Heather’s story

Dear Kathleen, "I lost three friends this past week. Three people died." That's one of the first things Heather Von St. James said to me when I asked her why she cares so deeply about the Trump administration's attempts to gut the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Like you, she recognizes that human lives are at stake.  Heather knows firsthand the devastation that could happen if Trump succeeds. At 36 years old, she was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and usually lethal form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Since recovering, she's dedicated herself to fighting for regulations that protect public health for millions of Americans and limit exposure to toxic chemicals in our environment. And until Trump entered office, Heather was seeing progress.  Now, Heather is gearing up for the fight of her life — and it's one that will affect all of us who rely on clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment. More than 35,000 people have already taken action by petitioning Congress to defend the EPA's budget — will you join them? WATCH Heather's video and take action today!​ Trump's draft budget would cut EPA funding by 31 percent, slashing regulations that protect clean air and water for millions of Americans and reallocating the funds to the Department of Defense for "more warships and fighter jets." Simply put, it's more money for war and less for health and the environment.  As Heather explains, "Those regulations are in place for a reason. They are there to save lives; they're there to protect our kids and our future. Without the backing of the EPA, people are going to get sick; people are going to keep dying."  Trump is putting the lives of people like Heather at risk to protect industry profits — we have to keep resisting! WATCH Heather's video today and take action to show the White House that we will not back down in the face attacks on our health and environment.​ The Trump administration may be praising the benefits of its "cost-saving" budget, but make no mistake — the costs of disease are astronomical.  Heather was left with more than $1 million in medical expenses. She had to travel back and forth between her home in Minnesota and Boston for specialist treatment. Radiation treatment and surgery to remove her left lung have left one side of her body numb, and she can't work. Making sure she has insurance is a matter of life or death.  Even with these staggering financial costs, Heather told me it was the personal toll that hit her hardest.  "When I was sick I felt very alone," she said. "I missed out on the whole first year of my baby's life. I watched her grow up through black and white photos that my mom would send to me on email. These are things that you can't put a dollar amount on." As long as this administration is in power, Greenpeace will stand by people like Heather — and all communities whose health has been jeopardized by toxic pollution — to defend our right to a healthy environment. Will you continue to stand with us? Will you WATCH Heather's powerful story today and take action to prove your resistance to Trump's anti-environment agenda?​ Yours in resistance, Ryan Schleeter RESIST Team, Greenpeace USA P.S. Heather's story shows what gutting the EPA would really mean — putting the lives of millions of Americans at risk to protect industry profits. When lives are on the line, we have to resist! Please, watch Heather's story today and take action today to protect our environment and health.​ Greenpeace never takes a dime from corporations or governments. Everything we do is thanks to the generous support of people like you! Donate Now

Greenpeace 702 H Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001 | 1-800-722-6995 Greenpeace Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(4) organization. As a result of our effective work for new environmental policies, contributions are not tax-deductible. You received this mailing because is subscribed to our mailing list. unsubscribe. We value your privacy. If you have any questions about how we use your information please read our privacy policy.