Episode #71: Sick at School: How Toxic Mold Impacts Student Health with the Lee and Strezewski Families

How far would you go to protect your child if they became sick from mold at school?

In this powerful interview, parents Patrick Lee and John and Lindsay Strezewski share how their children were severely impacted by mold exposure in one Chicago-area school and their relentless fight for change. From intense dizziness and wheelchairs to months of missed school and legal battles, their stories reveal a disturbing lack of accountability within the school system and the fierce determination of parents unwilling to back down. Discover how these two families became passionate advocates, pushing for proper testing, bringing attention to hidden water damage, and challenging the administration, all while navigating the painful road to healing. 

This episode will inform and inspire you and is a must-listen for any parent concerned about clean air in schools.

Episode Highlights

·     What symptoms did Patrick’s son’s experience, and how did he trace them back to the school? (2:51)

·      What health issues did Strezewski’s daughter face while attending the school? (8:24)

·      Did the school conduct any mold or mycotoxin testing? Why did Patrick conduct independent testing, and what did he discover? (12:36)

·      Were others affected by mold exposure in the same school? (18:35)

·      What do these parents want school administrators to understand about environmental safety in schools? How did the administration respond when Strezewski’s requested a transfer? (22:47)

·      How are both children doing now emotionally and physically? (30:29)

·      What advice do these parents offer to others navigating mold exposure in schools? (34:13)

Other interviews in our back to school series:
Sick at School: A Teacher’s Battle with Mold Illness with Michele Fischer https://changetheairfoundation.org/sick-at-school-a-teachers-battle-against-mold/

Mold and water damage? Start Here:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-water-damage/

Links mentioned in interview:
Change the Air Foundation’s Policy & Advocacy work: https://changetheairfoundation.org/policy-advocacy/

Get in touch with our guests:
Clean Air 4 Kidz: https://www.cleanair4kidz.org

Parent Advocacy email: woodlawnparentvoices@gmail.com

Learn more about Change the Air Foundation: 
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

Sign up for our newsletter:
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/stay-informed/

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.