Friends,

First, the big news… last Friday, one year after Grace’s bone marrow transplant for her relapsed PH+ leukemia, her bloodwork showed she is finally free from any trace of the PH+ cells that could cause relapse!! She is now 100% cancer free and 100% grafted from her transplant! It was the best news her oncologist has ever shared with us!

After that Gracie had to get three shots. Three nurses, with three needles, gave simultaneous injections in Grace’s thighs and arm. The medicine made her sore and tired.

The next morning Grace had a very important test for her martial arts class. It was her first chance to earn a belt since her bone marrow transplant and she was determined to to pass. It was a particularly grueling test that had her in tears several times, her fatigue and soreness very visible. My husband and I told her we were proud of her regardless if she passed or not. I really didn’t know if she would be able to finish.

Lately I’ve been worn down, wondering if I’ll be able to finish. Though there’s been lots of media coverage about the Woolsey Fire burning through the Santa Susana Field Lab, potentially releasing radioactive smoke and ash, I’ve felt like I have nothing left in me. I hate that it took such a tragedy to move people like Gov. Jerry Brown into taking a stance for the cleanup. I’m weary from trying to answer the community’s questions with answers I don’t have. I feel defeated when we have to fight the DTSC for the data we need to make informed decisions and get no results.

I worry that I’m unable to help protect the kids in our community from autoimmune diseases, thyroid issues and even cancer from the contamination of one of America’s worst nuclear meltdowns.

But Gracie didn’t give up, not during her transplant and not during her martial arts test. She earned her yellow belt and she was incredibly proud of herself. I was even prouder. She may love tutus and sparkles and tiaras but she truly has a ninja spirit.

For some of you, it’s been over a year since you first signed this petition. It’s been a long and grueling process and many of us are emotionally fatigued and mentally sore. But Gracie reminds me of what grit and determination can do, and she’s why I never give up.

And because of her, yesterday our petition hit 500,000 signatures! We are a community of half a million people who are inspired to demand better for our children and our communities.

Thank you. Now will you keep fighting with us? Regardless if you’re male or female, young or old, introvert or extrovert...it’s time to put on a glittery tiara...and a yellow belt. So many children depend on us to keep fighting for the 100% cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Lab.

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