My mother had it made raising kids in the 1980’s! She did not have to worry about her kids’ toxic burden from food, air, water, beauty products or the seven vaccines I was given (not in one day like kids now, but overall). My mother raised kids at a time when we felt trust, safety and good fortune for the incredible material world all around us. Food was convenient with drive-thru windows and microwaves, plastic Tupperware and disposable everything… life made simple with nothing to worry about.

But here I am today raising my kids in the same world but, unlike my mother, I am worried. Protecting my children feels like battling in a war. For those of us parents who are waking up and seeing the reality of our world, it is overwhelming. We start to notice that children all around us are sick. Chronic ear infections, eczema, food allergies, asthma, behavioral issues, (these have become so common that it starts to feel normal). We notice that women all around us are having miscarriages or fertility issues and so many babies are being born premature or with birth defects. We start to hear story after story of children and adults with cancer, diabetes, neurological disease and of course, the autoimmune epidemic… thyroid issues anyone? Sigh! Was I born in the wrong era or what?! Being worried about all these things can paralyze you with fear and make you feel lonely.

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.