EVENT: Remembering Ralph at “Mangia for Meso” on May 17, 2014

Posted on April 29, 2014

We have been touched by asbestos in individual ways, yet we are joined together by a bond of community. As a testament to the strength of our global family, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is highlighting the courageous stories of our members with the “Share Your Story” feature on our website.

This week, we would like to honor the story of Ralph, as shared by his daughter, Kara, who is a part of our ADAO family.

We encourage you to submit your personal stories by clicking here and following the simple instructions on the page. In sharing, comes healing. Remember, you are not alone.

“A Man of Unmatchable Character” – Ralph’s Story

(as shared by his daughter, Kara)

Name: Ralph

Location: Pennsylvania

Date of Diagnosis: 30-NOV-2010

Year of Death: 2012

Diagnosis: Sarcomatoid Pleural Mesothelioma

Treatment: Multiple surgeries for biopsy and tissue diagnosis, extra pleural pneumonectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy

How has asbestos changed your life?

My dad Ralph was a devoted father, husband and grandfather. He worked as a journeyman steamfitter and retired as a superintendent of a mechanical construction company after over 35 years in the field. He loved his line of work and his work family.

Dad was a man of unmatchable character. He had an incredible ability to impact the lives of anyone he encountered. He did so quietly and by his exemplary lifestyle. This was evident by the hundreds of people who attended his funeral services and shared stories of how he helped them see and achieve their potential in their work and personal lives.

It is sadly ironic that being in the profession he loved, exposed him to asbestos. It is this exposure that caused the disease that robbed him of his retirement, and golden years with his wife, daughters and grandchildren.

One of dad’s doctors once said that he fought meso with “pure superhero form.” We want to honor our dad and husband’s memory and keep his legacy alive by sharing in Asbestos Awareness. We hope to make this a battle of epic, “superhero” proportions. Miss you Da da….

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