Think being a kid is easy? Not always. Each day, children around the world face challenges most of us will never encounter. Help give every kid a chance for a happy, healthy life.
Photo by RD/Leon/Retna Digital
Model Citizen: Christie Brinkley
Organization: Radiation and Public Health Project’s Tooth Fairy Project
When she learned her home was susceptible to old nuclear reactors, model and mother Christie Brinkley didn’t leave town—she stayed to fight.
“The Tooth Fairy Project counts the many ways the nuclear industry affects our children’s health, including infant mortality rates that go up significantly when power plants go on-line, and drop when they are decommissioned.” —Christie Brinkley
Here Are the Facts:
• Infant mortality has been linked to nuclear reactor radiation.
• Radioactive Strontium-90 (Sr-90), a deadly element produced by nuclear fission, can be deposited in teeth and can emit cancer-causing radiation.
Why This Org Rocks:
The RPHP’s Tooth Fairy Project has collected over 4,700 teeth, helping scientists understand the health effects of low-level nuclear radiation on public health.
Ways to Make a Difference:
• It’s not like pulling teeth. Donate baby teeth.
• Get the facts. Nuclear Information and Resource Service.
• Do you CARE? Protect your community.
Photo by Gina James/Graylock.com/Retna Ltd.
Model Citizen: Molly Sims
Organization: Operation Smile
Actress and model Molly Sims happily traveled to Peru on an Operation Smile medical mission.
“One of the best experiences of my life was being part of a team in Peru, where literally in one day, a person’s life is changed forever. You realize some kids and their families have traveled by mule, bus, car, or walked hundreds of miles to get the operation—whatever it takes.” —Molly Sims
Here Are the Facts:
• One in every seven births results in facial deformity.
• Untreated cleft lips and palates cause ear and dental disease, which lead to eating difficulties and hinder speech development.
Why This Org Rocks:
Since 1982, plastic surgeon William P. Magee Jr. and his wife, Kathleen, a nurse, have performed 120,000 free surgeries to correct facial deformities.
Ways to Make a Difference:
• Shop to save (lives). 2009 Gift catalog
• It only takes OneSmile. Create a web page to raise money.
• Join the club. Start an Operation Smile Association at your school.
Other Orgs with the Same Cause:
• March of Dimes
• U.S. Care Network
• Children’s Miracle Network
• National Foundation for Facial Reconstruction
• Healthy Child World
