Living with mesothelioma – an American survivor’s story with Heather Von St. James

In this episode, James O’Loghlin sits down with Heather Von St. James – a remarkable 20-year survivor of mesothelioma, research advocate, and author from Minnesota, USA.

Heather was just 36, and a brand-new mum to a three-month-old baby, when she was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma in 2005. Likely exposed through second-hand asbestos from her father’s work in construction and demolition, she suddenly faced devastating odds. Heather shares how she made the life-changing decision to travel across the country to Boston, where she underwent radical extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) surgery. Separated from her baby, she endured months of chemotherapy and radiation – but never once entertained the thought of dying.

You’ll hear Heather talk about her incredible journey of survival – from those early years of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, through to rebuilding her life, raising her child, and finding her purpose through advocacy. She also opens up about the lack of patient support in the US at the time of her diagnosis, and why she so deeply values the services organisations like ADDRI provide today.

Now, two decades on, Heather has not had any recurrence – and she uses her voice to remind people everywhere that there is hope. She’s become a global advocate for rare cancer awareness, working closely with the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, serving on research funding review panels, and offering vital peer support to newly diagnosed patients around the world.

Heather’s story is deeply personal, but it’s also one so many can connect with. No matter where you live, a mesothelioma diagnosis carries the same heavy weight. But the way care, advocacy, and support play out can feel very different from country to country.

By the end of this conversation, you’ll understand why Heather’s father called her a ‘beacon of hope.’ She truly brings light and strength to people facing a mesothelioma diagnosis – and we hope her story leaves you feeling inspired too.

· In the U.S. around 40,000 deaths per year are attributed to asbestos exposure. In June 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated their intention to reconsider the ban on the ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos

Heather Von St. James is an American Mesothelioma Survivor, Research Advocate and Author based in in Minnesota, USA.

Heather was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma at age 36 in 2005, shortly after delivering her first and only child. In 2006 she underwent the radical extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) surgery, and has been very open about her journey.

She is a passionate advocate for rare cancer awareness and research.

*The personal views shared in this episode are those of the individual participant.

You can read more of Heather’s story here.

To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website.

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios .

If you have any questions or comments, please email info@addri.org.au