Events

The real impact of asbestos on our community, Perth City lights blue in memory.

A lot of people think asbestos and asbestos disease is a thing of the past and not relevant anymore.

But for so many of us, the reality is very different. We need to keep raising awareness of the dangers to stop people dying from a disease that is preventable.

This National Asbestos Awareness Week (21-27 November), we lit Perth City blue in memory of loved ones who have died from asbestos disease and as a reminder to remain vigilant when it comes to properties where asbestos could be.

At our Steeltoes & Stilettos event on Friday 18 November, 20-year-old, Mackenzie Lighton officially lit the City blue to honour her mum who has mesothelioma, the terminal asbestos-related cancer.

In October last year, my mum was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lung pleura, caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this aggressive form of cancer, and over the past year, I have watched just how destructive this disease and its treatments are.

Mackenzie Lighton

We need to work together to make sure everyone is aware of the dangers of being exposed to asbestos. You can help by talking to your family and friends about asbestos and letting them know that it is still around in buildings built or renovated prior to 1990. Asbestos wasn’t banned in Australia until December 2003, which wasn’t really that long ago.

Our support team at Reflections know only too well the real impact of asbestos, having all watched someone they love die from mesothelioma. They are committed to supporting and caring for others as they go through possibly the darkest time of their life. They do all this at no cost to the client or their families, a commitment made by our founder who passed from mesothelioma in December 2016 and something we are determined to honour.

But we can only do this with your help. By making a tax-deductible donation you will be helping us reduce the impact of asbestos. If you or someone you know already benefit from these amazing services, by leaving a gift in your will you are leaving a legacy that will live on and make a real difference in the lives of others.