If you’ve been following our blog at any time in the past two months, you’ve no doubt become accustomed to witty opening lines and dry humor. Let’s face it, decking is not exactly the most entertaining of subjects and a little fun can go a long way. However, this blog entry is no laughing matter. This time, we’re going to talk about something as serious as cancer; and in fact, it is cancer.
Losing a loved one is never an easy process to go through, no matter what the reason or circumstances. Whether it’s somebody who succumbed to old age and natural causes, or tragically was the victim of some kind of accident or disease, the emotional scars it can leave on you can be sizeable. But perhaps the hardest thing to do is to see a loved one suffer, to stand idly by while they fight against an invisible foe that you cannot help them defeat. Susan Vento is one of millions in North America who know this firsthand, and her story, while tragic, compelled her to act.
Susan Vento
Susan’s husband, Bruce, was a US Congressman for nearly 24 years in the great state of Minnesota. Beloved by both supporters and detractors alike for his honesty, dedication and hard work, Bruce was a prime example of what it truly meant to be a public servant. Though some say politicians are born and not made, Bruce wasn’t always active in the political forum. Prior to service, Bruce spent several years in public education, and also worked several labor jobs. It was during that time that he came into contact with the substance that would ultimately rob him of his life: asbestos. Though a relative unknown at the time, prolonged inhalation of asbestos has since been linked to numerous maladies and diseases, ranging from lung cancer to mesothelioma (which Bruce unfortunately contracted). His battle was short, and in 2000, Bruce Vento was laid to rest. Susan’s heart ached, the depths of her grief almost unbearable. She knew she could now never rest in trying to bring awareness and understanding to her husband’s killer, that the mission of her life was now to try and save as many families as she could from feeling what she felt the day Bruce died.
ACVRC (Asbestos Cancer Victims Rights Campaign)
The Deck Store is proud to team up with the ACVRC (Asbestos Cancer Victims Rights Campaign) during July’s National Home Safety Month to help bring awareness to this issue that affects so many. Dedicated to protecting the rights of cancer victims and their families while raising awareness about this vicious disease, the ACVRC’s goal is to ultimately prevent future tragedies from taking place.
” A main component of the Asbestos Cancer Victims’ Rights Campaign’s mission is to educate the public on the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos-related diseases are sometimes unavoidable, but by understanding the risks and locations of this deadly fiber, we can learn how to best prevent exposure….If you believe there is a great chance that asbestos is in your home, hire a professional asbestos removal contractor to test the materials to confirm if asbestos is present.”
Home renovations
Home renovations can be a fun and enjoyable experience for the entire family, and can provide years of laughter and enjoyment upon completion. But like working with power tools, concrete or electrical, safety should always be your chief concern. Make sure you take the time to educate yourself on the importance of asbestos exposure, and take the necessary steps to prevent a tragedy in your family.
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