According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 10,000 or more people die every year from asbestos-related diseases. For one woman, sharing her story of how she developed and survived mesothelioma is part of her own personal crusade to educate others. She is hoping that more will become informed about the dangers of asbestos and mesothelioma during Global Asbestos Awareness Week.
Tiffany Schreiber had never heard of mesothelioma, the cancer caused by asbestos exposure, until she was diagnosed in 2014.
“I had lost 80 pounds over the course of maybe 10 months, and I knew there was something wrong,” said Schreiber, in a recent interview. She had apparently developed the disease after being exposed to a family member’s clothing that was sometimes covered with asbestos dust.
Schreiber had to undergo two surgeries and chemotherapy and she now bears a large scar down the length of her stomach. Tiffany says that she is one of the lucky ones because her form of mesothelioma is rare and is now benign.
Her survival, says Schreiber, is a miracle and has strengthened her faith. She is using this second chance to inform others about the danger of mesothelioma and to see that more funds are raised to fight the disease and raise public awareness about it.
Many products that contain asbestos have been banned by the federal government. However, asbestos is still legal in the United States. Until the 1970s, it was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and the auto industry. Patients can develop mesothelioma as much as 50 years later than their exposure asbestos and the health risks can be very serious and potentially deadly.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other disease related to asbestos exposure, you need the help of an attorney who will fight on your side to make sure those responsible are held accountable. At John Foy & Associates, we will never charge you to fight your mesothelioma case. Our fees come out of any settlement you receive. Contact us anytime at our toll-free number, 404-400-4000. We staff it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Atlanta’s “Strong Arm” attorney is here to help. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.