Multiple Orange County children sickened by rare, aggressive cancer

Southern California Ladera Ranch residents have erupted in concern as the neighborhood suffers from six children being diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare cancer affecting bone and soft tissue in children and teens.

The cancer strain, annually infecting up to 240 children and teens nationwide, has no connection to being caused by environmental factors. However, many residents believe the city’s years of pesticide spraying could be what is causing the children’s diagnosis.

A town hall meeting held last Tuesday was an outlet for these discussions, residents deciding which state agencies are responsible for investigating the link between pesticide use and the alarming cancer rates.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has since prompted the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate whether the pesticides and herbicides being sprayed are associated with the cluster of Ewing sarcoma cases.

As fear rises, Bond Legal has begun an investigation and is currently seeking to contact Ewing sarcoma patients' families who have ties to Ladera Ranch.

In response to the Orange County citizens' concerns, the Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation has initiated a 60-day period to stop all routine use of certain pesticides and herbicides, aiming to transition to safer pest management.

At the town hall meeting, Brian Dalton, whose daughter died from Ewing sarcoma earlier this year, said, “I don’t want another mother holding her child’s hand through endless treatments, praying for one more birthday, planning a funeral instead of a future.”