“Wonder Woman Day” Named for Mesothelioma Patient, Advocate - MesotheliomaHelp.net (blog)

Janelle Bedel of Rushville, Indiana has become a stalwart advocate for the mesothelioma community. Known as “Wonder Woman” for her signature superhero t-shirt, Janelle was diagnosed with mesothelioma six years ago at the age of 31, and has been bravely battling the disease while at the same time tirelessly working to raise awareness of the cancer.

“Even though this disease is awful, I feel it was my purpose in life. To be able to reach out and touch and change peoples life’s,” Janelle wrote recently on her Facebook page.

Mesothelioma, a cancer caused by past exposure to asbestos, is one of the most aggressive and challenging cancers to treat. Most at-risk for the disease are trade workers such as insulators, plumbers and pipefitters, electricians, sheet metal workers, auto mechanics, refinery and factory workers, shipyard workers and military veterans. It is unclear how Janelle contracted the disease.

Due to its resistance to many cancer treatments, there is a high chance of recurrence of the tumors, and there is no cure for the disease. As a result, many patients often undergo multi-mode treatments including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation to improve their survival chances. Janelle has undergone all of the above, and more, over the years in order to hold her cancer at bay.

Janelle shared her story on the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization‘s website. In it Janelle said, “I have come a long way, but I know I will never be the same again.”

Janelle announced earlier this month that she was entering in-home hospice care, and since then the residents of Rushville have rallied around her. According to RTV6, the local television channel, the Mayor of Rushville named June 6 “Wonder Woman Day” in Rushville and awarded Janelle a medallion for her advocacy efforts. The Mayor also announced he will recognize National Mesothelioma Awareness Day on September 26.

With all the attention she received recently as she continues her mesothelioma battle, Janelle posted to her Facebook page:

“Hopefully now they will say “that’s what the Wonder Woman from Rushville had” and be able to remember what this story is really about. Banning asbestos and also getting the word out to raise funds for research.”

More articles by Nancy Meredith

Nancy Meredith is a blog and web content writer with more than 20 years of professional experience in the Information Technology industry. She has been writing about Mesothelioma for 4 years. Follow Nancy on Google+

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