Heather Von St. James
Heather Von St. James offers a message of courage, inspiration, and hope to those diagnosed with mesothelioma. A 20-year survivor of this rare and often fatal asbestos-related cancer, she considers herself a "poster child for hope after mesothelioma."
In 2026, Heather was named one of OncoDaily's 100 Most Influential Cancer Survivors on Social Media in recognition of her dedication to educating, inspiring, and supporting others affected by cancer.
Heather Von St. James At a Glance
- Diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2005 at age 36, just three months after giving birth.
- Exposed to asbestos as a child through dust brought home on her father's work clothes.
- Underwent an extrapleural pneumonectomy with Dr. David Sugarbaker at Brigham and Women's Hospital in 2006.
- Now a 20-year mesothelioma survivor and patient advocate.
- Founded the annual Lung Leavin' Day to let go of the fears surrounding her mesothelioma diagnosis and celebrate life.
- Named one of OncoDaily's 100 Most Influential Cancer Survivors on Social Media in 2026 for her advocacy and support for the cancer community.
Early Childhood Asbestos Exposure
Growing up, Heather Von St. James considered herself to be a “Daddy’s Girl”. Her father was a construction worker for a large construction and project management firm in South Dakota, and he often came home at the end of the workday with “white dust” on his clothes and boots. At the time, no one in the family realized the dust contained asbestos from the products he worked with each day. Heather's mesothelioma is believed to have resulted from secondary asbestos exposure after contact with her father's contaminated work clothes.
Heather shares details about her courageous journey as a mesothelioma survivor.
Diagnosed with Mesothelioma 3 Months After the Birth of Her Child
In August 2005, at the age of 36, Heather Von St. James gave birth to her child. Within weeks, she began experiencing persistent symptoms, including a fever and difficulty breathing. Medical tests revealed fluid around her lungs and a tumor on the pleura, the thin membrane surrounding the lungs. A biopsy of the tumor and analysis of the fluid confirmed that Heather had mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure that is less commonly diagnosed in younger adults.
Doctors Present Heather with Mesothelioma Treatment Options
Because Heather's cancer had not yet spread to the lymph nodes, her doctors presented three possible paths forward following her mesothelioma diagnosis:
- No treatment: Doctors estimated Heather's life expectancy would be about 15 months.
- Conventional chemotherapy and radiation: Doctors estimated this approach could extend her life expectancy to approximately 5 years.
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy: The riskiest option, but also the one with the greatest potential for long-term survival.
Without much hesitation, Heather and her husband, Cameron, chose the surgical option. The extrapleural pneumonectomywas performed through the International Mesothelioma Program with Dr. David Sugarbaker at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. The surgery involved removing the affected lung, pleura, diaphragm, and pericardium.
Faith, Gratitude and a Strong Will to Live are Keys to Healing
Heather Von St. James’ story of survival after a courageous battle with mesothelioma continues to inspire the mesothelioma community. In addition to the outstanding medical care she received from her doctors in Boston, Heather credits her strong faith, the support of family and friends, her determination to live, and her sense of humor as important parts of her healing journey.
Heather talks about her mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment at the International Mesothelioma Program, and the healing process that continues today. Presented at the International Asbestos Awareness Conference sponsored by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.
Surgery, Lung Leavin’ Day and the First Day of the Rest of Heather’s Life
Heather was scheduled to undergo surgery on February 2, 2006. Even though the world knows February 2 to be Groundhog Day, Heather’s sister affectionately renamed it “Lung Leavin” day. In preparation for the surgery, Heather and her family gathered together, wrote all of their fears down on paper and then “transformed” them by placing them into a ceremonial fire to watch them dissolve away. This day is still celebrated each year in February by Heather and her family and supporters.
The surgery went well. After an 18 day hospital stay, Heather stayed with her parents for two months. After that she returned home and received chemotherapy treatment every 3 weeks for 12 weeks. February 2, 2006 marked a huge turning point in Heather’s battle with mesothelioma and was, in many respects, the first day of the rest of her happy, healthy, cancer-free life.
20 Years After Her Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Today, 20 years later, Heather’s goal is to continue being a beacon of hope for those affected by mesothelioma. She shares her story to support patients and families, raise awareness, and advocate for continued research within the mesothelioma community. Heather promotes mesothelioma awareness through conference presentations, podcasts, media interviews, and public speaking engagements.
Connect With Heather On Social Media
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