Joyce Wagner
In Motion Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of Kristin Mixell
A well-liked, respected, inspiring teacher, Doolin was known for his sense of humor and unique approach to learning.
The initial shock of cancer diagnosis is always heart-wrenching.
“I think for me, the most difficult part of his illness was the prognosis,” said Stacey Doolin. “He went from being healthy, active and young, to, ‘Wait, now you’re going to die?’”
At that time, doctors told them Doolin had four to six months to live.
Finding information and resources about mesothelioma became a focal point.
“Because of all the legal aspects of mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits, it gets very tricky to find the truth,” said Mrs. Doollin.
They went to the Moffitt Medical Center and Research Institute in Tampa for a second opinion. Gathering available reading material in the waiting room led them to the Mesothelioma Foundation. The information helped them realize, “This is not an absolute four to six months. There are options out there for people,” she recalled.
Prior to the cancer diagnosis, doctors were trying to find the cause of Doolin’s illness. Concerned friends and students wanted to know how Rick was doing during this process. Stacey started their Facebook page, “Team Doolin,” to keep people apprised of his condition. It quickly became a support system.
“Rick had no idea he was so special to people. He made science and learning fun,” said Stacey. “That page helped him like you would not believe. There were days he was ready to just quit. I would read those posts from students to him and he would say, ‘Okay, I’ll keep going one more day.’ It really, really lifted him up.’”
True to his nature, Rick wanted his death to help others. Originally wanting to be an organ donor, mesothelioma, which had ravaged his body, made that impossible. Not deterred, he chose to donate his body to the Anatomical Board of the State of Florida to be used as a teaching tool. Making arrangements at the funeral home, Stacey learned that while much needed, this is not common practice.
“For all the people who wonder, what can I do after I’m gone? Rick really is still doing something useful. He’s still teaching.” Stacey then added, “Whether or not people are just afraid to talk about it before they die, or they think it’s weird or don’t even know about it, donating your body is doable. It’s a very easy, gentle, forgiving process to walk through.”
Daytona State College will host an event for National Mesothelioma Awareness Day at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22. Flyers will be posted closer to the event.
Mesothelioma information is at www.curemeso.org. The Anatomical Board of the State of Florida website is
old.med.ufl.edu/anatbd.To become an organ or tissue donor, visit www.organdonor.gov or www.donatelifeflorida.org. For more information go the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or the National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov.