Rocketdyne

Thank you for your editorial demanding that more studies be done on high cancer rates in the San Fernando Valley (“Follow Through on Rocketdyne,” July 5).

Census tract 1132 has been my home for 27 years. On my street of 15 houses we have had 12 known cancers. I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 1995, and I am the only cancer survivor in my neighborhood. Those who know me know that my only risk was working at Atomics International and Rocketdyne and living in the neighborhood.

I applaud the work done by the advisory panel, Committee to Bridge the Gap, Richard Katz and everyone involved to keep this issue alive. The worker health study showed a 6 to 8 times higher risk of dying of cancer. The neighbors need answers also. Awareness could bring earlier diagnosis and treatment.

LaVONNE KLEA

West Hills