As a U.S. Army Reservist, my husband deployed several times after 9/11. On October 2, 2010, we ran a half-marathon at Disney World. Seven days later, our world drastically changed. A biopsy confirmed that David had Glioblastoma Multiform (GBM), a statistical anomaly considering he was 45, in outstanding physical shape with no hereditary conditions. He died 11 months later. David’s last words to me were: “Did I do a good job?” I told him yes and kissed him goodbye.

My husband, SFC (RET) Frederick Timothy Slape, 42 years old and retired from the Army after 20 years of service 8/31/2012. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 Adenocarcinoma Lung Cancer with Metastatic Brain Tumors, due to his extensive exposure to the Burn Pits during his 2 tours in Afghanistan, FOB Ramrod & FOB Andar. He died 9 weeks after diagnosis, on 10/22/2015, which was only 3 yrs after retirement. We were supposed to have forever!

When I was told I had a progressive, untreatable lung disease due to toxic exposure from my deployment during Operation Enduring Freedom; I went from being a physically fit person to having to give up my career as a police officer. Instead of giving up, I started listening to and reading about the thousands of other veterans who are suffering. There is no reason to wait decades to provide the care and treatment needed. These people who put their lives on the line to fight for our country held up their end of their promise no questions asked.