Between 1953 and 1987, countless Marines, U.S. service members, and their families serving and living at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina unknowingly drank, bathed in, and prepared food in toxic water, all while the U.S. government stayed silent about the known risk.

In the decades that have followed, tens of thousands of men, women, and children have fallen seriously ill because of this exposure, and many have died. From unexplained miscarriages to birth defects and devastating, deadly cancers, the ripple effect of the toxic water at Camp Lejeune has been far-reaching and merciless. My husband, Morgan Makley, was one of those Marines.

Join me in calling on Congress to bring justice to my husband and so many others.

Morgan joined the Marines straight out of high school and was stationed at Camp Lejeune from 1983 until 1985. When we started to receive mailers about the toxic water exposure, we didn’t think anything of it because Morgan had always been so healthy. That changed in January 2020 when Morgan went to the doctor complaining about severe heartburn and came home with the diagnosis of Stage 4 esophageal cancer. By late 2021, the cancer had spread everywhere. He passed away in March 2022. 

First, the government covered up the contamination, and now, it refuses to respect a 2022 law passed by Congress that would have given us the day in court we deserve. Enough is enough – Marines shouldn't have to beg for our government to do the right thing. Morgan, his fellow veterans, and the surviving families like my own deserve justice. 

Congress must pass the bipartisan Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act of 2025. This bill will speed up the process, ensure our right to a jury trial, and cap attorney fees. Time is running out and this is our last best shot to ensure that what we have gone through is recognized and compensated for. 

This isn’t just about my family; it’s about helping the remaining veterans and their family members who have fallen ill before it’s too late. Morgan always believed in looking out for those who need it the most. Now it’s Congress’s turn to pass this legislation that will look out for over 100,000 veterans. 

Sign this petition to tell Congress to act now and pass the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act of 2025. Our veterans and our families can’t wait any longer – the time for justice is here.