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Shelly’s Story
In 2009, Shelly’s husband Craig ended his 10-year battle against mesothelioma. Only 53 years old, he left behind his both Shelly and their daughter, Emily.
Craig attributed the success of his 10-year fight to his specialists, family and vast network of friends. Yet, many in the mesothelioma community attribute their success and their hope to him. “He inspires people every day. He inspires me every day,” said Shelly. “I can’t tell you how many people in the meso community call him [their] hero.”
In this video, Shelly provides more information about the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a non-profit that can get you started building your own support network.
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Shelly and Craig’s story begins in 1998, when Craig started to lose weight and noticed a build-up of fluid in his abdomen. These symptoms led him to the doctor, where he was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma.
Even with this news, Craig and his family were determined to fight. “We started researching,” said Shelly. “We were determined to do everything we could to save him.” The family packed up their bags and started traveling to meet different doctors. They found one in New York who gave them the most hope and made them feel confident they were in the right place.
“When you find a place that you feel you’re comfortable with, jump in with both feet and don’t look back,” was Shelly’s advice to others who might experience their situation.
Travel for Treatment
Over the next few years, Craig and Shelly frequently traveled from their home in Missouri to New York for surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. “I think the toughest part was leaving our daughter behind,” Shelly said as tears filled her eyes.
It was the thought of their daughter, Emily, who ultimately drove Craig and Shelly to pursue mesothelioma compensation.
“Our first priority was getting Craig well,” Shelly said. But, a couple months into their journey with mesothelioma, the thought of losing Craig started to take an overwhelming toll on Shelly. As a stay at home mom, she was not sure how she and her daughter would get along financially. Shelly was particularly concerned about the future and how she would send her daughter to college.
After discussing this with Craig, the couple agreed to file a mesothelioma lawsuit.
Seeking Legal Assistance and Compensation
Our asbestos attorneys worked with Craig to determine how and where he had been exposed to asbestos, so that they could hold the appropriate party accountable for his preventable disease. Given the long latency period of mesothelioma, Craig and attorneys ultimately came to the conclusion that he had experienced take-home asbestos exposure, meaning his parents must have brought asbestos home on their work clothes.
After determining how Craig was exposed to asbestos, our mesothelioma law firm went to work to getting the Kozicki family the compensation they deserved. Throughout the lawsuit process, the family became much more than clients — they became part of the Simmons Hanly Conroy family.
“When I think of Craig, I think of so many different things,” said John Barnerd, one of the attorneys on Craig’s case. “I think of the kind of man he was and the way he always fought and didn’t complain. How he kept working as long as he could and kept living his life through the numerous chemotherapy treatments and painful surgeries.”
Our mesothelioma attorneys have helped many people like Craig fight for the compensation they deserve. There are several reasons to pursue mesothelioma lawsuit settlements — helping to ensure the well-being of your family is just one example.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis
In 1998, Craig started to lose weight and noticed a build-up of fluid in his abdomen.
Craig’s wife, Shelly, heart-brokenly tells her husband he has peritoneal mesothelioma.
Craig and his family start researching mesothelioma and traveling to see different doctors.
Treating Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Shelly describes Craig’s peritoneal mesothelioma treatments.
“He inspires people every day. He inspires me every day,” Shelly says about Craig as she shares how he battles his disease.
Craig and Shelly frequently traveled long distances for treatment. “The toughest part was leaving our daughter behind,” Shelly says.
Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit
Shelly recounts trying to determine how and where Craig was exposed to asbestos.
It was the thought of their daughter, Emily, who ultimately drove Craig and Shelly to pursue an asbestos claim.
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Learn More About Filing A Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Download our guide:
Asbestos Litigation, Your Guide to the Legal Process.
Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit can help you cover medical expenses and secure your family’s future well-being for years to come. Our mesothelioma lawyers will make the process as easy as possible for you and guide you through the legal system. Learn more about what to expect when filing a mesothelioma lawsuit by downloading our free introductory guide.
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Written by:Simmons Hanly ConroyThe Simmons Hanly Conroy Editorial Team consists of journalists, writers and editors who strive to deliver accurate and useful information to families needing legal help. Our team works alongside the firm's attorneys and partners, as well as with medical professionals and other specialists, to keep all information relevant and helpful.