I can't let go.

[photo2010]

New Year's. Time for resolutions. Time to ring in the new, let go of the past. But there's one thing I can't seem to let go of. Exactly nine years ago this week, I had to quit the job I loved, the job I had for over 18 years, and go on permanent disability. This was a decision I did not make lightly or easily. In fact, I worked in pain for the last 12 years of my job, until I couldn't anymore. I was the photojournalist for a university. I had been educated in photography, paid my dues doing weddings and senior portraits, and ultimately got my dream job. Unfortunately, my job came with a price i didn't foresee. These were the days before digital photography. The days of silver, (film), photography, and developing that film, and making prints in the darkroom. Most darkrooms are in the basement of the building, as mine was. This was an old building with a stone exterior. The basement was very cold and damp. So damp there was visible mold growing on my office walls. When I complained about the mold, painters would be sent over to cover it up. Over time, I began getting respiratory infections. I didn't connect it to the mold however, until later. Then I became more ill, seriously ill. Other people got sick who worked in that basement. One woman got cancer. I had even been warned to not drink the water from the water fountain, without explanation. Then one day I had trouble walking. My nervous system was being attacked by something. I had never been seriously ill before working in that basement. My supervisors KNEW there was a problem there, and lied to me that: "the air had been tested and it was safe". A bald-faced lie. I had to quit on disability in December, 1999. I will probably never be able to work again. I tried to get a lawyer to sue my employer, but they all said I couldn't prove it. I was too sick to fight. To add insult to injury, my employer's insurance stopped paying my disability benefit. Again, I tried to fight, but insurance companies do this knowing that most people are too ill to fight. A few years after I left my job, they condemned the floor I had worked on. They found mold, lead paint, and asbestos! In fact, they had to tear down and rebuild most of the building.
So, this is what I can't let go of. I had to leave the job I loved. I was lied to about the health danger, and I live in debilitating pain. There is more to the story, but that is enough for now. I try to be positive..but it's not always easy. I'm trying.

Kevin

[photo2010]

Ruth, thank you so much for your kind offer of help. Right now I would like to know one thing, and that is what the statute of limitations is on something like this. It has been 9 years since I left my job. I don't know if I have it in me to launch another battle over this. I did try once, and all the lawyers said I have to be able to prove that that environment caused my condition, which is a fairly rare diagnosis. Most doctors know nothing about it. My fatigue, taking care of my Mom, financial considerations..I just don't know if I can do it. The attorneys were local. I just wrote to Erin Brockovich again, but she didn't reply the first time, and I doubt she will this time. Thank you again..I have a lot of thinking to do. (((Hugs))) Kevin

[Dunleavy]

It is obvious that your employers knew something was wrong even if they didn't realize how serious it was. I am so sorry you went through this. That anyone would have to go through this. And I'm frustrated because of the injustice of it all. Did you ever try contacting any media? Maybe some of the hardcore news shows?

[photo2010]

I did write to some local papers. No response. Also a Senator with no luck. Thank you for your kind thoughts. I think it's a lost cause at this point.