Patient Advocate Gabi Lebron speaks with families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases every day. As she listens to their stories, she thinks about her grandfather, who passed away from lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Raphael Lebron spent decades in the U.S. Navy as a boiler tender while he and his wife raised a close-knit family of 6 children and 15 grandchildren.
Tragically, his service also exposed him to a hidden danger: asbestos. His experience now fuels Gabi’s passion to advocate for families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
The Heartbreak of a Lung Cancer Diagnosis
In 2014, Raphael was diagnosed with lung cancer. Painful symptoms and side effects kept him from playing soccer with Gabi, working on his car, and enjoying many of his other favorite pastimes.
Gabi recalls her grandmother taking it especially hard. “She was so scared of losing him and being alone,” she said. The family banded together to support each other through this difficult time.
What the Lebrons weren’t aware of was Raphael’s service on U.S. Navy ships exposed him to asbestos, a dangerous mineral that can cause cancer decades later. None of them were able to make the connection until after he passed away in 2015.
“His doctor didn’t mention asbestos until the end because they always attributed the lung cancer to his smoking. We didn’t think asbestos could be responsible for this.”
To learn about how asbestos was used in the military and other settings, download our Free Asbestos Products Guide.
Her Family’s Search for Justice
Manufacturers of asbestos products knew of the dangers but hid the truth to protect their profits. People diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness can hold these greedy corporations accountable by seeking compensation from mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims.
Unfortunately, by the time Gabi and her family discovered the resources available for victims of asbestos exposure, the deadline to take legal action had already passed. As a result, Gabi’s grandmother had to rely on her children for financial support after Raphael’s death.
“For my grandma, it was too late to file,” Gabi explained. “We weren’t able to get that justice, which is why I’m so passionate about what I do now. I don’t want it to be too late for anyone else.”
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with mesothelioma? Get a Free Case Review to see if you’re eligible for financial compensation.
How Gabi Helps Asbestos Victims Find Hope
Gabi saw firsthand how difficult it was for her grandfather to navigate his diagnosis and treatment, even with his family behind him every step of the way.
When she became a Patient Advocate, she made a commitment to ensure every person she spoke with came away feeling empowered and supported.
“I can’t cure what they’re going through. But I can arm them with as much information as they need to get through it and be there for them as a friend.”
She approaches each conversation with a focus on Mesothelioma Hope’s three pillars of care.
1. Compassionate Support
Gabi acknowledges that seeking help can be difficult, especially for military veterans, who make up one-third of all mesothelioma cases. She recalls how her own grandfather rarely spoke of his mental health battles but found comfort anytime he was with his family.
“Active listening comes into play so much in my role — just taking a step back, listening to their story, and learning what their concerns are.”
Her goal is to ensure that no one facing mesothelioma feels alone. To help callers navigate the emotional waves of a cancer diagnosis, she recommends a variety of support groups and checks in on patients and their families to see how they’re doing.
2. Personalized Medical Guidance
Gabi is dedicated to helping patients better understand their diagnosis and guiding them through what steps to take next.
This includes sharing the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for mesothelioma treatment and connecting patients with Jenna Tozzi, one of Mesothelioma Hope’s registered nurses, for one-on-one support.
Gabi also takes the time to share moments of hope so patients understand there are options that can help them live longer and feel better.
“A mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer diagnosis doesn’t mean you’re going to die. Things have advanced so much, and there are so many new treatments out there.”
In fact, some mesothelioma survivors are still alive today 15+ years after their diagnosis. Read the inspiring stories of 7 of these patients in our Free Survivors Guide.
Get Your Free Survivors Guide
Inspirational stories of patients and their families
Diagnosis: Pleural mesothelioma
Still Thriving: 6+ year survivor
Diagnosis: Peritoneal mesothelioma
Still Thriving: 18+ year survivor
Diagnosis: Stage 4 pleural mesothelioma
Still Thriving: 5+ year survivor
Diagnosis: Peritoneal mesothelioma
Beating the Odds: 15-year survivor
Diagnosis: Peritoneal mesothelioma
Still Thriving: 17+ year survivor
Diagnosis: Peritoneal mesothelioma
Still Thriving: 15+ year survivor
Learn What Helped These Survivors
3. Access to Financial Compensation
Although it was too late for Gabi’s family to file a claim, she’s passionate about helping others access financial compensation and veterans benefits.
“At the end of the day, patients and their families deserve justice for what they’ve been through. They got sick through no fault of their own, so I always urge them to file a claim to get that justice.”
Gabi walks patients through all their financial options over the phone, simplifying legal language and answering any questions they have along the way.
If a patient or family member is eligible to take legal action, Gabi can connect them with a mesothelioma lawyer for a free case review.
Get Help From a Mesothelioma Patient Advocate Now
Gabi is one of the many compassionate Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma Hope ready to support anyone affected by asbestos-related diseases.
We understand that a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you and your family every step of the way. Whether you need medical guidance, financial assistance, or emotional support, our Patient Advocates are just a phone call away.
Let us help you:
- Connect with top specialists and treatment centers
- Explore options for financial compensation
- Increase your monthly veterans benefits
- Find support groups and peer mentors
Call (866) 608-8933 or fill out our contact form to get the personalized care and support you deserve.
