Residents of Coldwater Creek, Missouri, are raising alarms about a disturbing trend of rare cancers and illnesses affecting their community, believed to be linked to radiation exposure from activities conducted during the Manhattan Project after World War II. Among the most affected is Kim Visintine, whose son Zack was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme at just one week old, a shocking case since this type of tumor is extremely rare in children. Despite extensive treatment, Zack succumbed to the illness at six.
As rumors circulated on social media regarding the health impacts of living near Coldwater Creek, Kim began connecting with other families. Many locals, similar to Kim, recall idyllic upbringings near the creek, now overshadowed by memories of loss. Kim’s husband remarked on the startling frequency of cancer-related discussions among neighbors, noting that fifteen individuals from the same street have succumbed to rare cancers.
In particular, the community’s growing distrust of officials stems from the expiration of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which provided payments to individuals affected by radiation exposure linked to past American nuclear initiatives, including the atomic bomb development across the U.S. Although RECA offered $2.6 billion to over 41,000 claimants before ending last year, the Coldwater Creek area was excluded despite increasing health concerns.
Josh Hawley, Missouri’s senator, has taken the issue to national attention, stating he has engaged with President Trump regarding the community’s plight and the urgent need for the legislation to be revisited, potentially expanding compensation and health screenings to affected residents. The ongoing cleanup efforts surrounding the creek, expected to continue until 2038, are also a focal point of community advocacy as residents fear continued exposure.
The cases are alarming—many families report rare cancers and illnesses like ALS appearing at devastating ages and in clusters. Grassroots groups like Just Moms STL have galvanized efforts to seek justice for the families involved, stressing the need for support and thorough investigations into the long-term impacts of radiation exposure in their area. They argue that expanding compensation could lead to crucial cancer screenings and broader health studies addressing their community’s unique health crises.
In response to the persistent concerns, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated its commitment to addressing public health and remediation issues associated with the Manhattan Project-era waste. However, locals urge greater federal action to solidify protection and aid for their community, echoing calls for President Trump to take meaningful steps toward improving this unsettling situation.