CHEC :: Children's Health Environmental Coalition

All across the country and throughout the world parents are fighting to protect children against toxic assaults. Children are being exposed to chemicals in their daily environments, some of which cause cancer and other childhood illnesses.

"Moms and Dads in the Trenches," will introduce you to our real heroes in these battles. Mothers and fathers, some of whom have lost their own children to cancer due to avoidable exposures to toxics found in their environment, and who are still fighting for a healthier environment for all children.

"Moms and Dads in the Trenches" enables parents to speak out about the problems they are facing in their own communities and what they are doing to make a difference. You can help. Become part of the solution to reduce toxics in the environment by contributing your story. All you need to do is email us at chec@checnet.org and we will provide simple instructions as to how you can share your experience with parents throughout the country.

Debbie Cusenz, Rochester, NY
"Christopher asked me to please not give up looking for answers as to what had possibly caused his cancer, so that no other child would have to go through what he had. Through his tears there was a plea to me that I will never forget. So I promised him that I would not give up."

Cindy Foley, San Angelo, TX
"I do not know what brought about the cancer in Leigha's body. I only know that she had it, and it was the cause of death, and that I miss her . . ."

Eileen Fox, Mullica Hill, NJ
"Kimberley experienced an increasing number of headaches and stomachaches, vomiting, lethargy, and congestion. Cherie became extremely ill with an inflamed pancreas and lost 5 pounds in three weeks...The diagnoses of both children was traced to their exposure to chemicals used in the gym floor renovation."

Juliann and Jimmy Freitas, Port St. Lucie, FL
"I was astounded at the number of children in our hometown who had brain and neural system cancer . . . I resolved not to let our son die in vain. His life meant something, and so would his passing."

Bobbie and William Gallagher, Brick Township, NJ
"There is not enough research in this area of autism, and we are truly at the beginning stages of trying to figure out why Brick Township may have a higher rate of autism than other towns. We do not feel Brick will be alone, but unfortunately just one of many."

Linda Gillick, Toms River, NJ
"In 1979, children were starting to be diagnosed with cancer. My son, Michael, was one of them. He was three months old and developed Neuroblastoma. He was given six months to live. Between 1979 and the present time, we have 102 confirmed cases of childhood cancer . . ."

Bethany Kays, Gainesville, FL
"In my research I found that most chemicals are tested and considered safe when tested on an average, 150 lb. adult male . . . We realize now that the pain and suffering that my daughter had to go through could have been prevented with better laws that protect the special needs of children."

Chuck Klahne, Port St. Lucie, FL
"I guess you could say that we have been very lucky, as some of the parents in our area have lost their children. It is still unknown what has caused the cancer cluster (approximately 30 cases) in our town."

Roxanne and Kent Krumanaker, Marion, OH
"The local, state and federal governments seem concerned with the fear of class-action lawsuits, the cost of clean-up, the cost of building new schools, the fear of property values dropping and the city's and school's images. What about the children?"

Donna Robbins, Woburn, MA
"It has been 20 years since the city of Woburn was diagnosed with toxic well water that was responsible for the illness and deaths of many people, especially children with Leukemia. My son, Robbie, was one of those children . . ."

Rubina Suwol, Fair Oaks, NY
"A man in a hazardous materials suit was spraying the grounds as children walked into the building. As they ran through the mist, my children cried out, 'It tastes terrible!' Nicholas had a horrible asthma attack that same evening. I assured him this would not happen again at his school."

Mary and Richard Toomey, Woburn, MA
"In the fall of 1979, a notice appeared in our local newspaper, The Daily Times, that asked anyone who had a child with leukemia, or knew of any child with leukemia, to come to a meeting at Trinity Episcopal Church. My husband, Richard, and I went to the meeting, and met the other parents whose children had the disease. Thus began the investigation that lead to a civil suit because of toxic chemicals which had been dumped in our community."

Mara Silgalis, Cedar Grove, New Jersey
"I went to pick up my first grade son at the local grammar school at lunchtime. To my shock and dismay I saw a pesticide applicator standing on the school sidewalk spraying pesticides with a long hose while children were walking by him."

Joni Spiers, Sherman Oaks, California
"In 1995, my husband and I bought our first home and moved in with our children, Ryan 13yrs, and Jade 21/2. Six months later, I began developing some very unusual symptoms. I had huge skin lesions on my legs, scalp and sores inside my mouth."

Joellen Lawson, Fairfield, CT
"June 1, 1998 my health problems reached a climax. I awoke in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. The room was spinning so violently that my vision was completely blurred. After ten hours of relentless vomiting, diarrhea, vertigo and tremors I ended up in a hospital emergency room. "

Renee Beam, Moundridge, Kansas
"The diagnosis – “Sick Building Syndrome and mold exposure with adverse health reactions. There won’t be much you can take with you. ‘I’m not sure of the exact words the doctor used but our family had lost almost everything.’ Nothing porous, soluble, no electronics, appliances, upholstered items, paper, mattresses, etc…”