18-year-old Megan Clark joined the Army in 2002. She was trained as a diesel mechanic and sent to Iraq, where she served with honor. After some months, Megan was surprised to discover that, despite having taken precautions, she had become pregnant. The Army had given its female soldiers birth control shots which had been rendered ineffective by the extreme heat of the desert.

After determining that Megan's pregnancy was problematic, the Army transferred her back to Germany where she was worked "to the full extent of her medical profile." After several months of continuing complications, Megan was given a medical discharge and sent her back to the States. At that time the Army encouraged Megan to sign up for the Reserves, which she did.

Back in Kingston, NY, a healthy baby, Alanna, was born on September 9, 2004. Megan was facing redeployment to Iraq as a reservist, but was eventually discharged from the reserves because the Army considered her 80% disabled from deteriorating cartilage in her back and hips.

Megan has been a good mom and has taken care of herself and Alanna with a job and some support from the baby's father (who has never met his child). But in 2006 when Megan was 22, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of stomach cancer.

Whether or not the cancer is the result of Megan's exposure to depleted uranium shell casings while on service in Iraq, the Army is giving Megan no support at all. Megan is receiving chemotherapy treatments, which leave her feeling sick and exhausted. She continues to care for her daughter but she is in desperate financial straits since her last job fired her as soon as she was released from the hospital.

As friends of Megan's mom, Patti Gibbons, and Patti's husband Larry Lewis, wonderful artists who contribute much to our community, Loel Barr and Jonathan Talbot created this page in 2006 to let the wider community know about Megan. Thanks to all of you who chose to offer material and spiritual support to Megan and Alanna.

At this time (December 2008) Megan is doing better. Her cancer is in remission and Alanna is a source of joy to all concerned. For recent updates to this saga visit meganaid.blogspot.com

--JT December 2008