Tiffany Hudak's Radon Leadership Story
Lung cancer is one of those phrases that evoke strong emotions and opinions, yet it is rarely talked about. It is a disease that takes over 150,000 lives annually, yet it is cloaked in guilt, shame and stigma. Having been touched personally by lung cancer, my hope is to utilize the title of Mrs. Georgia to help decrease negative attitudes towards this disease.
In February of 2003, I lost my mother very suddenly to lung cancer. It was terrifying to hear a diagnosis of metastatic cancer, given that she had virtually no symptoms. And it was devastating when she passed away just three weeks after being diagnosed. Her death prompted me to become more educated and involved with lung cancer awareness issues. As a volunteer and spokesperson for National Lung Cancer Partnership, I have the opportunity to speak out against a disease that is greatly in need of increased funding, research and awareness. I was also honored to become a spokesperson regarding radon and lung cancer for The University of Georgia.
We have all heard, at some point in our lives that smoking causes lung cancer and unfortunately, for my mother that was very true. However, lung cancer has other causes such as genetics and exposure to toxins like radon. I have learned that there are many people who know virtually nothing about radon and its very harmful effects.
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It will move up through the ground and into the air in your home through cracks or holes in your foundation. Your home will virtually “trap” the gas and your family will breathe the air, not having any indication that the air is toxic. Over time, this repeated exposure can lead to lung cancer and it is estimated that over 20,000 individuals die every year from radon. The risk is especially high if you are a smoker and live in a home containing radon.
So, what can you do to prevent lung cancer-of any type? First, quit smoking…which I know from personal experience is VERY hard but VERY worth it! Take advantage of the support groups and smoking cessation options available. Second, test your home for radon-this is easy and inexpensive to do. If radon is detected, a radon reduction system is easy to install. Finally, love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle, but don’t forget to have fun along the way!
Tiffany Hudak was crowned Mrs. Georgia United States 2008 on the evening of February 24, 2008, almost 5 years to the date of her mother's death. Tiffany has been a spokesperson and volunteer for the National Lung Cancer Partnership for over two years and recently founded the inaugural Athens Free To Breathe 5 K Walk/Run. Tiffany is a graduate of North Georgia College & State University; a surgical nurse at Saint Mary's Hospital in Athens, GA; a wife, and a proud mother.
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