Did you know that Mikey was passionate about access to fresh and clean drinking water? When Mikey, Bridget, Ian, Patti and Al visited Tanzania, they watched kids spend several hours a day walking to clean water sources and bringing it back to their villages. It disturbed Mikey that so many children were unable to attend school because of this daily task. Another reason that clean drinking water is so important is because of the risk of disease. Mikey knew what it felt like to be sick, and he didn’t want children drinking unclean water. That leads us to today- Access to clean drinking water actually plays a role in the health of our kids, and childhood cancer prevention in the United States. As of March this year, a study has linked increased childhood cancer diagnoses between 1990 and 2000 in parts of Massachusetts to known carcinogens NDMA and TCE in water. Similarly, another study done by the Environmental Working Group concluded that carcinogens in water may be responsible for 100,000 cases of cancer. While this isn’t solely linked to children, we know that children are more vulnerable to these toxic chemicals than adults. With many suspicions confirmed, it’s more important now than ever that we advocate for access to clean drinking water for everyone in our communities!
Access to clean water should be a given for all, but unfortunately it’s not the reality. There are numerous organizations advocating for increased access, such as the US Water Alliance and their Clean Water For All campaign. As I mentioned earlier this week, a study recently concluded that carcinogens in compromised water sources were linked to cancer diagnoses in all 50 states. We can push for clean water for all, how can we find out how our environments are possibly affecting us and our kids? Cancer Treatment Centers of America has a Risk Assessment that you can take. Depending on your answers, it will provide an action plan to help create and maintain the best environment for your family and your community! #PreventChildhoodCancer #Mighty4Mikey
