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In 1945, the world changed in the New Mexico desert — but for many families, the fallout never ended.

Today’s guest, Tina Cordova, is the co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, an organization fighting for recognition and compensation for people harmed by radiation exposure from the Trinity nuclear test.

After losing several members of her own family to cancer — and facing her own diagnosis — Tina refused to stay silent. She stepped into the fight, challenging the federal government and amplifying the voices of families across the Tularosa Basin.

In this episode of She Fights, Tina shares the history behind the Trinity test, the devastating health impacts experienced by generations of New Mexicans, and the ongoing effort to secure justice through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).

This isn’t just a story about history — it’s about accountability, transparency, and what happens when a woman refuses to accept silence as an answer.

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Learn more or support the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium:
www.trinitydownwinders.com

Email: tcordova@queston.net

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Information about RECA claims:
https://www.justice.gov/civil/reca

If submitting documentation by mail, consider sending materials via certified mail with return receipt. Once received, the DOJ has up to one year to process the claim and return documents.

Some organizations or attorneys may offer to file claims on behalf of individuals for a fee. Please be aware that no one can guarantee results or expedite placement in the claims process.

The New Mexico Department of Health assistance: 833-796-8773.

Additional resources and updates about the application process can be found at:
www.trinitydownwinders.com
https://fernandez.house.gov/live/
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/

To learn more about the documentary:
www.firstwebombednewmexico.com

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Topics in this episode: Trinity nuclear test, Tularosa Basin Downwinders, nuclear fallout, Radiation Exposure Compensation Act RECA, environmental justice, New Mexico history, nuclear weapons testing, cancer clusters, government accountability, nuclear testing victims

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She Fights is a podcast about resilience, recovery, and the strength it takes to rebuild after adversity.

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Disclaimer:
This episode is shared for educational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended to replace professional therapy, counseling, or medical care. Heather Winkeljohn is not a licensed therapist or mental health professional. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Heather Winkeljohn or She Fights or UnstoppableVoicesMedia.com. If you are struggling, we encourage you to seek support from a qualified professional.

If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, contact your local emergency services or, in the U.S., call/text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7, free and confidential.

New Life Ministries (website), a Christian counseling and support ministry providing faith-based care and resources to those in need.