FACES OF THE CHEMICALLY SENSITIVE
Linda Nathan and her husband, Richard, had been attending a small church for three years where they were serving as adult education teachers, when her health deteriorated rapidly and she developed MCS. When she was finally starting to recover, the church decided to paint and re-carpet the sanctuary. She made one visit after the remodeling was done and knew she had to leave the church. Linda and Richard visited numerous churches around the county and even into neighboring Canada for over three years before finally finding a church, Calvary Chapel Lynden where the auditorium is large enough that the air doesn't bother her. Linda and her husband, Richard now serve on the advisory board for Aroma of Christ Ministry.
Connie Pitts is unable to attend many social gatherings including church due to fragrance exposures. The most common symptoms Connie experiences when exposed to fragrances are migraines, heart palpitations, burning eyes, emotional swings, debilitating fatigue, and loss of equilibrium. Prior to developing MCS, Connie loved fragrances and wore them regularly. She has written a book called Get a Whiff of This: Perfumes (fragrances)--the Invisible Chemical Poisons. It is available at www.authorhouse.com.
Elizabeth Bennefeld left one religious denomination in 1989 because of incense and candles used in the church services. In 1997, she left another denomination because of perfumes, flowers, and mold in the building. Since January 2001, she has found a place to fellowship that has safe facilities for worship and encourages people to avoid scented products.