FAN Bulletin 1055
 
March 19, 2009

Tributes to Carol Patton’s kindness and heroic efforts fighting fluoridation have been flooding into us from all parts of the country and even other countries. She was truly loved, and now dreadfully missed. Here are some of the message we have received.

We will be forwarding these messages to Carol’s next of kin and if you would like to add a message we will send that also.

Paul Connett

From Eleanor Krinsky, New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation (NYSCOF)

Dear Paul

The dreadful news of Carol Patton’s massive stroke and death, combined with the suddenness of it, is hard to take in.  My relationship with Carol goes back many years.  I remember like it was yesterday when Carol Patton traveled to New York City to attend hearings on fluoridation  at the NYC Council Health Committee in 1983, to support in any way possible our New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc. (NYSCOF).   I remember when she got the attention of one of the NYC legislators to speak to her, let her know about the suppression of evidence, etc.  

Carol Patton and I never lost touch with each other, keeping each other updated on fluoridation.  She also took a personal interest in her anti-fluoridation buddies, always concerned about our wellness, ready to share information that could help with a problem, etc.  I considered Carol Patton a friend as well as an ally in our important cause fighting fluoridation.  Often when she would add a note to what she sent, there was a little heart she would draw along with her signature.  

This is a great loss to so many.  Carol will be missed so very much.  

Sincerely and sadly,
Eleanor K.

From Drs. Karilee and Richard Shames

We are likewise sorry to hear of this. We worked with Carol while we were living in Boca Raton, she was extremely wise and dedicated. Bless her soul, (Drs) Karilee & Rich Shames

From George and Christi Fuller

Oh Paul,

This hit us like a brick in the face. Carol was such a genuine and kind person. She helped us in Martin County through our fluoride victory and was always so supportive and helpful. She was at our home many times and we will miss her so. Thank you for letting us know.

George and Christi Fuller

From Naomi Flack

Dear Paul,

As you can imagine, I am in shock and disbelief and so very upset at this news.  No one worked harder than Carol to consume a healthy diet, live in a pesticide and toxin-free home and get abundant exercise.  I simply cannot understand why this has happened to her and I am saddened beyond words.  Yes, it is sad news for all who knew and loved Carol but also for all who are fighting fluoridation.  No cause was closer to her heart than that and Carol was in this fight in VA and PA and also in FL for longer than my own 35 or so years.

Naomi

From Dr. Debora Moore, Director, Second Look

Paul -
 
This is excruciatingly sad news.  While she and I hadn’t communicated in some time, other than my SL updates, I will be forever appreciative to her, not only for her very generous help with Second Look, but also for her long, hard work and clarity on this issue.  I’m grateful to you for mentioning her help with SL, thank you.  I will definitely send condolences to Jane, and also to Naomi.  I agree it will be extremely hard for Naomi to be w/o her best friend.  Also, Bob Carton, and I will contact him, too. 
 
This is a really big shock and loss to us all.  I hope there is some kind of celebration of her life, even if part of another event (next FAN conference?) that I’ll be able to attend.
 
In sadness,
Deb

From Gar Smith, former editor of Earth Island Journal

How unexpected and very sad. I so loved Carol. One of her emails pops up whenever I start deleting longer messages in my buldging saved-messages file. I always save that email and I kept meaning to give her a call.

Carol was wonderfully supportive when I was editing Earth Island Journal and got involved in researching and reporting on fluoridation issues. We eventually published more than a dozen stories and investigations on the issue, winning a 1999 Project Censored Award in the process.

It was Carol who provided the financial assistance that enabled the Journal to publish an unprecedented (and still unmatched) special eight-page supplement to our quarterly magazine, solely devoted to the issue of Fluorides and the Environment. The supplement was designed as a stand-alone publication that we also distributed separately from the magazine. It proved so successful that we undertook a second printing (something Earth Island had never done before and has not, to my knowledge, done since). Again, it was Carol and the Patton Foundation that came to our assistance with the necessary grant that allowed us to undertake the second printing.

We were just one publication in one environmental group out in San Francisco but Carol always had time for us and chatting with her and working with her was like working with a member of my family. And now I feel that I’ve lost a member of my family.

Gar Smith

From Bernice Collura (to Pat Moreell)
 
Oh dear God, Pat, I just read Paul’s  newsletter and this was the first I’ve heard.    
 
Carol was a personal friend of mine, besides fighting shoulder to shoulder with her both in the fights against fluoride and  dental mercury, where I have put most of my energy over the  years.
 
I live approx. 8 miles from her gorgeous home  in Loxahatchee CC, and knew Phil before he passed also.   She had  mentioned you to me many times and how valiant you have been in this fight  also.  She always intended for us busy people to meet each other as  kindred spirits.
 
I’m in shock!   I would  much appreciate being able to talk to you, at least over the phone.  Paul  did not mention when this sad, sad event happened.  Will there be,  or was there a local service for her?  I want to be there or do  something.   I will send a card to Jane and  family.
 
Carol and her commitment to the cause was always such an inspiration to me.  She was on my list of phone calls to  make this week!   Please give me a phone number where I can reach  you.  I really have no one else with whom to share my grief over the loss  of my dear friend Carol.
 
Bernice Collura

From Dr. Julie Bjornson, Palm City, Florida

Paul,

Thank you for your kind words about a truly heroic fighter of fluoride.

Carol was an inspiration to our Stuart, Florida group and supplied much needed material to push us to our Martin County victory.

I continue to be vigilant in our area.

We lost the City of Stuart Referendum in January 2008 by 126 votes.

My focus is on brain function and anything that affects brain function - fluoride is included…

Sincerely,
Dr. Julie K. Bjornson

From Ailsa Boyden, editor of the Australian Fluoride Information Network Bulletin

Dear Paul

You’ve no idea how much it has upset me to hear of Carol Patton’s passing.

I found her a wonderfully encouraging fluoridation colleague and miss her already.

My heart goes out to you all who will miss her dreadfully and I pray that Carol’s rebirth to spirit will be an extraordinarily amazing experience for her.

Best wishes
Ailsa

From Elizabeth McDonagh, Natural Pure Water Association, England

Dear Paul and Ellen
 
I am sad to hear of the death of Carol Patton.  I did not know her but I love and respect all who work for our cause.  Carol’s  family and friends must be devastated because such a sudden event is a terrible shock.  I am sorry you have lost such a kind friend and supporter.  May she rest in peace.
 
With sympathy and good wishes
Elizabeth

From Anita Knight, Florida

Dear Paul,
 
This was indeed very sad news.  I knew Carol for some time in the last decade.  She absolutely saved my life when she told me she was “hypothyroid” and that I shouldn’t let the doctor prescribe Synthroid.  She found that the health food stores have “Pure Norwegian Kelp” that is gathered from the cleanest waters and is high in Iodine.  I started on that and have been just fine ever since!!! 

God Bless and Keep Her!
Anita