-December 4, 2007
Although Bruce Vento knew during his years working in public service and with the Minnesota Legislature and Congress, that consensus building was anything but easy, he knew it was necessary for any progress to be made.
Whether Vento was fighting to protect the environment or for workers rights, he always knew that he had to find some sort of common ground in order to bring about meaningful change.
Man Diagnosed with Mesothelioma Fights for Others
When Vento was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2000, his thrive to help others while making the earth a better place to live continued when he began fighting for his life, and on behalf of the thousands of others suffering from the same illness.
The man who worked as a member of congress for 24 years reportedly contracted the disease when he was employed as a factory worker in college 40 years earlier.
U.S. Bans Products with Asbestos
Although Vento lost his life to the disease only 10 months after being diagnosed, he would have had a newfound hope when the U.S. finally agreed to ban asbestos containing materials.
The recently passed bill states that only products containing one percent or less of asbestos cannot by used, sold, or manufactured in the U.S.
Democratic leaders like Senator Patty Murray of Washington and Barbara Boxer of California were finally able to reach an agreement with the likes of Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson.
Sen. Murray’s bill will authorize $10 million of federal funds per year for mesothelioma research.
As a result, those suffering from the illness in the future will likely have better treatment and therapy options, a privilege Vento fought long and hard for.
(Source: Seattle Post)
Are you living with mesothelioma? Please contact us today to learn more about the bill that was recently passed regarding the illness and the various treatments available to you.