I was sent the letter below, and knowing I could not share the message as powerfully as Heather has, I hope you take a moment to read this and then share it with others.

Hi there!

My name is Heather Von St. James and I’m reaching out to you today in hopes that you will help me with a cause that is very near and dear to my heart.

Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with mesothelioma; a rare and deadly cancer caused only by exposure to asbestos. I had just given birth to our daughter Lily, and was only given 15 months to live. After a life saving surgery that included the removal of my left lung, I’ve made it my life’s mission to spread awareness about mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos.

My father had worked in construction and would come home with dust all over him. As a child I would wear his work coat, unknowingly exposing myself to the asbestos he worked with daily. Mesothelioma was once considered a ‘man’s disease’, but women have swiftly become the new patient profile due to second-hand exposure.

In honor of  National Women’s Health Week (May 11-17), I am reaching out to bloggers to ask for help in spreading the word about mesothelioma and it’s causes. During this week, individuals, families, and communities work to help women learn how to achieve longer, healthier, and safer lives!

The site I blog for, the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, has a great deal of information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure. It would mean the world to me if you could help me with my mission by spreading awareness on your blog to help educate and inform your readers about this preventable disease!

All my best,
    Heather