Residents of Ladera Ranch, an affluent master-planned community in Orange County, California, are demanding a comprehensive investigation into a cluster of rare childhood cancer diagnoses. Families in the area are calling for officials to examine whether environmental factors, specifically the use of pesticides and herbicides in local parks and schools, could be contributing to the alarming number of cases.
Ewing Sarcoma Cases Reported Among Ladera Ranch Children
The concern centers on Ewing sarcoma, a rare cancer of the bones and soft tissues. According to the American Cancer Society, this disease is diagnosed in only about 200 to 240 children and teenagers annually across the United States. In Ladera Ranch, however, families report that at least six children connected to the community have been diagnosed with the disease since 2013.
The situation has been underscored by the death of 17-year-old Brody Matteson, who passed away in March following a battle with Ewing sarcoma. His mother, Megan Matteson, recalled that Brody, an avid outdoorsman, began complaining of back pain shortly before his 15th birthday. Doctors subsequently found the tumor on his L4 vertebra. "He was an outdoor kid. There was a time to be outside, that was Brody," Megan Matteson told NBC Los Angeles. "He was out on his bike, out at the park. They were building bike jumps. He was out at all the parks around Ladera."
Synovial Sarcoma Diagnosis Emerges in Local Teenager
The community is now grappling with a second, distinct diagnosis. Jessica Keetch, a Ladera Ranch resident, revealed that her 18-year-old daughter, Haven, had her right foot amputated after being diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, an aggressive soft tissue cancer that often appears as a lump on the leg. Synovial sarcoma is also extremely rare, impacting less than 1,000 people in the United States every year. Expressing the frustration felt by many parents in the enclave, Keetch stated, "I think people need to listen and wake up and realize something is happening to our children. This is not random."
Residents have taken it upon themselves to investigate the potential causes. Some locals believe their own research has uncovered an unusually heavy use of pesticides and herbicides throughout the community, raising concerns about the long-term safety of the domestic environment and the well-being of families and pets. According to testimonies shared by neighbors, 62 responses were received within a short period from people reporting cancer cases in their families.
Bond Legal Gathers Data from Affected Families
The growing alarm has led to legal and administrative attention. The firm Bond Legal announced it is seeking information from families whose children lived in or regularly visited Ladera Ranch and were diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma or other childhood cancers. Additionally, representatives from the California Cancer Registry, the UCI Cancer Center, and the Orange County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office have met regarding the concerns raised by the community and the County Health Officer.
As the community seeks answers, residents are urging others to come forward. Those concerned about health outcomes or environmental exposures in the area are encouraged to consult with qualified medical professionals and legal experts to discuss their specific circumstances and the appropriate next steps for their families.
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