Pat’s Purpose: Advocating for action on toxic exposure conditions

For those who suffer from the effects of toxic exposure, it often feels as though there is a void in terms of proper representation.

Pat’s Purpose, an organization dedicated to informing and advocating for proper acknowledgement of toxic exposure-related conditions, is attempting to bring their mission to as many as possible along the way. While Pat’s Purpose is currently awaiting its 501(c)(3) designation, it has remained unwavering in its commitment to highlighting toxic exposure issues.

Pat’s Purpose is operated by family members, friends, and peers of Marine Cpl. Patrick Duva.

Cpl. Duva was diagnosed with germinoma in June 2017, and he battled the cancer for a couple of years before passing in early November of last year, at only 29-years-old.

In honor of Cpl. Duva’s memory, Pat’s Purpose was created by those who loved him. The slogan of the organization is one of Duva’s favorite quotes, “Facta, non verba,” which is Latin for “Actions not words.” Duva actually had the words tattooed across his chest, symbolizing how much the sentiment meant to him.

Duva himself even named the organization shortly before his passing. When asked about the impact of his memory on day-to-day operations, a representative from Pat’s Purpose said, “We all suffered a tremendous loss, and this has become our Purpose. Pat’s huge heart, his love for all of us and our love for him is what pushes us to spread our message.”

The representative ended the reflection with, “Pat is constant presence, motivating what we do and how we do it.”

The scope of toxic exposure conditions

A quick perusal around the VA’s toxic exposure webpage is all it takes to see the breadth of this problem. From Vietnam to Afghanistan, and everything in between, toxic exposure conditions have been linked to various situations and places.

Besides the intrusive presence of toxic exposure spanning a wide variety of operations, it also manifests in many different ways as well. One of the worst effects of being exposed to hazardous chemicals and materials is the possible development of cancer.

Cancer is only the tip of the iceberg; nearly every system in the body can be severely harmed as a result of exposure to hazardous chemicals and waste.

Pop Smoke Media asked the Pat’s Purpose representative how they felt about the current status of toxic exposure benefits at the VA. They said, “The recent addition of presumptive conditions for toxic exposure benefits is only the beginning. Much more is needed for our military and veterans, and we will continue to fight for them to get the support and care they deserve.”

The representative affirmed this stance, by stating, “We will bring attention to these issues, with a goal of eliminating these practices that we believe, and science proves, cause negative and avoidable health effects.”