My Hometown Legacy: Embracing Cancer Alley

In my journey through life, I have come to embrace the complex beauty and challenges of growing up in "Cancer Alley," the 85-mile stretch along the Mississippi River that I call home. (160+ miles if communities south of New Orleans were included) Oil refineries and petrochemical plants cast their shadows over the community, where the cancer risk is over 50 times the national average. Yet, amidst this adversity, there lies a rich history and unwavering spirit that binds us together. By documenting the beauty and struggle that has shaped our unique community, and through my experiences, I strive to share the story of our people and our legacy.