Stories from Survivors
Immunotherapy Works Wonders for Mesothelioma Survivor
- by Tim Povtak
- Stories from Survivors
- Aug 8, 2019
Almost a year after chemotherapy had failed – and the end looked near – Barbara Lappala was happily hosting another big family gathering, savoring the sockeye salmon and sautéed sea…
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Mesothelioma Survivor Focuses on Faith and Helping Others
- by Tim Povtak
- Stories from Survivors
- Jul 18, 2019
Loretta Wilbur has turned her diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma into a way to help others in need. She wants to give back. Wilbur doesn’t just pray for herself…
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Mesothelioma Survivor Relishes Hosting Family Gatherings
- by Tim Povtak
- Stories from Survivors
- Jan 29, 2019
In 2015, malignant pleural mesothelioma interrupted the 57-year Thanksgiving Day family tradition that Marian Levin loved so much. It broke her heart, but it didn’t break her. Instead, it sparked…
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My Trip of Gratitude to Italy After Surviving Mesothelioma
- Guest Author
- Stories from Survivors
- Dec 19, 2018
Twenty-two years ago, I saw the doctor’s mouth moving but couldn’t hear anything after he said the words, “I’m sorry.” I was being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and…
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Mafia to Ministry: Mesothelioma Survivor Helps Reform Mobsters
- by Tim Povtak
- Stories from Survivors
- Dec 10, 2018
Glenn Hovater made the jump from Mafia to ministry long before he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, providing the backdrop for the fight of his life. Time moves a…
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Mesothelioma Survivor Part of Sugarbaker Legacy
- by Tim Povtak
- Stories from Survivors
- Nov 19, 2018
Tom Roland remembers vividly his last checkup with mesothelioma treatment pioneer Dr. David Sugarbaker back in March, almost two years after his aggressive surgery. Sugarbaker left him feeling more…
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Former Nurse and Mesothelioma Survivor Still Helping Others
- by Matt Mauney
- Stories from Survivors
- Oct 22, 2018
Emily Ward retired from nursing after 43 years following her pleural mesothelioma diagnosis. But she never stopped helping people. She served on her local community board as a selectman for…
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Mesothelioma Survivor Returning to Motorcycle Racing
- by Tim Povtak
- Stories from Survivors
- Oct 16, 2018
Mark Martin has been racing motorcycles for the last 47 years. He sees no reason to stop now. Martin, 58, is a mesothelioma survivor who plans to race this…
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Sugarbaker Legacy Includes 22-Year Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor
- by Tim Povtak
- Stories from Survivors
- Oct 2, 2018
Dr. David Sugarbaker left behind a legacy of surgical excellence, groundbreaking advances and unwavering dedication to his patients. Mesothelioma survivor Sissy Hoffman is a living testament to that legacy.
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Family Helps Two-Time Mesothelioma Survivor Stay Strong
- by Tim Povtak
- Stories from Survivors
- Sep 18, 2018
Randy Jarreau doesn’t spend much time thinking about mesothelioma. He has a life to live. After work on most days, his schedule typically includes his youngest son’s football practice,…
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