¡Mi madre lo hizo criar niños en los 1980 's! No tenía que preocuparse por la carga tóxica de sus hijos por la comida, el aire, el agua, los productos de belleza o las siete vacunas que me dieron (no en un día como los niños ahora, sino en general). Mi madre crió hijos en un momento en que sentimos confianza, seguridad y buena fortuna para el increíble mundo material que nos rodea. La comida era conveniente con ventanas y microondas, unidades de plástico Tupperware y todo desechable ... la vida hecha simple sin nada de qué preocuparse.

Pero aquí estoy hoy criando a mis hijos en el mismo mundo pero, a diferencia de mi madre, estoy preocupada. Proteger a mis hijos es como luchar en una guerra. Para aquellos de nosotros padres que estamos despertando y viendo la realidad de nuestro mundo, es abrumador. Comenzamos a notar que los niños a nuestro alrededor están enfermos. Infecciones crónicas del oído, eccema, alergias alimentarias, asma, problemas de conducta (estos se han vuelto tan comunes que comienzan a sentirse normales). Notamos que las mujeres a nuestro alrededor tienen abortos espontáneos o problemas de fertilidad y muchos bebés nacen prematuros o con defectos de nacimiento. Comenzamos a escuchar una historia tras otra de niños y adultos con cáncer, diabetes, enfermedades neurológicas y, por supuesto, la epidemia autoinmune ... ¿alguien con problemas de tiroides? ¡Suspiro! ¿Nací en la época equivocada o qué? Estar preocupado por todas estas cosas puede paralizarlo con miedo y hacer que se sienta solo.

But we don’t have to feel that way. Moms Across America has helped me transform my fear into action. What a gift this organization has been for me and my family. It started when Zen Honeycutt (founder and director) told me that I could march in a parade and she’d send me flyers to pass out. At first, I thought that was crazy! I can’t do something like that. But people all around the country were doing it so I gave it a try. I looked up my local Memorial Day parade, called the number and the next thing I knew I was registered to march! I posted the parade on the Moms Across America site and got a group together, ordered my GMO Facts and Eat Organic flyers and my banner. The experience was exhilarating.

Next, I got involved in a local food festival. I ran a Moms Across America table and spoke with hundreds of people about the importance of organic food and the dangers of glyphosate. With each event, I have become more empowered and more knowledgeable. I am now speaking with legislators at the local and state level. I consider myself an advocate - something that I never imagined I would do. Moms Across America has reminded me to seek solutions rather than wallow in the problems. I am not alone; I have moms (and dads) across the country doing the same thing and I have been able to connect with them. Thank you Moms Across America for empowering me. I CAN fight for my children. I CAN fight for my planet. I CAN fight for medical freedom. I CAN be a voice for children.

Just remember, that while this journey of empowerment can shed light on some very dark truths about our world, we can work to seek solutions because they are there. Find your tribe, you are not alone. Moms Across America has taught me that.

Bio:
Illana Stern is a wife and mother of three young children. She lives in Detroit, Michigan. She has been advocating for children’s health since 2015 and is involved with several organizations. Her youngest son had experienced some health issues when he was born and she has dedicated herself to healing him and fighting fiercely to protect medical freedom, and be a voice in the health and freedom movement.