- Military Times: Millions of Vets Could Get New Benefits Under Toxic Exposure Legislation. But Can It Become Law?
- Press Release: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Elizabeth Dole Foundation,
and American Red Cross have teamed up to create the Caregiver to Survivor Program - Resources for Caregivers of Loved Ones with Advanced Illness
- Online Community: Survivors of Illness Loss Video Chats
- NBC News: Veterans Struggling to Receive Treatment for 'Burn Pit' Exposure
- White House: Remarks by President Biden During Tour of Radiation Oncology Department
- Stars and Stripes: Navy Vet Pushes House Bill That Would Expand Care for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Fumes
- Government Executive: Military Exposed to Toxic Fumes From Burn Pits Set to Get Bipartisan Boost
- Department of Veterans' Affairs: Vietnam Veteran Leads the Way for Tomorrow’s Medicine
- Read More In the News
Caregiver to Survivor: Walking with You
TAPS recognizes the urgent need to support families who have lost a military loved one after having been a caregiver. At TAPS we understand, and we’re here to support our Survivors as they navigate a grief journey that may have begun even before the death of your loved one.
The leading cause of death of our military loved ones is reported by survivors to be illness, but we know there are many Survivors that experienced a loss after having cared for a loved one who was traumatically injured or diseased as well. Sadly, many Survivors have shared that their loved ones illness is often connected to their service overseas, where they were exposed to burn pits and many other toxic exposures.
At TAPS we are mindful of the differences present when someone has been a caregiver before they have transitioned to a survivor. That’s why we integrate subject matter expertise into all of our peer support services, programs and referrals to specifically support you on your grief journey.
We invite you to explore our resources and encourage you to reach out for support and take advantage of our programs. Our mission is a simple but powerful one: to provide comfort, care, and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. We are here for you.
Why is TAPS Engaged
Death by illness is one of the leading causes of death among military survivors. As of 2020, over 12,000 survivors report a death by illness and sadly that number increases by more than 2,200 each year based on current trends.
Time is of the essence. Our survivors expect action and advocacy to honor the memory of their loved one. TAPS is uniquely positioned to provide a loving home for the community of caregivers who transition to survivors.
What Government Must Do
The government must take action in the following ways:
Build public awareness and community support. Advocate for legislative action and policy change.
Research toxins, illnesses and prevention measures. Field protective gear and alternative disposal methods for toxins.
Expand healthcare and benefits for veterans, caregivers and survivors.
Fund all of the above.
For more information, contact us at caregiver2survivor@taps.org.
Resources 
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Leading
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Related Articles 
to support and connect you as you face a diagnosis of a terminal illness of your military loved one.
The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network with the American Red Cross is an official partner of TAPS. Get connected with peers that have walked in your shoes as well as resources to help you move forward in the days ahead.
Hidden Heroes with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation connects military caregivers to a community of support, local events and resources to help them along their caregiving journey.
from past and present generations to impact the future.
Health effects from Airborne Hazards
Veterans who were deployed to the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and other dusty environments were often exposed to sand, dust, pollution and other airborne particles.
Agent Orange During Vietnam War
This herbicide resulted in many long-term health problems for veterans and their family members. Learn the facts, locations used, related diseases, birth defects, benefits available and many other resources on how to get help.
Share Your Story
Your stories can bring hope and healing to our TAPS families. If you would like to share about your caregiving experience or a story about your grief journey, we would love to hear from you.
an effort to increase public awareness and community support.
Toxic Exposure: Raising Awareness
TAPS is leading the way in curating a library of legislation, medical studies, literature, and research relevant to toxic exposure in the military.
Taking Action: Open Burn Pit Registry Act
Cancer is a leading cause of death among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. A surviving mom takes action in support of the new legislation.
Coping with Anticipatory Grief
Anticipatory grief makes us keenly aware of "what was" when the threat of death seems imminent.
Who Am I Now? Life After Caregiving Ends
Learn how to effectively cope with the range of emotions that may occur when caregiving has ended.
Need to Know:
- Nine New Cancers Added to the Presumed Service-Connected List Related to Particulate Matter
Veterans and survivors who had claims previously denied prior to April 25, 2022 are encouraged to file a supplemental claim. See the list for these additional respiratory cancers that now qualify for benefits. - Veterans Affairs Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
Eligible Veterans and service members can document their exposures and report health concerns through an online questionnaire. - Health Effects from Burn Pit Smoke
Burn pits were a common way to get rid of waste at military sites in Iraq and Afghanistan. Toxins in burn pit smoke may affect the skin, eyes, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, gastrointestinal tract and internal organs. - Health effects from Airborne Hazards
Veterans who were deployed to the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and other dusty environments were often exposed to sand, dust, pollution and other airborne particles. - Court orders Veterans Affairs to Pay Retroactive Benefits to Thousands of Blue Water Navy Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs must redecide thousands of Blue Water Navy veterans' benefits claims that may have been wrongfully denied, and pay retroactive benefits. - Agent Orange Exposure and VA Disability Compensation
for legislative and policy change, working to prevent exposures to deadly toxins and ensure that service members, veterans, their families and survivors receive the healthcare and benefits they have earned.
TAPS Statement for the Record: Toxic Exposure
Written by TAPS Policy, read the full statement to the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on Toxic Exposure: Examing the VA's Presumptive Disability Decision-Making Process.
Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act
The TEAM Act (S. 4393) is the culmination of two years of collaboration by the TEAM Coalition seeking to improve benefits for veterans made ill from toxic exposures. Flyer | Talking Points | Roundtable
Veteran Caregiver Legislation as Program Expands to Pre-9/11 Veterans
Representative Hudson introduced H.R. 5701, the Care for the Veteran Caregiver Act, on January 30, 2020, expanding eligibility to include veterans injured before 9/11.
Veterans' Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
PCAFC now offers enhanced clinical support for caregivers of eligible Veterans who are seriously injured effective October 1, 2020. Email Newsletter
In the News
- Millions of Vets Could Get New Benefits Under Toxic Exposure Legislation. But Can It Become Law?(Military Times)
- Veterans Struggling to Receive Treatment for 'Burn Pit' Exposure
(NBC News) - Remarks by President Biden During Tour of Radiation Oncology Department
(White House) - Navy Vet Pushes House Bill That Would Expand Care for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Fumes
(Stars and Stripes) - Military Exposed to Toxic Fumes From Burn Pits Set to Get Bipartisan Boost
(Government Executive) - Vietnam Veteran Leads the Way for Tomorrow’s Medicine
(Department of Veterans' Affairs) - VA Still Denies Most Burn Pit Claims. Could a President's Loss Spark Change?
(Connecting Vets) - Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces Bipartisan Legislation for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Military Base
(Milwaukee Independent) - Senator Boozman Renews Efforts to Support Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals
(KNWA) - Review: 'The People vs. Agent Orange' Documentary Chronicles the Ongoing Fight
(Los Angeles Times) - Petition for Camp Lejeune Water Registry to be Presented to Congressional Representation
(The Daily News) - Adding High Blood Pressure to List of Presumptive Agent Orange Illnesses a Key Focus for Lawmakers This Year
(Military Times) - On Final Day In Office, Trump Directs Pentagon to Study Toxins at K2 Base
(Military Times) - Ronald Shurer, Medal of Honor recipient who saved lives in Afghanistan, dies at 41
(CBS News) - Thousands of Veterans Suffering After Toxic Smoke Exposure
(wbaltv.com) - Toxic Inferno
(Connecting Vets)
survivors with TAPS life saving resources and programs that provide compassionate care so they can best honor their loved one’s entire story.
Survivor Seminars
TAPS hosts in-person seminars that are inclusive, discussion-based events and includes peer-to-peer grief support, access to resources and experts, grief workshops, art therapy, family entertainment, and LOVE.
Survivor Care Team
TAPS staff are trained and caring survivors that reach out to new surviving family members as peer professionals. They understand well the road you are traveling and are available around the clock to help.
Peer Mentor Program
Illness loss survivors are paired with survivors who have experienced a similiar loss. They are there to listen when you need someone to talk to, to be a friend when you're feeling lonely, and to celebrate the triumphs.
Suicide Loss Support
Our unique approach to helping survivors recover from suicide loss can help guide you and your family through "healthy grief," and put you on a path toward healing and growth.
Connect Online
Stay connected with survivors of illness loss virtually by joining TAPS in our online video chats. Several groups meet nearly every day of the week and is moderated by survivor staff members and Peer Mentors.
Youth Programs
Led by experts in the fields of child development, mental health and education, TAPS Youth Programs provide safe spaces for military children to explore grief and embrace healing.
Women's Empowerment Program
Connect with other surviving women to help comfort you in your grief. Discover how a supportive sisterhood can provide inspiration and improve your life.
Grief and Loss Education
The TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing® provides training and education for bereavement professionals, bereaved individuals, and grieving military and civilian families.
with government, the private sector and other nonprofits to ensure care for caregivers while their loved one is alive and to warmly transition into TAPS’s loving arms when they become a survivor.
Hear from those who have been down the road you are traveling. See additional articles on illness loss.
From Caregiver to Survivor: Finding New Purpose and Honoring Husband's Legacy
Coleen Bowman lost her husband to a rare illness related to toxic exposure. After he passed she wanted to honor him by helping other survivors.
K2 Widow & Accidental Advocate II - a 9/11 Story
Widow advocates for those whose lives were forever altered by their servicemember's presence at “K2”, Karshi-Khanabad, Uzbekistan, an abandoned toxic Russian airbase.
Knowledge. Connection. Hope.
With the support of TAPS, a surviving spouse and her daughters head toward immense discovery to help them heal from the trauma losing a loved one to illness.
Learning to Accept – and Embrace – Uncertainty
Maggie Bainbridge has always loved having a plan for everything. But then, her husband died. Having strong Faith has helped her through uncertain times.
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