copper , lithium , silver , gold , lead and nickel . As part of MSHA ’ s many responsibilities , every surface mine in the U . S . is inspected twice per year and every underground mine at least four times each year .
“ Per the Mine Act , we inspect every mine in this country multiple times per year ,” he says . “ Whether that ’ s a sand and gravel mine in Kentucky , Virginia , out West or in New York state or a coal mine in West Virginia , we ’ re responsible .”
West Virginia ' s gold standard for navigating the pediatric , adolescent and young adult cancer journey
The moment your child or loved one is diagnosed with cancer , your life changes forever . Walking Miracles Family Foundation believes you shouldn ’ t have to navigate this world alone . We provide support and guidance along every step of your journey . Our products and services are always free of charge .
Here ’ s how Walking Miracles serves young cancer patients :
Williamson joins the MSHA Mine Rescue team at an awards ceremony in Beckley , WV , in 2022 .
To mitigate the myriad of potential safety risks for miners , MSHA performs frequent health samples for environmental toxins and other hazardous substances , conducts thorough inspections and enforces strict health and safety rules for all U . S mines . Along with this , MSHA also offers technical assistance and educational training opportunities for mine operators .
“ The way I see my role is to make sure I help and make sure the people who are doing that work have what they need to be able to do it ,” he says . “ This agency was given a singular but very important mission by the U . S . Congress to make sure those who choose the honorable and important profession of mining can do that work and come back at the end of their shift to their families , their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy . That ’ s really what it all boils down to .”
While Williamson has learned many lessons of great value throughout his career , he cites one of the most important being the value of keeping an open mind and the willingness of remaining eager to learn .
“ Something I try to do every day is learn something new that will help me tomorrow ,” he says . “ At MSHA , I learn something every day , and I think it ’ s fair to say that I will continue to learn something new every single day that I ’ m fortunate enough to have this position .”
A proud Appalachian , Williamson ’ s deeply rooted love for his home state shines through in everything he does . His passion for good health and the safety of all miners is forever grounded in the southern coal fields of West Virginia .
“ Every job I ’ ve had in public service up until this point has had a larger role and mission , but I ’ ve always been able to find a piece of West Virginia in it .” •
Travel Assistance . Walking Miracles helps cancer patients cut costs by providing each family with two $ 250 travel cards annually .
Tablet . Walking Miracles provides families with an Apple or Android tablet that is preloaded with helpful information .
Patient Navigation Services . Walking Miracles ’ patient navigation services free you to focus on the care and emotional needs of your diagnosed family member .
Counseling . Walking Miracles ’ referral network provides accredited local counselors who offer a range of emotional and spiritual care for cancer patients and caregivers .
Survivorship Plans . Walking Miracles establishes survivorship plans that connect patients to survivorship clinics and much more .
Reimagine Well . Walking Miracles ’ tablets come with Reimagine Well , a platform that uses an immersive virtual experience to travel to exciting places like the beach , the zoo and outer space .
Help us support them . Partner with or donate to Walking Miracles today . walkingmiracles . org / contact | 833-496-3398
Walking Miracles Family Foundation was founded by Brett Wilson , a two-time childhood cancer survivor of leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma , to support West Virginia families who are experiencing the many uncertainties associated with childhood cancer .
Brett Wilson brett @ walkingmiracles . org | 304-990-8624
Kacie Owens kacie @ walkingmiracles . org | 304-990-8625