Monday, January 12, 2009

NWR. Another life lost to mesothelioma..."caused by lung cancer"

For those who don't know, my father was recently diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is caused my asbestos. Yes, it really does exist, and it's quite prevalent in the US.  However, there is little awareness of this disease.  In fact, this article below, just kind of proves my point.  Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, attach to the mesothelial cells which are near/on (in? not sure- not big on human anatomy and science) the abdomen and lung.  These fibers turn into tumors causing the deadly cancer, mesothelioma.  Because it affects these areas, the disease is often (again, article is an example of my point) misdiagnosed as lung cancer. People probably also say "lung cancer" because it's "known" to the public. anyways- this MLB pitcher was exposed to asbestos, and had, according to the article, he had lung cancer "caused my asbestos."   *ahem* this IS mesothelioma! 

In any case.... this is quite sad. Another person has fallen victim to this deadly disease that has no cure. In fact, the US government, knowing that asbestos are dangerous and is a great health concern, have yet to ban its use! insane.  

To educate yourself on mesothelioma, please visit 

www.curemeso.org

Former big league pitcher Dave Roberts dies at 64

Fri Jan 9, 4:05 PM EST 
Must Read?Yes     151

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Dave Roberts, a left-handed pitcher who played for the 1979 World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates during a 13-year career in the majors, died of lung cancer Friday. He was 64.

Roberts died at his home in Short Gap, according to his wife, Carol, and stepdaughter Kristy Rogan.

Rogan said Roberts had developed lung cancer from asbestos exposure as a young man. During the offseasons, he worked as a boilermaker.

Roberts went 103-125 with a 3.78 ERA for eight teams, beginning in 1969 with the San Diego Padres and ending in 1981 with the New York Mets.

The Pirates got him from the San Francisco Giants in a five-player trade in June 1979 that also sent Bill Madlock to Pittsburgh. Roberts went 5-2 for the Pirates and made one relief appearance in the NL championship series that season.

Roberts also played with Houston, Detroit, the Chicago Cubs and Seattle. He finished second in the NL to Tom Seaver with a 2.10 ERA in 1971 for the Padres, and set career highs of 17 wins and six shutouts with Houston in 1973.

``Dave was the consummate pro,'' Astros president of baseball operations Tal Smith said. ``He averaged 35 starts and 12 wins a year for the club during his four years as an Astro, but he'll really be remembered and missed for the leadership he provided and for being such a good guy.''

Born in Gallipolis, Ohio, he had lived in West Virginia for more than a decade. Short Gap is about 120 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

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