Losing Breath: The Tragic Story of Adam Sager and the Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

The story of Adam Sager is a heartbreaking one, a cautionary tale that serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of asbestos. At just 25 years old, Adam’s life was cut tragically short by the ravages of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by asbestos inhalation. His family’s journey, marked by grief, guilt, and a relentless quest to raise awareness, is a powerful testament to the importance of understanding the hidden dangers that may lurk in our homes and workplaces.

A Dream Home Turned Nightmare

Adam’s story began with the excitement of a young couple embarking on a new chapter of their lives. He and his wife were just 18 months into their marriage, with a young son, when they decided to take on the challenge of building their first home. Eager to save money, they opted to paint the walls themselves, unaware of the hidden dangers of asbestos that lay within the very materials they were working with.

As Adam’s mother, Julie Sager, recounts, “The only thing we could do to save some money, was to paint it. And we had to sand the walls first.” Little did they know that the dust they were breathing in during that project would ultimately lead to Adam’s demise.

A Promising Life Cut Short

In the years that followed, Adam seemed to be thriving. He was leading an active, fast-paced life, training to compete in the world championships for his martial arts discipline. By all accounts, he was the picture of health, “probably the fittest he’d ever been, and probably just starting to get his life together, going in the right direction.”

But then, the unthinkable happened. Adam began experiencing persistent flu-like symptoms that wouldn’t go away. Concerned, he sought medical attention, only to be told by his doctor that he was simply training too hard and needed to slow down. It wasn’t until he experienced a sharp pain in his rib cage that a different doctor ordered x-rays, revealing the devastating truth: Adam had fluid on his lungs.

What followed was a harrowing journey of tests, hospitalizations, and a heartbreaking diagnosis. After weeks of uncertainty, the specialists delivered the news that would forever change the Sager family: Adam had malignant mesothelioma, and he had just six months to live.

The Devastating Realization

For Julie and the rest of the Sager family, the news was utterly devastating. They had no prior knowledge of mesothelioma, let alone its connection to asbestos exposure. As Julie recounts, “I had no idea what mesothelioma was. No idea.”

It was only through the process of piecing together Adam’s medical history that the family realized the source of his illness. “We were racking our brains trying to figure out why or where and the only thing that I could remember was being covered in dust, when we were painting our new first home; it was just sitting in the air where we were working.”

The heartbreaking realization that their own actions, driven by a desire to save money, had ultimately led to their son’s terminal diagnosis was a burden they would carry for the rest of their lives. As Julie poignantly stated, “I always felt that once we found out where it came from … that our job as parents, are to protect our children, and we didn’t do that.”

The Asbestos Society: A Lifeline in Uncertain Times

In the face of this devastating news, the Sager family found solace and support in the Asbestos Society, an organization dedicated to providing medical, legal, and emotional assistance to those affected by asbestos-related diseases.

As Julie recounts, “The support and the services that the Society offers, is medical; legal advice; occupational therapy services; dietician and nutritional advice; phone support; support groups; people may need financial assistance and when things are really tough, they are just marvellous. They were sensational, to be honest. They … the Asbestos Society gave us so much information, and so much help.”

The Asbestos Society played a crucial role in guiding the Sager family through the uncharted waters of Adam’s diagnosis and treatment, offering a lifeline of support and resources during their darkest hours.

Living with the Harsh Realities of Mesothelioma

As Adam’s condition deteriorated, the Sager family was forced to confront the harsh realities of living with mesothelioma. There was no cure, only the management of symptoms and the bittersweet moments of cherishing the time they had left.

Julie recounts the emotional rollercoaster they experienced, particularly during the holiday season. “Christmas was a really hard time for him. We were all positive, because of him. So he was boosting us all up. And then, all of a sudden, he’s a mess out on the stairs! And we were like, ‘Hang on a minute, like, Christmas is great! We’re ha-having fun at Christmas!’ But he knew he was his ‘last’ Christmas. So he just had this wave of, yeah, sadness.”

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Adam remained resilient, focused on making the most of every moment he had left. As Julie shared, “he would only have minute moments of panic. And, you know, like, Christmas was a really hard time for him. We were all positive, because of him. So he was boosting us all up.”

The Final Moments and a Lasting Legacy

In the end, Adam’s battle with mesothelioma came to a heartbreaking conclusion. On the morning of April 29th, he woke his family, struggling to breathe. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Adam’s time had come. As Julie recounts, “His eyes were really milky and just… nothing. There was nothing. And, they tried to put a tube down his throat to get more oxygen into his lungs, but he, he’d obviously decided that it was his time to go.”

In a final act of love and courage, Adam opened his eyes, looked at his parents, and smiled, letting them know that he was at peace. “And I just think how much energy and courage that would have taken to do that; to let us know that he was okay, and that he wasn’t in any pain. And that it was ok for him to go,” Julie said, her voice thick with emotion.

Adam’s legacy lives on through the Sager family’s unwavering commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. They know that their story is not unique, and that countless others have been impacted by this silent killer. As Julie poignantly stated, “the guilt just eats away at them. I think they deal with it better now.”

The Ongoing Battle Against Asbestos Exposure

The Sager family’s experience has highlighted the critical need for greater awareness and education surrounding the dangers of asbestos. As Julie explains, “Even today, people do not know what asbestos is, or where asbestos can be located. And that is a very frightening thought.”

This lack of knowledge extends beyond the general public and into the trades industry as well. “Even now, I, unfortunately I see examples where, particularly tradesmen, either through naivety, or, or, or perhaps because they’re not being careful enough, just go in and start cutting it or drilling it, without giving it the, the thought it needs.”

• Asbestos was commonly used in building materials prior to the 1990s, with an estimated 3,000 different products containing the hazardous material.
• Homes and buildings constructed before 1990 are likely to contain some form of asbestos, posing a risk to homeowners, renovators, and tradespeople who may unknowingly disturb it.
• The dangers of asbestos exposure are not limited to older individuals; the long latency period means that exposure during one’s youth can lead to the development of asbestos-related diseases later in life.

The Sager family’s message is clear: awareness and proactive measures are the keys to preventing tragedies like Adam’s. As Julie emphasizes, “If, if we’re aware of it, and think of it, we can, we can take appropriate steps to either avoid it, or work with it safely.”

Practical Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Family From The Dangers Of Asbestos

The Sager family’s experience has led them to advocate for a proactive approach to addressing the asbestos threat. They urge homeowners, renovators, and tradespeople to take the following steps to ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones:

• Assume the Presence of Asbestos: Given the widespread use of asbestos in building materials prior to the 1990s, it’s crucial to assume that any home or building constructed before that time may contain asbestos-containing materials.
• Test for Asbestos: Before undertaking any renovation or construction work, have the materials tested for the presence of asbestos. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive process that can provide critical information to guide safe handling and removal.
• Hire Qualified Professionals: If asbestos is present, it’s essential to hire licensed and qualified professionals to handle the removal and disposal of the materials. Attempting to remove asbestos without proper training and equipment can be extremely dangerous.
• Follow Safety Protocols: When working with asbestos-containing materials, it’s crucial to follow all safety protocols, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper containment and disposal methods.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Spread awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the importance of taking proactive measures to protect oneself and one’s community. Share resources and encourage others to be vigilant about potential asbestos hazards.

As the Sager family has learned, the consequences of asbestos exposure can be devastating, both for individuals and their loved ones. By taking these practical steps and promoting greater awareness, we can work to prevent tragedies like Adam’s and ensure a safer future for all.

Honoring Adam’s Memory

In the wake of Adam’s passing, the Sager family has found ways to honor his memory and continue his legacy of raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos. They have established a memorial bench in the Japanese Gardens at Mt. Coot-tha Botanical Gardens, a place that held special meaning for Adam during his final days.

Additionally, the family has been actively involved with the Queensland Safety Advocate program, sharing Adam’s story and advocating for greater asbestos education and prevention measures. As Julie Sager emphasizes, “Awareness saves lives. It is, yeah. I mean, awareness is, is the whole solution. If, if we’re aware of it, and think of it, we can, we can take appropriate steps to either avoid it, or work with it safely.”

Through their tireless efforts, the Sager family hopes to ensure that Adam’s life and legacy will continue to make a lasting impact, inspiring others to be vigilant about the hidden dangers of asbestos and to prioritize the safety of their loved ones above all else.

Adam’s story is a poignant reminder that the consequences of asbestos exposure can be devastating, but it also serves as a call to action. By heeding the lessons learned from the Sager family’s experience and taking proactive steps to protect ourselves and our communities, we can honor Adam’s memory and work towards a future where no one has to endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one to an asbestos-related disease.

To learn more about the dangers of asbestos and the Queensland Safety Advocate program and request a free workplace visit, please visit here.