Oppose Senate Bill 1125 Maplewood, MN
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September 26, 2003
U.S. Senator Norm Coleman
Dear Senator Coleman: I am writing to ask you to show support for working men and women and their families. Specifically, I ask that you oppose S. 1125, legislation which would erode the rights of individuals diagnosed with diseases caused by asbestos. As you know, Bruce was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January 2000 and died less than nine months later. Mesothelioma is a devastating, cruel, horrible disease. While Bruce was reluctant to seek legal action against the companies responsible for his being exposed to asbestos, he was committed to changing behaviors and to ensuring that companies, especially asbestos manufacturers, would "clean up their act" and quit exposing workers and their families. Let me share with you what I saw first hand in 2000. I saw a vibrant, energetic man struggle with a disease that took his breath away. He endured surgery to remove his lung, pericardial tissue and half of his diaphragm in February, chemotherapy from March through May, and six weeks of daily radiation in June and July. Following the conclusion of his radiation, we believed we had reached a milestone and that time was on our side. A few weeks later, we were told otherwise. Three days following Bruce's 60th birthday, he died. Since then I have learned so much about asbestos and the horror it creates in people's lives. These tragedies don't have to occur. The asbestos manufacturers have known for decades that asbestos is lethal. To provide the aid and comfort in the form of S. 1125 would add insult to injury for those whose lives have been taken and have been impacted by reckless, shortsighted business practices. While few will disagree that the asbestos litigation process is a quagmire for the victims, S. 1125 is unjust, unfair and cruel. Please remember that this is legislation what would negatively impact Minnesota families. Thank you for your consideration of my request.
Sincerely,
{ to read Bruce Vento's medical profile, please click here }
*** POSTED ON OCTOBER 1, 2003 *** |