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I spent this past weekend with a few kids directly and dramatically affected by the BP/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and the "clean-up."

Belonging to fishing families, these kids suffered the emotional toll of the spill: uncertainty about the future viability of fishing, economic stress, fears about the safety of local foods, loss of favorite activities, and watching their families struggle with the new reality of life during and after an oil spill.

But they also suffered a physical toll: the list of symptoms they experienced in the after-math of the spilled oil and sprayed dispersants includes everything from chemical rashes to heart irregularities to chronic headaches. 

A link between the spill and the illnesses will be tough to prove. But, even if you are a skeptic, it is clear that these kids need help. The fishermen need help.  The shrimp need help.  The sea turtles need help.  The Gulf needs help.

The kids I sat down with are fighters.  They are feeling better* and are able to laugh, joke, and tell stories about sea gull poop.  They look forward to a brighter future, and they are doing what they can to make things better.  They need some support.

As the two-year anniversary of the spill nears, I hope you can recognize that the oil may not be spewing from the rig anymore, but the reality of the oil spill continues here.  The Gulf needs your help.  We must first acknowledge that it isn't "all better."  Then we can figure out some ways to help it get better.

*Two of the kids I spoke with have completed a somewhat controversial detox program.  The third is currently in the detox process.  They are feeling much better, and credit this program with their regained health. I don't know much about the program.  If you are interested in learning more, I can try to connect you with some people involved with it.*