A Case for Hope with Heather von St. James

There are more than 200 different types of cancer and it can develop in any of 60 different organs within the body. There are three main types of mesothelioma; a rare cancer of the protective lining that covers many of the internal organs of the body. It's most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos. 

During her childhood Heather von St. James did what many little girls do. She wore her daddy's jacket around the house when he came home from work -- never suspecting there was harm coming to her via that playful act. 

In November 2005 at the age of 36, just three months after celebrating the birth of her daughter, she was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. The delicately risky surgery to save her life took her more than 1400 miles away from the life she'd just brought into the world. The surgery performed at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital consisted of removing the lining of the lung, an entire lung, half of her diaphragm, the lining of her heart and her sixth rib. That marked the beginning of her journey to survive and her battle with what she calls "scanxiety." Motherhood and marriage interspersed with doses of humor and faith have strengthened her when anxiety and the fear of recurrence hit home.

She's now celebrating her 8th year as a survivor. Her mission in life is to help others with mesothelioma around the globe. Her stories of awareness and hope appear in places like The Huffington Post, Moms N' Charge, Everyday Health, interviews and hope-filled awareness blogs. When she's not busy speaking, advocating, and inspiring others, she's spends her time with husband/best-friend Cameron, volunteering at her daughter's school, planting flowers, and enjoying all things whimsical. Meet Heather von St. James - A Case for Hope!