My heart is heavy. Last Wednesday my friend Craig Kozicki ended his battle against mesothelioma 10 years, leaving behind his wife and devoted daughter, Shelly and Emily. Craig was a survivor of 10 years of the disease - a miracle of history and a symbol of hope in patients with mesothelioma in the country. He was only 53.
Craig's case was one of the first cases of mesothelioma I never worked as a young lawyer commencing here Simmons Hanly Conroy. He was the guest of Jeff Cooper. It is by Jeff that I got to know Craig and his family. Over the years, the Kozickis have become much more customers -. They have become a part of the family here Simmons Hanly Conroy
When I think Craig, I think of so many different things. I think of his love for the sport and how much I have always appreciated our discussions on the rivalries of Illinois colleges and Missouri. His devotion to his wife and daughter. I think the kind of man he was and how he has always fought and did not complain. How he continued to work as long as possible and kept living life through the numerous chemotherapy treatments and painful surgeries.
In the search for a cure for mesothelioma and the struggle to ban asbestos, Craig and Shelly are really special couple. They have been an inspiration for me, for everyone to Simmons Hanly Conroy, and countless families across the country. Time and again, we have customers talk about the impact Craig and Shelly have had on their lives.
Earlier this week, it was announced that the Kozickis received annual "Volunteer of the Year" by the Foundation Mesothelioma Applied Research prices. It is a testament to both Craig and Shelly. Since Craig was diagnosed at 42, Shelly was standing beside her, and she is somehow still found time to help other people with cancer. It was a sounding board and a voice for many and never asked for anything in return. Truly a remarkable lady
I have to say -. I did not know if I should write at all. How do you pay proper tribute to someone with such dignity and strength? There are no words to describe how his success in the fight against this horrible cancer off for so long has meant to me and so many others.
But then it hit me. What better way to honor and remember that Craig to try and encourage others to take his case? So what I do. I encourage anyone reading this to make a donation to the Meso Foundation on behalf of Craig. I think he would like that.
The link help "Craig Kozicki Grant Fund" of the Meso Foundation to find a cure for mesothelioma (make sure you scroll down the page) .
And if you do not want to give online, mail a check to the Foundation for applied research mesothelioma, PO Box 91840 Santa Barbara, CA 9310-1840. Make sure you write "Craig Kozicki "in the memo line.
goodbye Craig. we will miss you dearly. it was an honor to represent you. But the greatest honor was to get to know you at all.
