One Patient's Story     

The University of Chicago mourns the loss of our mesothelioma patient, supporter and advocate, Al Todak. Al's commitment to eradicating mesothelioma continues to be an inspiration to our faculty, friends and patients, and he is greatly missed. During his life, Al devoted considerable energy toward improving the availability of information about this disease including providing initial funding for this website. Below is his story.

A Message from Al Todak

My name is Al Todak and I have mesothelioma. When I was first diagnosed, my doctors had very little information about this horrible disease and its process, much less treatment options. About the only thing they had to say was to advise me to get my affairs in order, and that there was a strong possibility that I was going to die in about eight months. As I write this, that was about 21 months ago.

However, I was determined to find some sort of treatment. Being both Internet and computer savvy, naturally I turned to the Internet for help in understanding the disease that I was up against. My search was very disappointing. All I could find was information about surgical options that I did not want to pursue. After about four months of trying (I was still working at the time and didn't have all the time in the world to dedicate to Internet searches), I finally picked up on the trail of some exciting work being done at The University of Chicago.

The University of Chicago turned out to be the world's leading authority on mesothelioma, its cause, process and non-surgical treatment. My doctors had told me point blank that there was no treatment (short of surgery) for mesothelioma. The University of Chicago showed me several options. Some were known approved drugs, and some were experimental. The options they presented me have resulted in a significant extension of my life and an enhanced quality of life that I am enjoying.

But after getting better, I started wondering about all the other people who were suffering from mesothelioma who would not necessarily be able to find the information about this world-class facility, The University of Chicago. So, having a good working knowledge of computers and internet systems, I proposed that The University of Chicago team create these web pages on mesothelioma, volunteered my time and knowledge, and they agreed.

Within these pages, you will find some of the most up to date information about mesothelioma, its causes and treatment. There is information about approved drugs available anywhere, and information about drugs that are still going through clinical trials and available only in a few select medical facilities. With this information, you will be armed with just about everything you need to know to get started on a path of life extension. Some of you will discuss these options with your current physician, others may wish to pick up the phone and call The University of Chicago and make arrangements to see the wonderful group of physicians they have there. Regardless of your choice, you will at least know that you are working with the best information currently available. That is what we wanted to put into your hands.

Sincerely,
Al Todak