states so that these veteran treatment courts can be established nationwide.