Championing Lung Cancer Prevention: Jacquelyn Nixon’s Crusade Against Radon Gas

When Jacquelyn Nixon was diagnosed with lung cancer at age 67, doctors couldn’t explain why. A non-smoker who rarely saw doctors, she had no symptoms until noticing she couldn’t hold musical notes as long while singing. This unexpected diagnosis launched her on a journey that would transform into a national mission to protect families from a silent killer lurking in homes across America.

As President of Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction (CR3), Jacquelyn leads a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating communities about radon gas—the second leading cause of lung cancer and the primary cause among non-smokers. Founded in 2014 by Gloria Linnertz after her husband died from radon-related lung cancer, CR3 has evolved into a nationwide force for prevention and awareness.

“What makes our work vital is that radon is invisible, odorless, and accumulates over time,” Jacquelyn explains. “People can live in homes for decades without knowing they’re being exposed to dangerous levels of this radioactive gas.”

 

From Personal Crisis to National Mission

Jacquelyn’s commitment stems from personal experience. After her lung cancer surgery—which required no chemotherapy, radiation, or medication thanks to early detection—a conversation with a home inspector revealed the potential cause: radon gas. Testing her condominium building uncovered alarming levels, with one ground-level unit measuring 21 picocuries—equivalent to smoking approximately a pack of cigarettes daily. The building required four mitigation systems to address the problem.

“This wasn’t just about my health,” she says. “It was about protecting my neighbors, particularly those with existing respiratory conditions who were being exposed to even higher concentrations.”

 

Multi-Faceted Approach to Public Safety

Under Jacquelyn’s leadership, CR3 has developed innovative programs that address radon safety from multiple angles:

• Educational Initiatives: The organization creates engaging materials like their annual Radon School Calendar featuring superhero characters who fight radon gas, making the complex topic accessible to children and families.
• Youth Ambassador Program: CR3 supports young activists like David Trent, who started his own nonprofit at 16 after losing his mother to radon-related lung cancer, and Brian Yang, who delivered a TEDx talk on radon awareness at age 17.
• The CLEHR Network: Jacquelyn’s brainchild connects environmental and healthcare organizations, creating a centralized resource where patients can find comprehensive information about lung cancer causes and prevention.
• Legislative Advocacy: CR3 is currently working with Pennsylvania Senator Devlin Robinson to mandate radon testing in all schools across the state—a crucial initiative given that 80% of schools remain untested.

 

National Reach with Local Impact

Though headquartered in Waterloo, Illinois, with Jacquelyn operating from Pittsburgh, CR3 serves communities across the United States. The organization focuses particularly on assisting low-income and disadvantaged homeowners with testing and mitigation services.

“Pennsylvania has the third-highest radon levels in the nation,” Jacquelyn notes. “But this problem exists everywhere. Radon doesn’t discriminate by neighborhood or income level.”

 

Looking Forward

As CR3 continues its restructuring with a nine-member strategic planning committee including doctors, geneticists, and radon industry experts, Jacquelyn remains focused on the ultimate goal: preventing lung cancer through early detection and mitigation.

“Our work bridges the gap between environmental safety and healthcare,” she says. “When someone receives a lung cancer diagnosis, they should immediately know to test their home environment. That connection saves lives.”

For homeowners concerned about radon exposure, Jacquelyn recommends simple charcoal test kits available at hardware stores for around $25. “Knowing your radon level is the first step toward protecting your family. It’s a small investment that could prevent devastating health consequences.”

Through education, advocacy, and direct action, Jacquelyn Nixon and CR3 continue their vital work—transforming personal tragedy into a powerful force for public health protection nationwide.

Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction Inc.

618 Evansville Ave. Waterloo, IL 62298

Website: citizens4radonreduction.org

Social Media: YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Phone: 618-830-4660

Email: info@Citizens4RadonReduction.org