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Public Problem; Private Suffering

The Issue of DES Daughters

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

Many DES daughters (and sons) have taken it upon themselves to find out the facts behind their conditions. According to those affected by DES, recovery and resilience start with you. "If you think that you are a DES daughter, make sure you find a good doctor to help," Kantor says. "Be sure that he or she is 100 percent comfortable with DES babies and doesn't dismiss the issue. Also, there are many places where you can talk to others who know exactly how you feel and exactly what you are going through because they feel and experience it, too. There are great Internet DES groups, or there may even be one in your state, too. You're not alone so find the others."

There are sources available for those who suffer from the effects of DES. Braun's book helps to spread the word of the existence of DES children. There are also web sites available such as the DES Action site and the DES Cancer Network, to help those understand and cope with DES exposure.

"By telling their stories they empower others and spread healing and information," Braun says. "One certainty remains: DES is a story in progress."

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