My Story

I’m DeeLyn, and I’ve lived in Tri-Cities Washington for most of my life. My dad moved here to work as an engineer at Hanford, and before that we lived in Maryland where Dad worked as an engineer with the Department of Defense and NASA. He actually developed the camera system and manual for the camera that took the pictures of the first lunar landing and moon walk. I went to school in Kennewick and grew up to love math and science, and then went on to a successful career in banking and investments.

I decided to return to Washington State University, after my mother became terminally ill, in an effort to help her with her progressing illness. In 2017 I graduated with my degree in Biological Science and Psychology. I then started my new career doing doctor direct sales of respiratory products and meds. It was then that I became aware of just how many sick nuclear workers make up our community. I then joined a home care company, helping nuclear workers get the home care they need. Word spread quick that I was helping former workers get approved for their DOL benefits, and soon more and more workers came to me for help.

I have created a network of medical providers around me, that I know are worker friendly and will help to document the diagnosis and link to the occupational exposure. My background in human biology and connections I made at the university both aid me in researching toxins and illnesses and allow me access to journals and research to support an occupational link. My connections in our local medical community as well as my education and experience offer me the advantage over other advocates. Seeing my father and other former workers get sick has given me the passion to fight for other sick workers to receive the benefits and compensation they deserve.