I haven't put it up on the blog yet, but there have been a large number of cases of Neuroblastoma right here in The Woodlands. Hans was the third case since Spring '04, and since his diagnosis another child has been diagnosed. An Epidemiological Investigation is underway through the Texas Department of Health. I thought I'd post an email I just sent to my congressperson, Kevin Brady, just last week. For anyone who'd also like to send him an email of concern, his email address is: rep.brady@mail.house.gov. My email is below:
Honorable Congressman Brady:
I am writing as a constituent, a mother, and a concerned citizen. My son Hans Weberling, picture attached, a wonderful and adorable 3 ½ year old boy, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a pediatric cancer, in October 2006. This is a cancer that strikes children in industrialized nations at the rate of almost 1 in 100, 000 children, or 650 – 1000 US cases per year. My concern and alarm has been amplified as Hans is far from alone in receiving this diagnosis in The Woodlands. Over the past 18 months, 3 other children have received this diagnosis here in The Woodlands. More cases have been diagnosed in greater Montgomery County.
Your office would know the exact demographics here in The Woodlands. How many children under the age of 5 live here? 5,000 – 10,000? This leaves me and many other parents wondering – why is that here in our safe and comfortable community are we so shockingly overrepresented for this life-threatening illness?
I don’t know if your office has been made aware of this situation. All four of these children are being seen by Dr. Heidi Russell at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. She has passed case information on to the Texas Department of Health for further Epidemiological Investigation. I have yet to be contacted by TDH for any questioning or analysis.
Do you have any staff available to provide me with historical information regarding land usage in The Woodlands? Has this area ever held a land fill or perhaps a toxic waste site? We are a small and connected community. People are starting to get alarmed. Is there anything that you can do for us in terms of providing answers as to why this might be happening to our children? More importantly – if there is an environmental cause of these illnesses it is critical that it be identified and rectified.
I am praying for each of these children daily, I am also praying that we don’t see many more children coming forward with similar symptoms.
Please do everything your power to encourage the increase of federal funds for medical research.
Please do anything in your power to provide me with answers regarding my child’s illness.
Your Constituent,
Lara Cady Weberling
Mother, Preschool Teacher, Girl Scout Leader, PTO Member, and Soccer Mom
About Me
- Hans Weberling
- Bakersfield, CA, United States
- Hans was a busy, happy, sweet and fearless three year old when he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. He fought his disease like a "gladiator" for nearly 6 years. Hans was an animal lover to his core. He was 'guarded' at home by his three cats, Black, Orange and Cotton. He also had his Golden Retriever, Honey, to keep him company. Hans enjoyed swimming, biking, gardening, grilling (he had his very own grill!), horseback riding, playing video games, building Legos, and flipping between Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Animal Planet. Hans loved all members of his family and he was a loyal friend. He had to go through a lot of treatment in his life. But Hans powered through it. His attitude was let's get this done! His motivation was always to get back home, to his family, pets, favorite foods and pool.
5 comments:
Lara,
This letter is impressive. Thank you for sending this.
Mark Nolen
La~
I got your note and I'm glad to hear that the Valentines box arrived and that you are making good use of the Starbucks card.
Thanks for sending me the url for hansjourney - this is a great way to stay connected from afar.
This latest posting about the prevalence of neuroblastoma in your area is really troubling. You are definitely on the right track with your letter - I hope you light a fire under the Congressman and get some answers.
xoxoxo
Jeana
p.s. Spent some time in the 'Burg over the weekend - thought of you every time I drove past the Hal Holmes Center ;)
I know that Hans is blessed to have a lot of readers keeping track of his progress while fighting neuroblatoma.
I urge you to click on the link in Lara's blog to send an e-mail to their repersentative requesting Texas Health begin immediate research into the high rate of neuroblastoma in The Woodlands community. It doesn't have to be anything long and detailed - just a simple "please start an immediate search into links between the pediatric cancer, Neuroblastoma, and The Woodlands, Texas community".
It is heartwarming and comforting to know that so many people have Hans and family in their thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Jurgens
Hi Lara -
I know the Lead Epidemiologist for Montgomery County. I will ask him if he has received the information you mentioned and find out if a case has been opened.
Please give our love to the whole family!
Best, Kyle
Regarding a high rate a neuroblastomas in The Woodlands, you should contact a former U. of Colorado prof who researched a similar cluster southwest of Denver and is an enviro hazard researcher. Adrienne Anderson is her name. Her e-mail is anova2@earthlink.net and you can read about some of her enviro investigations.
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