Rugby player shocked by father’s mesothelioma diagnosis
Trevor Gillmeister, assistant coach and former captain of the Queensland State of Origin rugby team, was shocked when his father, Ron Gillmeister, was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma in October 2008. Ron Gillmeister worked as a boilermaker from the 1960s until the 1980s, which exposed him to the asbestos that caused his cancer. Gillmeister reported working with asbestos blankets and near asbestos insulation.
Since his diagnosis, Mr. Gillmeister has lost 15 kg (approximately 33 pounds) and gone through chemotherapy. In late June 2009, he collapsed in his home and was rushed to the hospital. Trevor flew in to visit his father in the hospital, and it was hard for him to see his father, who had always been very active, in such bad shape.
Workcover has paid Mr. Gillmeister almost $480,000 in compensation, for which the company is launching a claim to recover the money from three asbestos manufacturers that made the products he was exposed to.
Even when detected early, mesothelioma is inoperable and has no cure. Mr. Gillmeister chose to have chemotherapy to help prolong his life for several more months to spend with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
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