When someone close to you receives a mesothelioma diagnosis, it affects more than just that individual. Remember that it can affect you, too. Much like the patient, you may experience feelings of frustration, anger, sadness, confusion or fear. These emotions are perfectly normal. However, you must not forget that you also have an opportunity to channel these emotions into positive action.
In Scotland, Isabelle Nicol decided that next month, she will travel to Australia in order to climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, which is the tallest steel arch bridge in the world, as reported by Barrhead News. In the process, she will be honoring the memory of her late brother, who died from mesothelioma in April 2012, by using the event to raise money for the hospice that provided him care in his final days.
Nicol will conquer fear for a good cause
Alan Adam, Nicol’s brother, developed mesothelioma after years of working as a hospital electrician, an occupation that may have exposed him to asbestos. He fought the illness for about two years while undergoing care at Accord Hospice.
“He was in a lot of pain and he couldn’t swallow even the smallest pill because his throat had essentially closed up, but the hospice staff made him so comfortable and they did an amazing job in looking after him, I have so much respect for everything that they do and I was shocked to see what they do on donations alone,” Nicol told the news source.
Toward the end of 2012, Nicol’s family presented her with a gag Christmas gift that was good for a climbing expedition at the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia. This was originally a joke in light of Nicol’s well-known fear of heights. However, she took it as a chance to repay Accord Hospice.
The Sydney Harbor Bridge is 440 feet tall from the surface of the water to the top of the arch.
Nicol’s initial goal was to raise 1,000 British pounds by February. As of Jan. 14, donors contributed more than 2,100 British pounds.
Hospice care can be valuable
At Mesothelioma Circle, we understand why Nicol is so passionate about supporting the group that helped her brother. The advanced stages of mesothelioma can cause a wide array of problems, but hospice care can help alleviate the pain.
The National Cancer Institute describes hospice care as focusing not on curing the disease, but alleviating its worst symptoms and making sure patients remain as comfortable as possible. Contrary to some people’s misconceptions, hospice is not intended to delay or speed up the process of dying. Instead, it is offered to patients who may be nearing the end of their lives.
You can donate to charitable causes, too
In case you feel spurred to action, there are many things you can do to support causes centered on mesothelioma or other malignant diseases. For example, you can make a direct donation to certain charities through their websites. Gifts can also be made in the name of a loved one.
Besides money, you can donate your time by volunteering. The American Cancer Society lists several potential places for volunteer work, including the Hope Lodge, Road to Recovery and I Can Cope programs.
In case you prefer something with a more personal touch, try visiting the home of a mesothelioma patient or caregiver and ask if there are any errands you can help with.