In 1986, my one-week-old sister was diagnosed with a severe case of congestive heart failure. In 2011, my aunt found a lump in her breast and was later told she had Stage II breast cancer. In 2020, her daughter was also diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. In 2021, my uncle suddenly developed advanced kidney failure, and following this, another two aunts and my mother were diagnosed with unknown immunological disorders. Vieques is a small island west of Puerto Rico that has been recognized as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. My island is also underserved, economically disadvantaged, war-torn, and littered with chemical waste. The United States forcibly purchased two-thirds of Vieques to use as a training ground for the Navy in 1941, and to this day, they have not cleaned up their mess. The remains of chemical weapons, including napalm and uranium, have made cancer and disease so prevalent that no family has been left untouched by disease. At the time, before we had extensive knowledge of radiation illnesses, so many people became sick that they believed a highly contagious disease must have been spreading through the community. Still today, cancer rates are much higher in Vieques than those of the entire island of Puerto Rico. The stories of my community inspired me to pursue a medical education so that I can use the skills I acquire to make a difference for my island. While my focus is on ameliorating the health effects of the environmental hazards my island faces, I firmly believe it is essential to address the root causes of these hazards to facilitate the healing process for my people. I believe the first step in this should be organizing a cleanup effort. The United States government has the ability and responsibility to clean the contaminated sites they left behind. This effort must be thorough, particularly by including soil remediation to address soil contamination and the cleansing of water sources to ensure access to clean and safe water for the community. After the remnants are cleaned, it is imperative to establish a monitoring program to regularly assess environmental conditions, detect any recontamination, and prompt immediate action if necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the area. Health initiatives and community involvement should be at the forefront of all efforts. The safety of the local community must be a priority, and they should be involved in decision-making. Finally, it is essential to utilize advanced technologies, such as eco-friendly waste management systems or renewable energy solutions, to minimize environmental harm while ensuring that locals and tourists can continue to enjoy the island's resources sustainably. Efforts should also focus on educating the community about the importance of sustainable practices to prevent future pollution. Addressing the environmental challenges in Vieques is the key to beginning the healing process needed in my community. I believe these strategies can make meaningful progress in addressing the environmental challenges faced by the people of Vieques while still preserving the island's natural beauty and resources.