Ernie Conry was a husband, father, and proud veteran of the U.S. Army who developed a life-threatening cancer called mesothelioma later in life. Though it has no cure, Ernie remained positive and sought treatments that helped him live for much longer than expected.
Ernie knew the value of hard work from an early age. In 1950, when he was just 17, he joined a Ford dealership in St. Louis as an apprentice mechanic. He was soon drafted into the U.S. Army, serving as the Korean War ended.
Many U.S. veterans develop mesothelioma decades after working with asbestos during their service. However, in Ernie’s case, it’s believed his cancer stemmed from his 40+ of work as an auto mechanic for Ford.
Asbestos was used in many car parts, like:
As Ernie installed, repaired, and replaced these parts, asbestos fibers flew into the air. Ernie and his co-workers breathed in the fibers, not knowing they were being put at risk of mesothelioma 10-50 years later.
Our team can assist civilians and U.S. veterans with mesothelioma. Get our Free Veterans Kit to see how we can help you access VA benefits, treatments, and compensation.
Ernie experienced symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pain in his shoulder and ribcage, for years before his diagnosis was confirmed.
“I was going in and out of doctors offices until we eventually found the problem,” Ernie recalled.
Ernie was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and is very aggressive.
Coincidentally, Ernie’s diagnosis came shortly after visiting one of his brothers, a U.S. Navy veteran who also had mesothelioma. His brother was in one of the highest-risk groups for the cancer as asbestos was used to make almost all Navy ships for decades.
After his diagnosis, Ernie promptly started a mesothelioma treatment plan. He received nine months of chemotherapy as well as a month of radiation.
This stopped the cancer for four years, which is incredible, as most pleural mesothelioma patients only live for 12-21 months with treatment.
Ernie was nervous about chemotherapy at first, and though he had some side effects like nausea and appetite loss, over time, he felt better.
“Being able to get that hungry feeling again, and getting that appetite — ‘hey, I gotta eat’ — that’s a great feeling. Especially because I’m a good eater,” Ernie said.
Four years after his first treatments, tests revealed that Ernie’s cancer had spread. He received follow-up surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, to help him live longer.
Ernie worked with our partner firm Simmons Hanly Conroy, which was founded by U.S. veterans, to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. The law firm doesn't sue the U.S. military or government, but rather asbestos manufacturers who hid the health risks.
Ernie’s decision to find a mesothelioma lawyer didn’t come lightly. But, Ernie was angry at the asbestos companies that put him and so many others in danger.
The average lawsuit pays out $1 million or more in mesothelioma compensation, giving families financial security and peace of mind.
In Ernie’s case, his lawyers secured a strong financial payout so he could cover the cost of his cancer treatments.
Call (877) 450-8973 to learn how our partner mesothelioma law firm may be able to help you or a loved one get compensation.
“I’ve never wanted to grab a lawyer and sue somebody over a hot cup of coffee. These manufacturers are aware that asbestos caused health problems, and I definitely think they should pay to cover the costs of these problems.”
Ernie Conry
U.S. Army veteran with mesothelioma
Ernie’s optimism, courage, and sense of humor in the face of mesothelioma inspired countless others.
Ernie bravely fought the cancer until he passed over seven years after his diagnosis and 13 years from when his symptoms first appeared. Though he is no longer with us, Ernie is still considered a long-term cancer survivor.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center team fondly remembers Ernie and is proud to have helped him in his cancer fight. Our team is ready to assist other U.S. veterans and civilians with mesothelioma, too.
Call (877) 450-8973 or get our Free Mesothelioma Kit to see how we can connect you with VA benefits, top doctors and treatments, and financial compensation.
