Sam d’onofrio, a 55-year-old naval shipyard worker, begins to experience a slightly irritating cough. his wife, ginger, tells him that it is probably the result of smoking three packs of cigarettes a day. ginger begs him to quit, as she did many years ago. he begins to experience trouble breathing even when at rest. soon, however, ginger also begins to experience symptoms of respiratory disease. sam visits his primary care provider, who, based on the work and family history, suspects asbestosis. because ginger has washed his work clothes for 26 years, she is also advised to seek medical attention.