Sick Building Blues News Story

Views and Viewpoints The McDuffie Progress

Page 4

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

In Our Opinion

4-H members work hard all year long Being in 4-H is fun, but it also involves making a strong commitment to hard work and to spending time developing skills and projects. Recently, more than 80 4-H Club members in McDuffie County were honored during the organization’s annual awards banquet. Club members are actively involved in competitions that challenge them while requiring many hours of preparation. In turn, 4-H’ers learn vital skills that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. In addition, the organization offers youngsters the opportunity to meet a wide variety of fellow students across the county, district and state as they attend and participate in a number of competitions. Of special note are the three top honorees – Andrew Hyman, cloverleaf 4-H‚er of the year; Elizabeth Ivey, junior 4H’er of the year; and Amber Johnson, senior 4-H’er of the year – whose commitment to this worthwhile program made them stand out among the rest this past year. Congratulations to all those who participate in 4-H as well as those who help make this program an important building block in students’ lives.

SEEDS FROM THE SOWER Michael A. Guido, Metter, Ga. A sportsman went to a hunting lodge and bagged the limit of birds with the help of a dog named “salesman.” The following year, when he returned, he asked for the same dog. “He’s no good now,” said the handler. “What happened?” asked the man. “Some fool called him

‘sales manager.’ Now all he does is sit around and bark. How soon he passed from hero to zero. “Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.” The Living Bible says, “If you will humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, in His good time He will lift you up.

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Why Relay? It’s important! Why Relay for Life? Simple, but complicated. Simple, because there is a need. Complicated, because that need strikes so close to home for many of us. The need created by cancer and the devastation it creates used to be further away. Years ago, one would know someone who knew someone who had cancer. Then, later, one would know someone who had cancer. The steps we will take this weekend will do great things. Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated. Relay for Life, the way McDuffie County does it, gives everyone a chance to be involved.

personally Speaking by Jim

WALLACE SENIOR STAFF WRITER

From the dozens of fundraisers to signing up for a team and walking the Thomson High School track this weekend, there is a way everyone can be a part. Besides the research that our steps this weekend will fund, the Relay also gives strength to caregivers. These individuals give their time, love and support to friends, family and neighbors who face cancer. As we make out laps Friday and Saturday, everyone should understands the chal-

lenges, but also the joys of being a caregiver. There is peace of mind knowing that together we can face the challenges ahead. The Relay’s Luminaria Ceremony is the most striking for me. I walk around the track beforehand and gaze at the names on the white bags that honor one who has lost a battle to cancer or one who is battling and winning. Often, I will see a name that takes my breath away – either because I had forgotten about their having contracted cancer or because I had no knowledge they suffered. So far, in the eight years that McDuffie County has hosted a walk, $1,004,617 has been raised in the fight. Last year, Relay took in

$220,729.36, good enough for second place per-capita in all the Relays in the country. So far this year, nearly $112,000 has been raised of our $220,000 goal. Some time ago, I found this anonymous poem about what cancer cannot do. I share it with you here and ask you to remember its words as we take our laps this weekend. Cancer is so limited that: It cannot cripple love. It cannot shatter hope. It cannot corrode faith. It cannot destroy peace. It cannot kill friendship. It cannot suppress memories. It cannot silence courage. It cannot invade the soul. It cannot steal eternal life. It cannot conquer the spirit.

‘Sick house’ causes illness By APRIL DAVIS Progress Staff Writer

Breaking the mold takes on a new meaning as a local woman struggles with severe illness. Iris Harden said she has suffered from mycotoxin induced illnesses since 2003. “I unknowingly moved into what I feel was a ‘sick house’ around June 2003,” she said. “I moved out in March 2005 after it became very clear that my living environment was toxic to me. My case is being documented due to such severity.” According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the term “sick building syndrome” describes situations similar to Harden’s where building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building. “I believe sharing my story is very important,” she said. “Not only for me, but also to educate and make others aware of the serious health effects certain molds and toxins can produce under the right conditions.” Harden provided written documentation from renowned experts in the medical field as well as a letter from Congressman Charlie Norwood concerning problems in America dealing with toxic mold, especially since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast. “I’ll attempt to share some of what I actually feel as a victim; however, on a professional level, I believe those who have dedicated their lives to the study, research and treatment of environmental illnesses can give a clearer understanding,” she said. “They have dealt with not only my case, but endless mold victims across the country.” Harden said she’s presently living one prayer, one day and one treatment at a time. “My treating physician, Dr. John Wilson, an environmental medicine specialist at Great Smokey Medical Center in Asheville, N.C., told me I will make a difference,” she said. “My story may save one life or thousands.” Harden said her doctor stresses the importance of weekly medical treatments. “Dr. Wilson and his staff have so compassionately opened their hearts, facilities, treatments and expertise to try and save my life,” she said. “I’ve come far, but it’s still a long road to recovery.” Harden said she had odd symptoms in the beginning months of her illness – unusual bruising; excrutiating, involuntary seizure-like muscle contractions; dry eyes; and weakness. As with many who believe to have suffered from sick building syndrome, Harden said no specific cause could be identified ... not even by medical doctors. “I’m a non-smoker,” she said, “and I had a normal chest X-ray in 2003. After 11 months of exposure, an X-ray in 2004 showed internal lung disease.” The illness progressed by January 2005 when Harden said she began experiencing visible burning and blistering of the skin. “I couldn’t keep my eyes open,” she said.

Iris Harden’s love for music continues to help her cope with a longtime illness. Photo special to The Progress “Sometimes, I had to be led around the house. My forearms and face throbbed and ached like something was irritating me.” The pain continued to grow, causing Harden to abandon the home and begin living temporarily in hotels. “But even the blankets on the bed hurt due to my increased sensitivity,” she said. Harden said she still had to re-enter her home to handle day-to-day business. “I felt the irritating, burning pain travel to my lungs, chest and abdomen almost immediately after entering the house again,” she said. After longtime pain and suffering, Harden found another place to live. “I felt my problems were over,” she said. “But due to my lack of knowledge about the situation and still no diagnosis, I brought all of our contaminated belongings into the new home and now it is toxic to me.” Harden said while some of the symptoms went away after relocating, the mycotoxins already had worked their way deeper into her body. She arranged an appointment with a toxicologist to find out whether or not her theories were true. “My current physician said I was a susceptible host – a perfect candidate for the quick effects the mold had on me due to previous health problems,” Harden said. “I’ve since learned that children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems also are easy targets. But under the right conditions, anyone can be adversely affected by molds and mycotoxins.” WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY “Iris is the most mold toxic

person I’ve seen,” said Dr. Wilson. “Genetic testing actually showed molds growing in her white blood cells and lungs. She is very ill. “Severe hypersensitivity to many molds and mycotoxins was clearly revealed on a biopsy,” he said. “High antibody levels reveal the same.” Wilson said when she moved to her new dwelling, clothes, fabrics and other personal material brought along have cross-contaminated her new living space and added to her toxicity. “This type of cross-contamination is well documented in the environmental medical community,” he said. “It’s a typical recommendation that all material in a mycotoxin contaminated home be destroyed and not brought into the next residence. Now, all of her belongings must be replaced.” Dr. Aristo Vojdani, CEO of Immunosciences Lab in Beverly Hills, Calif., initially performed tests on Harden at no charge and is currently documenting her case. Vojdani, who has expertise in microbiology and immunology and has had more than 100 articles published in scientific journals, said Harden is a unique case, testing positive for all five biomarkers used to detect the illness and its severity. They include elevated mold levels in a building; elevated mycotoxins in a building; high antibodies against mold; high antibodies against mycotoxins and performing a special test which measures DNA. William A. Croft, a medical pathologist with Environmental Diagnostic Group Inc., has studied mycotoxins for more than 20 years. “Mycotoxins shut down the cellular factory,” he said. “Cells can’t repair, maintain

or reproduce. It’s a stealth poison, and I don’t think people realize the serious effects it can have on a person exposed to it.” Kevin Corstens, a resource consultant for sick buildings, said, “There’s no cure. It’s a lifelong fight.” He said people like Iris aren’t looking to “point fingers,” but instead are looking for acknowledgement and treatment so that they can help themselves and others. Corstens, whose wife also is plagued with a similar illness, said mycotoxins and molds do whatever necessary to exist, which is one of the reasons the entire body is often affected. “People who are suffering from exposure to mold and mycotoxins usually have anywhere from 25 to 30 symptoms at one time,” he said. “That’s why it’s important for doctors to look at the whole body.” Corstens said, “This is an issue that needs the support of those who suffer from the illness as well as the government and medical community. It’s time for people to wake up.” TREATMENT Wilson said Harden is currently undergoing treatment to build up her immune system. To receive these treatments, Harden and her caretaker, Tommy Lee Brooks, travel to Asheville twice a week. Harden said the more than 500 mile trip has been a struggle for the two. “I plan on beating this,” said Harden,” but I can’t do it alone.” Harden said any support, prayers or financial help is welcome and appreciated. For more information, contact Harden at P.O. Box 25, Harlem, Ga. 30814 or write to [email protected].