Featured Story: “I Will Not Die in Vain” – Day Seven: Remembering Lou Williams, Australia
Featured on April 7, 2018
Each year, ADAO dedicates April 1-7 to increasing awareness of asbestos and preventing exposure by bringing together experts and victims from around the world to share, learn, and take action. To view all 7 days of Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) contributors and content on our landing page, please click here. Also, be sure to follow the conversation with our GAAW hashtag: #2018GAAW.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen and there is no safe level of exposure. Since the 19th century, asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and the automotive industry. Without a ban, asbestos remains legal and lethal in the USA and nearly 70% of countries around the world today.
Today, we are remembering the story of Lou Williams, Mesothelioma Warrior and our Day Seven Ambassador from Australia: “I Will Not Die in Vain”. Tragically, Lou lost her battle with mesothelioma in April 2017, but her diagnosis in 2003 did not stop her from valiantly standing up against asbestos, collaborating for an international ban, and serving as a friend and resource to many. Lou herself said it best: “Every day I live for the moment, as that is all we all have! I believe I have a purpose in life and that is to raise asbestos awareness and if by doing so it saves even one life from this terrible cancer then I will be pleased and will not die in vain!”
Asbestos Victims’ Candlelight Vigil
Our ADAO community will gather today for a virtual candlelight vigil to honor the warriors fighting asbestos disease and remember those we have lost. We light these candles with heavy hearts, but also with hope for a brighter future without asbestos.
Global Asbestos Awareness Week is a reminder each year of the importance of education in order to prevent asbestos exposure, disease, and death. You can make a difference. Take action by connecting with ADAO on Facebook and sharing GAAW’s content with your social network. Infographics such as Asbestos: Legal and Lethal in the USA, and ADAO’s educational resources can easily be shared with friends and family – and may save lives!
Thank you to everyone for their participation in this year’s Global Asbestos Awareness Week! We are deeply grateful for the support of our contributors and those who joined the GAAW conversation around the world. Together, we will ban asbestos. Until then, prevention is our best tool to protect our international community.
Together, we make change happen.
Linda Reinstein