In November 2002, Toni Gough was diagnosed with Leukemia. Following several tests, it was determined that the type of Leukemia Toni was suffering from is a direct result of high exposure to radiation, news that left Toni a bit confused.

Toni Gaugh says, “Jim and I were just stunned. Where would I have been exposed to radiation?”

Toni Gaugh’s answer would come from a web site, where she learned about the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act created by the United States government to compensate those afflicted with cancer as a result of aboveground nuclear testing in Nevada from 1951 to 1958.

Toni Gaugh grew up in Gila County, Arizona, down wind from the test site.

She is most upset that the United States already had proof that nuclear exposure caused cancer, but went ahead with the testing in Nevada anyways.

Toni Gaugh also had a brother die in Arizona; a death she believes is linked to radiation exposure.

After filling out a 26-page application, Toni received $50,000 and a confession from Uncle Sam.

“The government said, ‘Yes we caused this. Here’s $50,000,’” says Toni Gaugh.

Toni Gaugh is grateful for the money, but says her quality of life will never be the same. Weak from the chemo, she is awaiting a bone-marrow transplant.

But through it all, Toni Gaugh says she is not bitter toward her country.

“I have basically come to terms with it and move on. They did it and there is nothing I can do about it,” says Toni Gaugh.

The one thing Toni Gaugh is doing about it, is keeping a positive attitude. She says she now looks at life a little different, taking time to smell the roses.

For more information on the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, log onto www.usdoj.gov .