The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization will honor actor Steve McQueen, who died from mesothelioma, at its eighth annual convention in March.
McQueen was known as the King of Cool, from the way he lived on screen and off. He was a classic American success story, who overcame a poor, broken-home upbringing to become a Hollywood superstar.
McQueen had traced his illness to asbestos exposure first from the Marine Corp, and then from the flame-retardant driving suits he wore so often while racing cars and motorcycles. He died from mesothelioma in 1980 at the age of 50.
The Warren Zevon Tribute Award will be presented to McQueen’s widow, Barbara McQueen, on March 31 I Manhattan Beach, California.
Many notable Americans have died from mesothelioma, including Pro Football Hall of Famer and broadcaster Merlin Olsen, White House Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan, actor Paul Gleeson, Congressman Bruce Vento, scientist Stephen Gould and Navy Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Jr.
The majority of mesothelioma sufferers contract the disease from asbestos exposure, decades before the disease is detected. Victims usually have a very short time to live after diagnosis, as there are few treatment options.
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – mesothelioma lawyers