Peggy from USA

Peggy from the USA





Peggy is founder of the MCS Beacon of Hope Foundation.

This is her interview from Jan/2006.





1. What is the purpose of the MCS Beacon of Hope Foundation?

First, I would like to say Thank-You on behalf of everyone here at the “MCS” Beacon of Hope Foundation! We are honored to have received the Acorn Award!

The “MCS” Beacon of Hope Foundation is dedicated to increasing awareness and education “World~Wide”, on the dangers of toxic exposures, the adverse health affects they have on our bodies as well as the environment and to make known the readily available safer choices, products, and practices.

To continue our efforts in obtaining Proclamations for “World~Wide” Toxic Injury Awareness and Education Month.

To continue taking a stand in defending our God given and constitutional rights, our health and welfare. To do our part in protecting our environment and it’s natural resources, and to teach and practice better stewardship.

To help in the fight to improve the quality of our indoor/outdoor air, protect our water supply, forests and other natural resources, to keep our food chain pure and implementing truth in advertising (better labels and label laws).

To enhance, support, and assist the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of those with toxic injuries/illnesses and disabilities.

To provide assistance and support in acquiring adequate medical care and in locating and procuring the special accommodations now deemed medically necessary.

To develop environmentally safe & user friendly emergency retreats & assisted living quarters. We know that “All” good things take time ~ we just hate that time has run out for so many while we travel that long & hard road seeking donations/sponsors & dedicated volunteers to help us help others. We are all aware of the urgent need for emergency shelters (at least a place in every state where those in such need can take a hot shower, do their laundry, receive physical & spiritual nourishment & rest for a spell ~ even get a hug & a prayer ~ if they so choose). Places that would serve those who are ill, homeless & can’t go to the available motels, shelters & Y’s and for those traveling long distances to doctors’ appointments, etc. We were hoping our law-suite would provide at least enough to get the first one started to use as a model but that didn't’t happen. Perhaps God has a better plan!

To promote and maintain our “Hearts” Across America Registry.

Our hearts weep for our children and the fate of our planet. We are committed to bring about positive changes that stop placing our children and others needlessly into harm's way ~ to stop the poisoning, stop the injuries, illnesses, disabilities and premature deaths caused from senseless toxic exposures and air pollution.

Julia (our daughter and Co-Founder) and I are always looking for dedicated volunteers. If you know of any "Angels" that are willing to make a tax-deductible donation or volunteer a little of their time, energy and talents to help bring Hope, Help & Solutions back into the lives of those with Toxic Injuries., please have them contact us at: mcsbeaconofhope@yahoo.com.

We’d also like to mention our urgent need for a grant writer (percentage bases) and about those tax-deductible donations ~ ~ ~ no amount is too small or too large!


2. What are some of your projects past and present?

In 2005 we were successful in getting ten Governors to sign proclamations declaring the month of May 2005 Toxic Injury Awareness and Education month plus two Governors also signed making May “MCS” Awareness and Education month. Julia and I thank our State and Country Representatives for their supportive efforts. In 2006 and throughout the coming years rest assured we will be knocking on the doors of the President of the United States, Governors, Members of Congress, Senate, Parliament, and other Elected Officials.

We are also working on getting the proclamation to the House and Senate for a resolution and here is where everyone can really lend a hand. We need as many signatures on the petition for proclamation as we can possibly gather at: http://www.mcsbeaconofhope.com/MCS%20BOH/Proclamation/prc2005m.html

As this is an ongoing petition for "World~Wide" Toxic Injury Proclamation one only needs to sign on once. If one can’t remember if they have signed or not they can go to:
http://mcsbeaconofhope.com/cgi-bin/powerbook/powerbook.cgi click on: "Search Signatures" and type in their name and if they have signed it will come up. If not, then we hope they will sign and then ask others to sign on in support. One can also type in the "state or country" they are from and all those signatures will pop up.

We have been privileged to help a few people acquire some of their special needs, listened and chatted for hours with those who have contemplated ending their lives because they felt so alone and in so much pain life had become unbearable for them. We have helped a women get home to attend her mother’s funeral, helped get food to some hurricane victims, donated lots of clothing and other items, provided Christmas gifts for a few deserving children who would otherwise been disappointed on Christmas morning and Julia bought and decorated a little tree and delivered a few gifts for a wonderful lady who wanted so to enjoy the lights of a Christmas tree again this 97th year of her life!

The list goes on but we don’t feel the need to “brag” about what we do for others ~ helping them is our mission ~ hearing the joy, thankfulness and gratitude in their voices is more than enough reward.

We have also been busy adding new material to our website at: www.mcsbeaconofhope.com

There you will find information on the foundation including our introductory letter, mission statement, info on toxic exposures, doctors’ articles, helpful hints, etc. All our information is offered as a public service without charge for all to use or share with doctors, attorneys etc. However, it does costs to run a foundation and website therefore any tax-deductible donations would be greatly appreciated and used to further our goals. Julia and I have gladly donated our time, energy and limited resources for years now to keep the foundation running and moving forward in a positive Christian direction.

Website is monitored and updated frequently, so please check back with us often for new information


3. Why did you start the foundation?

Toxic exposures destroyed Domenic’s and my health, amputated our lives and then prematurely took Domenic’s life. As ill as we were, we spent the last years of his life making endless phone calls and inquiries, moving from state to state seeking proper medical care, safer housing and someone, anyone or agency that understood what was happening to us but all was in vain as none were to be found in time for Domenic.

What was the inspiration behind it?
Domenic and I promised each other that if we didn't go home to the Lord together that whoever remained would do all they could to try and prevent this from happening to others and to let them know that someone is out here working hard to bring Hope, Help and Solutions back into their lives, that someone truly understands their pain and cares for them.


4. What are some of the difficulties you've encountered during your
projects and how did you overcome them?

This year has been an extremely difficult one for Julia and I having a loved one killed in the line of duty, dog attack/bite (dog had received no shots ~ ever), Julia also having to deal with one of her patients (mentally challenged) pulling a loaded gun at the clinic she was running, I barely survived a month long fire and smoldering fumes from the field fires across the road from me, then diesel fumes from the clearing of the 80 acres in back of me, we both had major health issues and setbacks to deal with, a move, our computers destroyed, and the list goes on . . . But through it all we relied on our faith in God, our love of life and our humor to see us through and we made sure we were available to those in need who contacted us for help. By helping others through a difficult situation we have found it helps us to grow in faith, strength and character.

While it is well known that the chemical industry continues to spend mega dollars to prove that multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) does not exist, many hardworking people and organizations, including Julia and I have also experienced and are very disappointed in the lack of unity within the community of those with toxic injuries, illnesses and disabilities. It is past time for everyone to join hands and support one another’s efforts instead of helping the chemical companies further deny our health issues and/or the causes of same by the disagreeing, infighting, and nit picking about whether or not all the I’s were dotted and the T’s crossed to their specifications!

We hope starting in 2006 that everyone will set aside their petty differences, begin working in harmony and showing our strength in numbers. Let’s all join forces to knock down the walls that divide us and build the bridge that will lead to a Happier and Healthier tomorrow for all.


5. What advice do you have for anyone with MCS who is thinking of
starting an awareness campaign?

GO FOR IT ~ but first one might consider joining a group or organization that is already up and running and involved in the same or similar goals and efforts you would advocate for. Ask to join their team and state that you have some ideas, plans, hopes and dreams to bring to the table and see if they would be open to including any of them in their future plans. If their goals are the same or similar to the issues you are interested in pursuing it might be more beneficial to all and less stressful on you if you joined forces rather than starting from scratch ~ trying to reinvent the wheel so to speak.

We also have found it important to remember and accept the fact that while the rest of the world seems to function very smoothly at 80 miles an hour, some of us with Toxic Injury struggle to halfway function at a very bumpy 10 miles an hour or less . . . but a bumpy ride towards positive changes is far better than no ride at all.
And don't treat lightly the "little things" in life. They often gravitate to great and important consequences.


6. What have been the 3 most helpful resources you've used to maintain the MCS Beacon of Hope Foundation?

Our faith in GOD, and our inner strength and belief in doing what our hearts tells us is the right thing to do.

Listening to experts in the field and realizing that although MCS does exist and deserves recognition that it and so many other illnesses are caused by Toxic exposures/injuries and that no amount of money can deny the fact that “toxic injury/illnesses or toxic poisoning exists”. MSDS sheets and diagnostic codes are already in place for "Toxic Effects of Chemicals" for injury from toxic fumes, vapors, etc.


7. What are the biggest barriers in your own life with MCS and how do you manage them?
The now imposed medically necessary restrictions and limitations and learning to deal with all the isolation.
I have learned to become my own entertainment center, to stay involved with the needs of others and to learn new ways to do the chores that once were so easy to handle and now due to the brain damage, pain and lack of coordination have become so difficult. I also make it a point to find some reason to laugh daily.


8. What are your biggest personal strengths?

Julia and I have always had an inborn desire and commitment to help others, to try and lighten their load, to put a song in their hearts and a smile on their faces. God blessed us both with a great sense of humor and willingness to look for the good in everyone and everything. No matter how bad a chapter in life may be, it is up to each of us to learn from it, leave the pain and sorrow behind and use the wisdom and joys to keep us moving in a positive direction so that we may leave this earth knowing that we have learned much, laughed often, helped many and loved completely! Toxic Injury quickly brings reality into focus for us, and reminds us daily of the difference between our wants and our needs and has made us even more appreciative of the simpler gifts in life!

And you weaknesses?

Not knowing how/when to slow down. It took me a long “l o n g” time to learn that it is ok to say no once in awhile. I still struggle to allow myself a few minutes for self~pampering but Julia reminds me often that it is ok!


9.Where does your inner strength come from during difficult times?

Our strong faith in God sustains us.
I am also blessed to have Julia who has generously made herself available to my endless calls, questions, requests, etc and always seems to know how to kick start me when I am running a little sluggish and has helped me through an endless sea of rough times.
We also know that there is a light at the end of each tunnel . . . and it is not a train racing towards us. Domenic, (my loving husband) and my wonderful parents always believed I could do anything I put my mind to (plus I have been told I am jest a tad hardheaded) ~ go figure! And Julia ~ well she didn't’t fall far from the tree.
My parents also taught me the true meaning of compassion, to care for and about others and to always do my best ~ to leave everyone and every place a little better than when I arrived and this gift I proudly passed on to our children.


10. In one word, how would you describe your life with MCS?

Challenging!

Thank you Peggy and best of luck with your work with MCS Beacon of Hope Foundation.
Stormchaser

Our thanks to you!
Your friends in Hope & Health,
Peggy & Julia