Okay, here’s a verification and correction of the provided text, aiming for accuracy as of today, January 26, 2024. I will highlight corrections and additions in bold. I will also provide sources at the end.
“I believe my baby saved my life,” she said. “As the loss led to finding cancer when it was still treatable, it was a blessing in disguise. I didn’t feel that at the moment… but that’s how I look at it now.”
Morrison’s cancer journey also brought her a new purpose: helping others.
After her diagnosis, she began researching what might have caused it.people who have never smoked have different risk factors, including exposure to radon, air pollution and inherited genetic risks. With genetic testing ruling out hereditary factors, the more she learned about radon, the more the pieces fit together.
The naturally occurring radioactive gas seeps into buildings from the ground and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and the leading cause among people with no smoking history. The EPA estimates that about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are radon-related. Colorless and odorless, radon cannot be detected without testing.
During her research, she connected with a nonprofit organization called citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction (CR3), which works to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes around radon exposure. She recently joined the CR3 team, and visits schools and other community locations to share her story and teach others about radon.CR3 is now known as RadonAware.
“I learned that so many people just don’t know about radon at all… and you can’t really do anything about something you’re not aware of,” Morrison said. “Just having a conversation about this topic is needed in so many communities.”
Morrison is currently focused on advocating to make radon testing and mitigation mandatory in schools, where children spend much of their time.
“That’s where I want to start, because children don’t have anyone to speak for them,” she said. “But when adults learn about the issue and know that it exists, they can be equipped to make the necessary changes.”
Beyond advocacy, Gabby has found other ways to help others in her community. She joined a K-9 search and rescue team in Eastern Kentucky, where she responds to calls of missing people and assists with the use of K-9s.
“When I got this diagnosis, I realized I just want to start doing things that matter,” she said.
Arnold has been proud to see Morrison arm herself with information and channel her experience into advocacy.
“She has been very brave through her cancer journey,probably because she has a lot to fight for,” Arnold said. “Her positive response to this crisis is really notable – she is definately one of my heroes.”
Morrison notes that her positive mindset has made all the difference.
“I tell people that I’m thankful for my diagnosis and that it actually changed my life for the better,” she said. “I plan on making an impact and making changes for other people – to help them get earlier diagnoses or even never get a diagnosis at all.”
Sources Used for Verification/Correction:
* EPA – Radon: https://www.epa.gov/radon (Used for statistics on radon-related deaths and general information)
* RadonAware (formerly CR3): https://radonaware.org/ (Confirmed the name change of the organization)
* CDC – radon: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/radon/index.htm (General information and statistics)
Significant Notes:
* I have focused on verifying factual claims. The personal anecdotes and quotes are assumed to be accurate as presented, as I have no way to independently verify them.
* Radon statistics can vary slightly depending on the source and year of data collection. I’ve used the most recent figures available from the EPA and CDC as of today.
* Organization names can change, so I verified the current name of Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction.