Lillian Ruddy Mourns Husband’s Death and Son’s Sickness due to Asbestos Exposure

Note: Names have been changed to retain the anonymity of the entities/individual.

Lillian’s husband George Ruddy was only 62 when he passed away after fighting a very agonizing battle with mesothelioma only after 14 months of diagnosis. George worked in the US Navy in the shipyard as in charge of operations in the state of New York City. He was a well admired employee for his services and received many distinctions during his job tenure. However, in spite of all the good things about his job, he became its victim. It was during his job while working with ships that he inhaled asbestos and contracted mesothelioma.

It was a year after his retirement that George developed problem in breathing problems and pain in the chest. He was rushed to hospital where he was discovered with deadly pericardial mesothelioma. Lillian and their son William consulted the best doctors and cancer specialists. With medicines the doctors were able to control his pain but not for long. Due to his ill health, the doctors could not operate him and remove the affected organ. George became very weak and after the 13th month his body stopped responding to medicines. His condition continued to deteriorate and he became very weak.

Finally, on a bright sunny day George left Lillian and their son William alone. The family was very distraught but went on with their lives cherishing the wonderful days they had spend together as a family.

But their days of woes were not over yet. Four years later, when everything was coming back to normal and Lillian and William were beginning to rebuild their lives, calamity struck again. This time William was the target of asbestos. They could never have imagined that working in a construction company could cause asbestos exposure. Upon diagnosis it was found that William was suffering from asbestosis, a serious lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos.

William was suffering from painful symptoms like shortness of breath and cough. The company William worked for did not offer any health insurance and our own was unable to cover the costs of treatment. However, we were fortunate enough to find an organization that helps people suffering from asbestos diseases and thanks to them; William is now getting treatment at a reputable cancer institute. William is getting medicines and help to fight this disease. After George’s death, this news was very shocking for Lillian. She is coping very well, but wonders if there is going to any end to her suffering and woes.

Lillian is worried and dreads loosing her son too like she lost her husband. Is there no hope for people like Lillian who’s loved ones were exposed to asbestos without any knowledge and safety measures and were left to suffer and die a painful death.