Pat Guth contributes news and insightful content for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. Bio »
July 12, 2012
Pompano Beach, Florida - A true example of a man who never gave up, despite his grim mesothelioma diagnosis, Floridian Larry Davis literally fought against his disease until his dying day.
An avid supporter of all mesothelioma causes and an advocate for the "ban asbestos" movement, the Pompano Beach resident – who took his fight to Washington - spent the six years since his mesothelioma diagnosis trying to convince others that they should donate towards programs that funded research into asbestos-caused cancer, raising tens of thousands of dollars towards mesothelioma research by competing in fundraising races and other events.
Unfortunately, however, Larry Davis lost his fight with mesothelioma this week, succumbing to the disease six years after his diagnosis, despite the fact that doctors told him he had only six months to live.
According to an article in the Sun-Sentinel, Davis passed away on Monday at the age of 67, defying all the odds to live a full life despite the often overwhelming symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. Friends remember him as a man with an "indomitable spirit"; a warrior who was eager to keep himself in the best shape possible despite five surgeries since his diagnosis in 2006.
The article reports that Davis served as an inspiration for countless mesothelioma victims worldwide. During the past 6 years, he trained for and participated in a number of road races, including everything from 5K runs to complete marathons. He did these along with his wife Carol, who was with him every step of the way.
"I think that spirit of his is what kept him going for so long," Carol Davis said, considering that only about 7 percent of all mesothelioma victims Larry's age make it to the 5-year mark. The usual life expectancy is generally in the 6 to 18 month range after diagnosis, experts point out.
Davis' friends note that their buddy knew what he faced when he was diagnosed. His father also died of the disease. However, the younger Davis often opted for alte rnative treatments rather than traditional therapies such as chemo and radiation. He often credited those with extending his life.
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