The hardest blow from mesothelioma is the almost universal pessimism about the chances of survival coming from articles, news reports, the world wide web, insurance providers and from the lips of too many family physicians and oncologists. As discussed in the "Understanding Meso" section, such pessimism is pervasive and is largely based on a history of failure and nihilism in treating this disease, a history which is finally, slowly, being changed by exciting developments in research.

Below are the stories of a small selection of survivors of the disease. These are men and women who share their struggles against this cancer, not to impress you with their courage, luck, or fortitude, but to offer their message of hope that effective treatments are finally at hand. Here are examples to inspire all those who find themselves on the doorstep of an uncertain doom with a cancer, cloaked in decades of misinformation, bad news and fear. The following stories will offer solace and comfort. They will provide a future of hope for all newly diagnosed patients. The war against mesothelioma is a long one, but we are gaining ground and the ultimate victory is on the horizon. We but need to steel ourselves and commit to the fight.

	Bonnie Anderson		Jodi Page
	Kendra Ferreira		Bruce Jackson
	Marlyn Landin