SIERRA VISTA — After a futile federal probe of the childhood leukemia cluster in Sierra Vista, fear of the disease is growing, not waning, prompting a new state study to find out if adults here are also suffering unusually high rates.
1. Comment by C G. (JimmyQ)— April 7,2007 @ 1:20AM
Ratings:-0+0
Good thing G-dub and the GOP are all for getting rid of all government regulation and letting business police themselves. This poor family, my prayers go out to them.
8. Comment by Staci Z. (teach2learn)— April 7,2007 @ 8:35AM
Ratings:-0+0
Nice Harry. Just the other day you commented on the death of the woman whose body was found in the tree and said "it drug related". You can chide all you want but you are just as guilty. I am just extremely thankful that the Star doen not let anyone comment on the obituarues-sheeeesh!
9. Comment by Stephen C. (Crow Dog)— April 7,2007 @ 8:46AM
Ratings:-0+0
"Stories like that are everywhere in Sierra Vista. It is why the medical director of the Arizona Cancer Registry at the state health department, Dr. Tim Flood, has responded to pleas from the people of this city to find out if adults are also part of the leukemia problem here. The results of his analysis, under way now, are expected at the end of this month."
Cancer clusters need to be investigated. The article was published to increase public awareness.
There are over 5000 chemicals released into or made in the environment that are capable of causing harm. Some cause cancer. Perhaps the good that can come from such stories is to look at places where cancer is higher than usual and find the toxins involved.
10. Comment by loamy l. (alper)— April 7,2007 @ 9:44AM
Ratings:-0+0
There are other areas where leukemia tends to occur in substantial numbers. Let's take ---------- the ------- printing industry, if you will, or if you won't. It is "hilarious" when the "powers that be" (wincing from the smell), come into the shops with their "noise level meters" and such. OVERLOOKING the real culprit---------chemical vapor inhalation. What a crock!!!
11. Comment by Tina P. (Tina)— April 7,2007 @ 9:58AM
Ratings:-0+0
Hey Guys,
It's Easter weekend...this may or may have meaning for you, but I'm sure it does to the Durkits. They are obviously a Christian family looking to their faith to get them through this tragic time.
My family has suffered 2 significant tragedies due to the calling into law enforcement, so I know from my own experience this family will read every article and every comment having to do with their loved one. Keep in mind you are magnifying their pain with the unnecessary negativity. It may be you and your family some day soon suffering a tragedy - try putting yourself in their shoes and showing a bit of compassion!
And to Kelley Durkit and your family, it's probably way too soon for words to bring much comfort yet, but I hope in time these words help you - they've helped me:
"Love never ends, it just changes shape."
I found these words quite profound coming from a 17 year old. She penned them for the funeral of her 23 year old sister - a new police officer - who was killed in the line of duty in 2005.
Our prayers are with your family and all those suffering with you.
12. Comment by Terry N. (Haz Mom)— April 7,2007 @ 10:17AM
Ratings:-0+0
It is true that clusters of disease have been amazingly helpful in the past at identifying cause of cancers and other diseases. We could view Sierra Vista's leukemia cluster as an opportunity to advance scientific knowledge, if we would just roll up our sleeves, fund some real studies, and do the work.
I am afraid politics really does get in the way, as well as money.
I feel really bad about the chemical exposures that our troops get. They are brave and go to war on our behalf, and there are exposed to more than fighting: JP8 jet fuel exposure, and heavy metals from munitions, EMFs, solvents in the water, etc. etc. etc. "Depleted" uranium still has 60% of its radioactivity.
The military gets exemptions from the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, but that leaves the soldiers and their families living in contaminated base housing. Davis Monthan has a big plume of JP8 jet fuel under it, and was forced to close some barracks because of the contamination. And our Tucson water has rocket fuel in it because of upstream contamination from the Colorado River. Military toxics are really out of control.
I went to Compass bank a couple weeks ago and made a donation to the Durkit Family Fund -- it was a smooth process. Kelley Durkit has already had to give up their family truck, and they may lose their house. They could really benefit from people's generosity.
If you want more information, please see my organization's website: Families Against Cancer & Toxics http://familiesagainstcancer.org
Terry Nordbrock
Mom of Linus, an 8-year-old Tucson kid with leukemia
Masters in Public Health student, UA Zuckerman College of Public Health
13. Comment by Lisa S. (#6548)— April 7,2007 @ 10:20AM
Ratings:-0+0
This article clearly points out that genes in ONE family are not what is happening in Sierra Vista. Too many are sickened for a town this size.
#11 is right, your postings with such negativity show no compassion.
Happy Easter one and all!
14. Comment by Larry P. (#5763)— April 7,2007 @ 8:26PM
Ratings:-0+0
#12 Terry
Great comment and you are a good person.
There is no Rocket fuel in our water or air however.
Your Old local Gas stations are to blame for Tucsons contamnated drinking water. LEAD AND BENZINE, have caused a unreversable amount of damage to the soil and water in Tucson.
15. Comment by John A. (John A)— April 7,2007 @ 11:06PM
Ratings:-0+0
Re 14,
there is actually a minute amount of the "rocket fuel" Perchlorate detectable in the colorado river. I think the contamination is from the old plant at Henderson Nevada that made the fuel for the space shuttle and blew up back in the late 1980's. As our test equipment has better detection limits we find things we did not know were even present. For instance in the late 70's it was discovered that the water near the airport was contaminated with TCE and a cleanup plan was initiated. I have personal knowledge that the cleanup initiated in 1987 is still working but we discovered in 2001 there is another chemical in very low levels present (dioxane, a preservative for a solvent). It is no ones fault it was not detected earler, just the test equipment detection level just got better over time. My point is that we may not be able to detect certain things but people expect scientists to be the "know everything" source, truth is we are just people like everyone else and cannot quantify what cannot be detected with our current technology.
16. Comment by George D. (gnpnaz)— April 8,2007 @ 3:51AM
Ratings:-0+0
With all the talk of the "hot spot" for cancer etc in Sierra Vista my question is where in Sierra Vista is this hot spot? Give an area if anyone knows. I want to know since my parents have lived there for 39 yrs. My mom is a recovering breast cancer patient but that was genitic. But since my wife and I are moving there soon after her gastric bypass surgery I really want to know where this hot spot is.
17. Comment by Sherry N. (azsherry)— April 8,2007 @ 2:19PM
Ratings:-0+0
Dale was my brother. Today is the first Easter - Dale won't be at the dinner table tonight. March 28th would have been his 38th birthday, we released 38 balloons at his grave. There are so many firsts to get through but with the outpouring of support that we have received we know we are not alone.
My sister-in-law is now raising 3 children, who have been through this leukemia tragedy 3 times now, on her own. She is struggling with her own grief and the overwhelming task that is ahead of her.
She is struggling financially as Dale was the family's sole support. The generosity of others has been humbling and very much appreciated. The donations made to the family fund at Compass Bank have enabled Kelley to pay the critical bills, keeping the children stable, and have given her the much needed relief from stress that she would have faced without your help.
Dale worked actively and willingly with the CDC and other research organizations to try to determine the cause for the leukemia clusters. He welcomed the media during times when his family just needed to find normalcy in his ongoing effort to focus awareness on this growing problem.
Dale was a gentle and loving man with an amazing sense of humor, even through the bad times. He was, in so many ways, my hero.
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Leukemia fears spread
SIERRA VISTA — After a futile federal probe of the childhood leukemia cluster in Sierra Vista, fear of the disease is growing, not waning, prompting a new state study to find out if adults here are also suffering unusually high rates.Good thing G-dub and the GOP are all for getting rid of all government regulation and letting business police themselves. This poor family, my prayers go out to them.
Report this comment
Shame on you C G 1 for using the plight of these families to push a big hate Bush lie.
Yes hate Bush, "G-dub" is a standard and childish slur often used against the President on sites like Democratunderground.com.
You pretend to care about the families but in fact are using their pain as a tool in a sick way for your political agenda
Shame on you JimmyQ, CG 1
Report this comment
#1 CG: You are a sick person, sicker than those you lament!
Report this comment
My grief is quite real for this family.
Report this comment
If that was true you would not have used them to push your hate Bush agenda C G. (JimmyQ)4
Report this comment
It just could be, that family has the genes that are susceptable to leukemia.
Report this comment
PEOPLE CAN'T HELP IT IF THEY THINK BUSH IS A MORON. IT HAS PROVEN THAT FACT TIME AND AGAIN.
Report this comment
Nice Harry. Just the other day you commented on the death of the woman whose body was found in the tree and said "it drug related". You can chide all you want but you are just as guilty. I am just extremely thankful that the Star doen not let anyone comment on the obituarues-sheeeesh!
Report this comment
"Stories like that are everywhere in Sierra Vista. It is why the medical director of the Arizona Cancer Registry at the state health department, Dr. Tim Flood, has responded to pleas from the people of this city to find out if adults are also part of the leukemia problem here. The results of his analysis, under way now, are expected at the end of this month."
Cancer clusters need to be investigated. The article was published to increase public awareness.
There are over 5000 chemicals released into or made in the environment that are capable of causing harm. Some cause cancer. Perhaps the good that can come from such stories is to look at places where cancer is higher than usual and find the toxins involved.
Benzene and some of the CBD's can cause cancer.
Report this comment
There are other areas where leukemia tends to occur in substantial numbers. Let's take ---------- the ------- printing industry, if you will, or if you won't. It is "hilarious" when the "powers that be" (wincing from the smell), come into the shops with their "noise level meters" and such. OVERLOOKING the real culprit---------chemical vapor inhalation. What a crock!!!
Report this comment
Hey Guys,
It's Easter weekend...this may or may have meaning for you, but I'm sure it does to the Durkits. They are obviously a Christian family looking to their faith to get them through this tragic time.
My family has suffered 2 significant tragedies due to the calling into law enforcement, so I know from my own experience this family will read every article and every comment having to do with their loved one. Keep in mind you are magnifying their pain with the unnecessary negativity. It may be you and your family some day soon suffering a tragedy - try putting yourself in their shoes and showing a bit of compassion!
And to Kelley Durkit and your family, it's probably way too soon for words to bring much comfort yet, but I hope in time these words help you - they've helped me:
"Love never ends, it just changes shape."
I found these words quite profound coming from a 17 year old. She penned them for the funeral of her 23 year old sister - a new police officer - who was killed in the line of duty in 2005.
Our prayers are with your family and all those suffering with you.
Report this comment
It is true that clusters of disease have been amazingly helpful in the past at identifying cause of cancers and other diseases. We could view Sierra Vista's leukemia cluster as an opportunity to advance scientific knowledge, if we would just roll up our sleeves, fund some real studies, and do the work.
I am afraid politics really does get in the way, as well as money.
I feel really bad about the chemical exposures that our troops get. They are brave and go to war on our behalf, and there are exposed to more than fighting: JP8 jet fuel exposure, and heavy metals from munitions, EMFs, solvents in the water, etc. etc. etc. "Depleted" uranium still has 60% of its radioactivity.
The military gets exemptions from the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, but that leaves the soldiers and their families living in contaminated base housing. Davis Monthan has a big plume of JP8 jet fuel under it, and was forced to close some barracks because of the contamination. And our Tucson water has rocket fuel in it because of upstream contamination from the Colorado River. Military toxics are really out of control.
I went to Compass bank a couple weeks ago and made a donation to the Durkit Family Fund -- it was a smooth process. Kelley Durkit has already had to give up their family truck, and they may lose their house. They could really benefit from people's generosity.
If you want more information, please see my organization's website: Families Against Cancer & Toxics http://familiesagainstcancer.org
Terry Nordbrock
Mom of Linus, an 8-year-old Tucson kid with leukemia
Masters in Public Health student, UA Zuckerman College of Public Health
Report this comment
This article clearly points out that genes in ONE family are not what is happening in Sierra Vista. Too many are sickened for a town this size.
#11 is right, your postings with such negativity show no compassion.
Happy Easter one and all!
Report this comment
#12 Terry
Great comment and you are a good person.
There is no Rocket fuel in our water or air however.
Your Old local Gas stations are to blame for Tucsons contamnated drinking water. LEAD AND BENZINE, have caused a unreversable amount of damage to the soil and water in Tucson.
Report this comment
Re 14,
there is actually a minute amount of the "rocket fuel" Perchlorate detectable in the colorado river. I think the contamination is from the old plant at Henderson Nevada that made the fuel for the space shuttle and blew up back in the late 1980's. As our test equipment has better detection limits we find things we did not know were even present. For instance in the late 70's it was discovered that the water near the airport was contaminated with TCE and a cleanup plan was initiated. I have personal knowledge that the cleanup initiated in 1987 is still working but we discovered in 2001 there is another chemical in very low levels present (dioxane, a preservative for a solvent). It is no ones fault it was not detected earler, just the test equipment detection level just got better over time. My point is that we may not be able to detect certain things but people expect scientists to be the "know everything" source, truth is we are just people like everyone else and cannot quantify what cannot be detected with our current technology.
Report this comment
With all the talk of the "hot spot" for cancer etc in Sierra Vista my question is where in Sierra Vista is this hot spot? Give an area if anyone knows. I want to know since my parents have lived there for 39 yrs. My mom is a recovering breast cancer patient but that was genitic. But since my wife and I are moving there soon after her gastric bypass surgery I really want to know where this hot spot is.
Report this comment
Dale was my brother. Today is the first Easter - Dale won't be at the dinner table tonight. March 28th would have been his 38th birthday, we released 38 balloons at his grave. There are so many firsts to get through but with the outpouring of support that we have received we know we are not alone.
My sister-in-law is now raising 3 children, who have been through this leukemia tragedy 3 times now, on her own. She is struggling with her own grief and the overwhelming task that is ahead of her.
She is struggling financially as Dale was the family's sole support. The generosity of others has been humbling and very much appreciated. The donations made to the family fund at Compass Bank have enabled Kelley to pay the critical bills, keeping the children stable, and have given her the much needed relief from stress that she would have faced without your help.
Dale worked actively and willingly with the CDC and other research organizations to try to determine the cause for the leukemia clusters. He welcomed the media during times when his family just needed to find normalcy in his ongoing effort to focus awareness on this growing problem.
Dale was a gentle and loving man with an amazing sense of humor, even through the bad times. He was, in so many ways, my hero.
We miss you, little brother.
Report this comment