COLUMBIA: A Family’s Fight for Justice and Hope Amid Heartbreak
As the sun rose early on September 13, 2024, a gentle breeze swept through Columbia, South Carolina. With the temperature expected to peak at a warm 82°F later, the residents of this charming city were greeted by a mostly cloudy sky. A stray shower or thunderstorm was hinted at, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of autumn weather. But for Michael Perry and his loved ones, the forecasts of rain seemed to pale in comparison to the storm brewing in their personal lives.
A Battle Against Mesothelioma
Michael Perry, just 54 years old, has been grappling with a devastating diagnosis of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer. It was in January 2023, after battling COVID-19, that his world was turned upside down. Initially thinking he just had lingering symptoms, he soon found himself in a hospital facing a grim prognosis—doctors estimated he had only 6 to 18 months to live.
Perry and his partner, Lonnie Long, chose not to let despair consume them. Instead, they decided to fight back against the injustice that had entered their lives. Following a whirlwind of painful diagnoses and treatments, they turned their focus to holding Johnson & Johnson accountable for the alleged asbestos in its products, particularly baby powder, which Perry had used throughout his life.
The Courtroom Showdown
As the date for the trial approached, anxiety weighed heavily on Perry’s heart. The thought of taking the stand was daunting; it meant a confrontation not just with the jury, but with the harsh realities of his situation. He labored through sleepless nights, worrying about how the defense would paint him as a liar. “What were they going to say? Preparing for them calling me a liar, attacking me,” he recalled.
His testimony lasted about an hour and a half, forcing him to relive the traumatic journey over the past year. “Listening in graphic detail of what my life is going to be like and what death is going to be like is something that I wouldn’t relish on anybody,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
A Glimpse of Light
At the end of the trial, a Richland County jury delivered a verdict that Perry and Long had hoped for. They were awarded a staggering $63.4 million against Johnson & Johnson and another company. This was a bittersweet victory—Perry understood well that the turmoil was far from over. Despite the jury’s decision, the appeals process could stretch for years, during which he fears he might not be around to see the outcome.
“I was stunned, and then I was flushed with emotion that there was a jury of our peers that saw the evidence, saw through the lies,” Perry shared. He emphasized that it was never about the money, but about holding a trusted brand accountable for its actions that led to his illness.
Facing Tomorrow with Hope
As bleak as the future looks, Perry and Long are focusing on cherishing every moment. With plans to tackle their bucket list, they hope to enjoy activities such as fishing trips, sailing, and even organizing Christmas celebrations for children in the Caribbean—all of which resemble small sparks of joy in their otherwise tumultuous life.
Perry’s cherished Havanese dogs, Abraham and Keziah, are constant reminders of love and companionship on this arduous journey. “Time is a luxury that I don’t have,” he reflected. “It really is bittersweet.” But through the looming shadow of terminal illness, they strive to make every day count—planning fishing trips as a way to connect with nature and each other, finding solace in the brief escapes the water offers.
The Road Ahead
While Johnson & Johnson is pushing for an appeal, claiming procedural errors during the trial, Perry holds onto hope. He longs for a day when the truth prevails, and justice is served not just for him but for all those affected by similar tragedies.
In the quiet corners of Columbia, as the clouds loom overhead and the air remains warm, the Perry-Long family stands determined. They are fighting for their future, each other, and the unseen battles that many families face silently every day.
