母は1980で子供たちを育てました。彼女は食べ物、空気、水、美容製品、または私が与えられた7つのワクチンによる子供の毒性負荷について心配する必要はありませんでした（今は子供のようではなく、全体的に）。母は私たちの周りの信じられないほどの物質世界に信頼、安全、幸運を感じた時に子供を育てました。食べ物は、ドライブスルーの窓や電子レンジ、プラスチック製のタッパーウェア、使い捨てのものがあれば便利でした。何も心配することなく簡単に生活できました。

しかし、ここで私は今日、同じ世界で子供たちを育てていますが、母と違って心配しています。私の子供たを守ることは、戦争で戦うようなものです。目を覚まして私たちの世界の現実を見ている私たちの親にとって、それは圧倒的です。私たちは周りの子供たちが病気であることに気づき始めます。慢性耳感染症、湿疹、食物アレルギー、喘息、行動の問題（これらは非常に一般的になっているため、正常に感じ始めます）。私たちは、私たちの周りの女性が流産や不妊の問題を抱えており、非常に多くの赤ちゃんが未熟児や先天性欠損症で生まれていることに気付きます。私たちは、がん、糖尿病、神経疾患、そしてもちろん、自己免疫の伝染病の子供や大人の話を聞き始めます…甲状腺の問題はありますか？はぁ！私は間違った時代に生まれましたか？これらすべてのことを心配することは、恐怖であなたを麻痺させ、あなたを孤独に感じさせます。

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.