February,1999
Dear Reader,
If you are reading this letter, most likely
your life has been changed by a single word - CANCER.
Our change happened January, 1997, when my
husband, Don, was diagnosed with Mesothelioma - a cancer affecting the lungs; asbestos
being the most likely cause.
We had bought some land and we were working
to make it a farm and a place to retire to. Now, all of a sudden, it seemed a possibility
that this dream was in jeopardy.
By several interesting turns of fate, we were
introduced to Blumenthal & Gruber, attorneys representing people whose lives had been
affected by asbestos poisoning. They spoke with Don at length, finally deciding that Don
was most likely exposed to asbestos while he was in the Navy.
Our relationship started in March, 1997. Amy
Blumenthal promised me that things would happen fast and that within a short period of
time, I would be able to stay home with my husband.
Don and I were professional drivers, driving
cross country as a team - CA to NY in 3 days. Now I had to go back as a solo driver, being
away from home for 3 to 4 weeks at a time. While I was out driving, keeping insurance and
house payments made, Don was home doing chemotherapy. It was very hard on both of us.
Since Don was unable to travel, our attorneys
and attorneys representing asbestos manufacturers came to our home for a deposition. Our
attorneys also gave us a check from a company that settled fast, allowing us to pay off
credit cards and a vehicle. This happened in June.
But, I was still out driving.
In late October, I received a message to call
Don at home. Through the tears, I heard Don saying, "You are retiring. You are coming
home." Best words I ever heard.
Amy and Steve had reached a settlement that
allowed us to pay off our land and our home. I was now able to stay home with my husband
where I should have been all along. Amy’s promise had come to be.
I hope you are noticing my referral to our
attorneys by their first names, as you would do a good friend or family. This is what Amy
and Steve have become to us. They would call Don to check in with him about their work or
just to see how he was doing. Even now, two years later, we still talk with them and they
continue to look for ways to help us.
What Amy and Steve were able to do for us can
not be overstated. The fear and uncertainty of dealing with Don’s illness and the
effects to all aspects of our lives changed a lot because of the dedication and hard work
of Amy and Steve. We have a comfortable life now - no financial stresses. Don has beat the
odds as far as Mesothelioma goes, but it is still a day to day life.
With regards,
Linda Burns
