Camp Lejeune water contamination impacts SC woman and her late husband

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A South Carolina Marine widow who says her husband died from an aggressive cancer years after serving at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina is hoping for vindication.

The nonprofit organization, Lejeune Empowered Advocacy for Widows, raises awareness for those who may have been affected by the toxic chemicals in the water system at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina during the years from 1953 to 1987.

LEAW is a national organization that holds support groups for open discussions and guidance. Their initiative is to unite Marine widows while advocating for justice.

Michelle James is the founder of LEAW and is also a Camp Lejeune widow.

“We understand what you’re going through and then we’re just there to utilize in whatever way we can help you, you know,” James said.

Julie Prommasit came across their organization, which encouraged her to file a claim.

“This is something that never occurred to me because I was so wrapped up in my grief for my husband’s loss…so it really wasn’t until this year, with the push from Michelle and her organization, that I really began thinking about it,” Prommasit said.

Prommasit and her late husband served and lived on Camp Lejeune for years, while consuming the contaminated water.

Decades later, she started to notice her husband’s health declining.

Not knowing the consequences of the toxic water, Prommasit said she didn’t know the serious health effects.

In 2013, Prommasit’s husband died from a rare and aggressive cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma.

Prommasit said she believes the water contamination at the base is to blame for both his and her health issues.

“It took about four times, but eventually I’m one of the lucky ones. I received compensation and I receive compensation every month, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that because they ignored this, they tried to brush it under the rug,” Prommasit said.

Prommasit suffered many fertility complications. Prommasit said she suspects those came from the water as well.

The National Veteran’s Legal Program says the toxins in the contaminated water can cause certain cancers, birth conditions, and other serious health conditions.

Although there were health concerns among herself and her husband, Prommasit said compensation is not her main reason for filing a claim.

“The main thing I’m going after is acknowledgment and vindication that that wrong was done, that they stole my husband away from me and the same thing everyone else in this town in our area. They need to be aware,” Prommasit said.

To file a claim, you must be eligible. If the terms apply, there is no cost to file, nor do you need to hire an attorney.

It is said by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry that as many as one million people might have been exposed to the contaminated water, impacting families across the nation.

The deadline to file a claim is on Aug. 10.

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