Every day, Gabi Lebron lends a compassionate ear to veterans and their families facing asbestos-related diseases.
As a patient advocate, her mission to help veterans access treatments, military benefits, and compensation for cancers like mesothelioma is personal.
The stories she hears remind her of her grandfather, a U.S. Navy veteran who died from asbestos-related lung cancer.
“My grandfather and my family went through so much of this alone, so it is an honor to give veterans a sense of community and hope whenever they call.”
– Gabi Lebron, patient advocate and grandchild of a U.S. Navy veteran
Learn more about Gabi’s story and how she helps U.S. veterans with lung cancer and mesothelioma.
You can also request a Free Veterans Packet to see all the ways our team may be able to assist you.
A Grandfather’s Navy Service Leads to Asbestos Exposure
Gabi’s grandfather enlisted in the U.S. Navy around the start of the 1970s, at a time when service members were at a high risk of asbestos exposure.
U.S. Navy ships used asbestos between the 1930s and early 1980s due to government mandates. Asbestos products like insulation and piping kept ships fireproof and durable.
Gabi’s grandfather was a boiler tender and worked in Navy shipyards, which exposed him to asbestos. He and his fellow service members didn’t know they were in danger because asbestos companies hid the health risks to keep making money.
This would ultimately cause him to develop cancer later in life — more than 30 years after his first exposure to asbestos.
Lung Cancer Changes a Family Forever
In the early 2000s, Gabi’s grandfather retired from the military to spend time with his family. Gabi has many fond memories of her grandfather from childhood, like the donuts he’d bring her whenever he visited and the soccer games they’d play together.
However, in 2014, Gabi’s grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer. The family rallied together to support him through treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, but the cancer was aggressive.
“When my grandmother found out, it really took a toll on her more than it did him because she was just so scared of losing him and being alone,” said Gabi.
When lifesaving treatments didn’t work, he was put on palliative (pain-relieving) care until he passed away in August 2015.
Discovering the Dangers of Asbestos Too Late
Gabi’s family was devastated by the loss of her grandfather. When they learned that his cancer was linked to asbestos, they decided to hold the companies responsible for his exposure accountable through the legal system.
Many families have received over $1 million in legal compensation for mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos diseases to cover expenses.
Unfortunately, Gabi’s family couldn’t get the justice they deserved because the statute of limitations (time limit to file a legal claim) had passed.
“It was too late to file, which is why I'm so passionate about what I do now. I don't want it to be too late for anyone else,” expressed Gabi.
Call (877) 450-8973 now to connect with Gabi or another one of our patient advocates to get help seeking compensation before time runs out.
Uniquely Prepared to Help Veterans Facing Asbestos Diseases
Gabi’s experience with her grandfather allowed her to witness the unique struggles faced by U.S. veterans and their families after a cancer diagnosis.
Today, she is proud to assist U.S. veterans with asbestos diseases like mesothelioma or lung cancer in any way she can as part of her work at the Mesothelioma Veterans Center.
Gabi can help you or a loved one:
- Pursue or increase your mesothelioma VA benefits
- Find top mesothelioma doctors and treatments
- Understand if you qualify to file asbestos lawsuits
- Find support groups for veterans and their families facing cancer
Gabi will also routinely check in on how patients are doing or refer them to registered nurses or legal advocates for more in-depth guidance.
Get a Free Veterans Packet to learn about all of the resources Gabi and the rest of our patient advocates can offer to U.S. veterans with mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases.
Contact a Mesothelioma Veteran Patient Advocate Today
If you or a U.S. veteran you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, Gabi and our other patient advocates are ready to support you through this difficult time.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center has helped thousands of people seeking support for mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos diseases.
“I can't cure what veterans are 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," said Gabi.
Call (877) 450-8973 now or fill out our contact form to see all the ways we can assist you.
