My Experience

I assisted my grandfather with his case, by gathering records, interviewing other workers and communicating with the attorneys. 

At that point, I started reading everything I could find on the Cold War nuclear buildup and “broken arrows.” Studying “broken arrows,” led me to investigate accidents at nuclear sites across the country. 

I read, “The Killing of Silkwood,” and watched the subsequent movie and interviewed two of the films’ producers. I was so intrigued by the information they shared, that it motivated me to dig even deeper into the issues. I continue to read and take extensive notes.

The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) was passed by Congress in 2000. In 2001 I filed a claim for my grandfather. It was a six-year battle. We worked with NIOSH on my grandfather’s dose reconstruction. I attended workshops at NIOSH regarding the process used to reconstruct radiation doses at the sites.

I learned the procedures related to the law used by the Dept. of Labor to approve EEOICPA claims. He was awarded full compensation for his claim. I also managed my grandfather’s nurses and was his primary caretaker during the year before he passed away.

In 2003, I began coaching my grandfather’s colleagues through the same process.