The National Vaccine Third International Information Center Public Conference on Vaccination 2002
November 7-9, 2002
Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel Arlington, Virginia
“Truth in Science: The Right to Know and The Freedom to Decide” Program Welcome
Dear Friends,
As mothers of children, who suffered serious reactions to DPT vaccine and as co-founders of the National Vaccine Information Center, we welcome you to the Third International Public Conference on Vaccination. This year, the National Vaccine Information Center marks its 20th year of work to prevent vaccine injuries and deaths through public education. We are grateful to the many parents, grandparents and concerned citizens who support our work and have made it possible for so many distinguished speakers to share information with you. Our goal, as always, is to promote open and responsible discussion about what is and is not known about vaccination in order to encourage well designed research into the biological mechanisms of vaccine injury and death; the long term, chronic effects of multiple vaccination on individual and public health; the identification of genetic and other biological high risk factors; and the development of therapies to reduce or eliminate vaccine-induced neurological and immune system dysfunction. We also support the exploration of health care alternatives for preventing illness and maintaining health that are changing the face of medicine and providing new therapies for the vaccine injured. Finally, we are committed to defending the human right of all people to make informed, voluntary decisions about medical interventions which can cause injury or death, including vaccination. Our work and this conference is dedicated to the children, who had no voice and had no choice, and who lost their lives or their health and had their futures forever changed by public health policies promoted and enforced in the absence of adequate scientific knowledge about adverse responses to vaccination. We believe that a wise and compassionate society is one that values the life of each individual enough to commit the will and resources to honestly seek, discover and embrace the truth, no matter what that truth turns out to be, so that action can be taken to ensure that lives are not carelessly sacrificed in the name of the public good. For us, it has always been about saving one life at a time. We have no doubt that if you take what you learn at the Third International Public Conference on Vaccination and share it with your family, friends and colleagues, you will spare at least one child and family the tragedy of suffering a life-altering vaccine reaction.
With kindest regards.
Barbara Loe Fisher, President & Co-founder Kathi Williams, Vice President & Co-founder Truth in Science The Right to Know and the Freedom to Decide
Anecdotal Evidence Shows the Way The Starfish
From the time British physician There was a young man walking down a Edward Jenner created the small- deserted beach just before dawn. In the distance pox vaccine in 1796 through the he saw a frail old man. As he approached the old man, he saw him 20th century when human popula- picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea. tions were exposed to multiple vi- The young man gazed in wonder as the old man again and ral and bacterial vaccines in early again threw the small starfish from the sand to the water. He asked, childhood, there have been persis- “Old man, why do you spend so much energy doing what seems to tent anecdotal reports of serious be a waste of time? health problems following vaccina- The old man explained that the stranded starfish would die if tion. Most of these health prob- left in the morning sun. lems have occurred in previously “But there must be thousands of beaches and millions of star- healthy individuals, although for fish!” exclaimed the young man. “How can you make any differ- some there was a worsening of a ence?” pre-existing condition. In others, The old man looked at the small starfish in his hand and, as he were warning signs of potential threw it to the safety of the sea, he said, “It makes a difference to high risk factors that could have this one!” predicted a vaccine reaction was - Author Unknown likely to occur. There has always been a com- pelling pattern to these anecdotal Conference on Vaccination will century, there has been a corre- reports of vaccine-induced acknowledge the importance of sponding dramatic increase in neuroimmune dysfunction and, yet, these anecdotal reports, which chronic disease and disability medical science has written off point the way to the need for mean- among children and young adults. most as “coincidences” and of no ingful research into the causes and The numbers of children with real value in determining cause and treatments for vaccine-induced learning disabilities, attention defi- effect. So the individual reports brain and immune system dysfunc- cit disorder and asthma have continue to mount as the pattern tion. doubled; diabetes has tripled; and becomes more obvious, waiting for autism has increased 200 to 600 acknowledgement, in-depth inves- Truth in Science percent in most states in America. tigation and credible analysis by The question yet to be answered by industry, government and medical As infectious diseases in child- medical science is: why? organizations promoting mass vac- hood have dropped to dramatic new After more than a century of cination with multiple vaccines. lows in the U.S., Canada and Eu- persistent reports in the medical lit- The Third International Public rope during the past quarter erature that vaccinations can induce Truth in Science The Right to Know and the Freedom to Decide chronic immune and neurological to health care alternatives which dysfunction, the Third Interna- enhance the functioning of the im- tional Public Conference on Vac- mune system. Today, there are a cination has brought together dis- growing number of enlightened tinguished speakers representing a physicians and health care provid- wide range of expertise, including ers who reject the one-size-fits-all pediatrics, immunology, epidemi- approach of mass vaccination poli- ology, pharmacology, gastroenter- cies and are using more individu- ology, organic chemistry, physics, alized, complementary and integra- genetics, internal medicine, chiro- tive approaches to the prevention practic, osteopathy, family practice, and treatment of illness. At this emergency medicine, family and conference, pioneering clinicians child development, psychology and and researchers will talk about how other specialties to discuss the bio- and why the innovative therapies logical mechanisms and possible they have developed are so success- high risk factors for adverse re- ful in helping to heal children sponses to vaccination. Pioneering whose mental regression and im- researchers will present the results mune dysfunction suddenly devel- of their investigation into how and oped after vaccination. why vaccines can cause a wide level has focused on tracking ev- range of neuroimmune dysfunction Technology, The Law and ery citizen’s health status; develop- including learning disabilities, at- Informed Consent to ing mechanisms for the quarantine tention deficit disorder, autism, ar- and forced vaccination of citizens; thritis, convulsions, inflammatory Vaccination and protecting vaccine manufactur- bowel disease, chronic fatigue, ers and providers from liability for asthma and other chronic, serious While rapid advances in new vaccine injuries and deaths. At the health problems. technology have the potential to same time, there are serious ques- generate valuable information tions being raised about the threat The Paradigm Shift about vaccination outcomes, this to our medical privacy, our civil lib- same new technology is enabling erties and the freedom to make life After exploring the biological government and industry to iden- and death health care choices for basis for adverse responses to vac- tify and track all citizen’s medical ourselves and our children. At this cination, doctors will address the records and vaccination status. In conference, technology and legal paradigm shift that is occurring in the wake of terrorist attacks on experts, bioethicists and informed health care as modern medicine’s America and the call by some for consent advocates will talk about exclusive reliance on vaccines and mass vaccination with smallpox protecting our legal and human other pharmaceutical products to and other bioterrorism vaccines, right to make informed, voluntary prevent and treat illness gives way legislation at the state and federal vaccination decisions. Conference Schedule
THURSDAY 4:30 - 4:45 p.m. 9:45 - 10:15 a.m. Jeana Smith Paul Fawcett, Ph.D. November 7 “My Son’s Regression into Autism “Lyme Vaccine and Neuroimmune after Vaccination” Dysfunction” ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE 4:45 - 5:30 p.m. 10:15 - 10:30 a.m. SHOWS THE WAY Paul Shattock, MRPharmS BREAK “Measles, Chickenpox and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Neuroimmune Dysfunction” 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. REGISTRATION Eric Hurwitz, Ph.D., D.C. 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. “Vaccination and Allergic Disease” 1:00 p.m. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WELCOME AND ORIENTATION WITH AUDIENCE 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. Walter Schumm, Ph.D. 1:15 - 1:45 p.m. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. “Anthrax Vaccine and Chronic Major Sonnie Bates (Ret.) DINNER ON YOUR OWN Illness” “Anthrax Vaccination in the Military: One Pilot’s Story” 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. TESTIMONIALS AND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 1:45 - 2:15 p.m. NETWORKING WITH AUDIENCE Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner “Lyme Disease and Lyme Vaccine: FRIDAY 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. A Mother’s Perspective” LUNCH November 8 2:15 - 2:45 p.m. 1:15 - 1:45 p.m. Stanley Kops, J.D. TRUTH IN SCIENCE John Lednicky, Ph.D. “Polio Vaccine, Neurovirulence “SV-40 and Human Cancers” and SV-40” 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. REGISTRATION 1:45 - 2:30 p.m. 2:45 - 3:15 p.m. Boyd Haley, Ph.D. Kihura Nkuba 8:20 - 8:30 a.m. “Mercury and Brain Dysfunction” “Polio Vaccine Campaigns in WELCOME AND Africa” ORIENTATION 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. 3:15 - 3:45 p.m. Mark Geier, M.D., Ph.D. 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. “Smallpox and Smallpox Vaccine” BREAK Kathryn Carbone, M.D. “Virus Vaccines and Neurovirulence” 3:45 - 4:30 p.m. 3:00 - 3:15 p.m. BREAK Bernard Rimland, Ph.D. 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. “Regressive Autism and Andrew Wakefield, M.D. Vaccination” “MMR, Enterocolitis and Autism” Conference Schedule Continued
3:15 - 4:00 p.m. 10:45 - 11:00 a.m. 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. Mark Geier, M.D., Ph.D. and BREAK George Annas, J.D., MPH David Geier “Bioterrorism, Public Health and “VAERS Vaccine Reaction Report 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Civil Liberties” Analysis” Mary Megson, M.D. “Genetics, Vaccine Injury and 3:45 - 4:00 p.m. 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. Getting Well” BREAK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH AUDIENCE 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. WITH AUDIENCE WITH AUDIENCE Barbara Loe Fisher Keynote Address 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Adil Shamoo, Ph.D. Jeffrey S. Thompson, J.D. 8:00 p.m. “Ethics and Conflicts of Interest in “Vaccine Injury Compensation: RESEARCH FUND RAISING Clinical Trials” Federal and Civil” DINNER - Sponsors Only Andrew Wakefield, M.D., 12:45 - 1:30 p.m. 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. Guest Speaker LUNCH Mathew Staver, Esq. “Truth and Consequences in “Defending the Religious Exemp- Science” TECHNOLOGY, THE LAW tion to Vaccination” AND INFORMED CONSENT SATURDAY 5:45 - 6:00 p.m. TO VACCINATION Lynn Friedman, D.C. November 9 “Faith and Vaccination” THE PARADIGM SHIFT 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. Diana Cregar 6:00 - 6:15 p.m. 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. “Using Technology to Map Vaccine QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Philip Incao, M.D. Related Neuroimmune Illness” WITH AUDIENCE “The Paradigm Shift” 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. Sue Blevins, MPH DINNER Gerard Clum, D.C. “Technology, Privacy and Informed Author Michael Palmer, M.D., “Role of Chiropractic in Consent” Guest Speaker Health Care” - Special Achievement Awards 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Entertainment 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Katie Corrigan, J.D. Stephanie Cave, M.D. “The Model State Emergency Sherri Tenpenny, D.O. Health Powers Act” “Vaccine Injury Therapy: An Holistic Approach Conference Speakers
Sonnie G. Bates is a retired Air Air Freight Flight, the largest op- degree in business administration. Force pilot. A native of Kentucky, eration of its kind in the Depart- She also holds two graduate de- he graduated from ment of Defense. During his dis- grees in insurance and starts law Northern Ken- tinguished career in the Air Force, school next year. In 1988, she co- tucky University he led the development of the “first- founded the Lyme Disease Foun- with a bachelor of ever” engine running deicing pro- dation, a national, non-profit orga- science degree. cedure for the Air Force and won nization, after her son contracted After becoming a numerous awards including the Air and became multiply handicapped pilot in the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal from Lyme disease. She is founder Force in 1986, he (twice), the Air Force Commenda- of the Journal of Spirochetal & served as a jet tion Medal (twice) and the Air Tick-Borne Disorders and is the training instructor Force Achievement Medal. In author of Everything You Need to pilot, flight exam- 1999, while at Dover AFB as chief Know About Lyme Disease & iner and com- of an Operations and Analysis Other Tick-borne Disorders. She mander before be- Branch, he spoke out about anthrax was responsible in 1988 for launch- ing appointed in 1995 to command vaccine risks. He was interviewed ing a national media campaign to the 436th Aerial Port Squadron’s by “60 Minutes” and testified in raise public awareness of the dan- congressional hearings into the gers of Lyme disease and working military’s anthrax vaccination pro- with Congress to obtain funding for gram. He was separated from the Lyme disease research. An early U.S. Air Force with a general dis- advocate of the development of a charge under honorable conditions vaccine to prevent Lyme disease, in March 2000. He works for a in 2000 she became a vocal critic corporate flight department in of the OspA Lyme vaccine, li- Philadelphia and lives with his wife censed in 1998, after investigating and three children in Delaware. He reports of vaccine reactions. Since continues to question the safety of then, she has worked to raise pub- the Department of Defense’s man- lic awareness about the vaccine’s datory anthrax vaccination pro- risks. gram. Stanley Kops is a Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner is Philadelphia attor- chairman and president of the ney specializing in Lyme Disease Foundation and the product liability mother of a child who died from and personal injury Lyme disease. She received a bach- law. After graduat- elor of science degree from ing from Johns Muskingum College and graduated Hopkins Univer- from University of Connecticut sity and Ner Israel School of Business with a master’s Rabbinical College, he received a Conference Speakers
law degree from University of Eastern Africa. Committed to halt- Maryland. One of the first cases he ing the disintegration of African worked on was that of a young culture and promoting the well be- mother of two who had become ing of African people through paralyzed in 1963 by the live oral healthy nutrition, clean air and polio vaccine (OPV) and was left water, he has challenged the gov- a quadriplegic. Nine years later he ernment on bad debts, war, popu- served as co-counsel when a fed- lation control and mass vaccination eral judge ruled in Griffen v United campaigns which include the ad- States that the U.S. government ministration of live polio vaccine was liable because the FDA had not at gunpoint. One of the most followed its own regulations re- sought-after public speakers in Af- garding release of OPV for public rica today, he is often asked to con- use. He was also co-counsel in sult on issues affecting African Berkowitz v. United States when families. He was chair of the the U.S. Supreme Court in 1988 Nambola Peace Conference which made a similar ruling and, again, resolved ethnic fighting in Eastern in 1993 when the U.S. 4th Circuit Congo. He is founder of Greater Court of Appeals found the govern- Afrikan Radio, which reaches an ment liable and awarded damages audience of more than 11 million to seven adults and children who listeners in Africa, and is president had been paralyzed by the oral po- of the East Afrikan Rural Broad- lio vaccine. An expert on OPV and casters. He is founder of Action on neurovirulence as well as SV40 Earth, a UK Charity, and director contamination of OPV, Mr. Kops of the Pan Afrikan Centre for Stra- has been admitted to the Federal tegic and International Studies. For Courts of Appeals in five Circuit his stand on voluntary polio vacci- Courts and has been admitted pro nations, he has suffered persecu- hac vice to handle OPV injury tion. He will receive NVIC’s Hu- cases in both the federal and state manitarian Award at this confer- courts of 13 states. He is a mem- ence. ber of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims where he represents victims Bernard Rimland is a research of vaccine injuries. psychologist and director of the Autism Research Institute, which Nkamuhayo Rwacumika, also he founded in 1967. He is also the known in the Pan African World as founder, in 1965, of the Autism Kihura Nkuba (one who handcuffs Society of America and co-founder lightening and throws thunder in of the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) jail), is a folk hero to the people of project which emphasizes the iden- “First and last what is demanded of genius is love of truth”
–Goethe
tification and treatment of the ba- of four children. One of her identi- Europe. The father of Jamie, who sic biological causes of autism. He cal twins, Jacob, was diagnosed has autism, and Rachel, who does earned a bachelor’s and master’s with autism in 1997. Five years not, he is the author of numerous degree in experimental psychology ago, Jeana and her husband, articles in the medical literature from San Diego Darrell, were given little hope that discussing the use and abuse of State University, their son would recover. Her search medication as well as the metabolic where he has been for answers about ways to heal processes and environmental trig- an adjunct profes- Jacob led her to answers about gers which may underlie the devel- sor since 1955, what had happened to her son. To- opment of autism. He is co-author and he received day, Jacob has been mainstreamed of the “Charter Rights for Persons his Ph.D. in ex- in a regular second grade class in with Autism” which was accepted perimental psy- the Louisiana public school sys- as a Declaration by the European chology from tem. Parliament in 1996. He is a mem- Penn State Uni- ber of the Royal Pharmaceutical versity. Dr. Rimland’s 1964 prize- Paul Shattock is director of the Society and was appointed Office winning book, Infantile Autism: Autism Research Unit, School of the Order of the British Empire The Syndrome and Its Implications of Sciences, University of (O.B.E.) by the Queen in 1998. for a Neural Theory of Behavior, Sunderland, England. He received changed the field of psychiatry and an honors degree in Pharmacy from Kathryn Mary Carbone is spe- the widely-held view that autism is the University of London and a di- cial assistant to the associate direc- an emotional illness caused by cold ploma in Agricultural and Veteri- tor for research, Centers for and destructive mothering to its nary Pharmacy. A senior lecturer Biologics Evaluation and Research current recognition that autism is a at the University of Sunderland (CBER), Food and Drug Adminis- biological disorder. He is editor of teaching pharmacy and related sub- tration (FDA). She is associate pro- the Autism Research Review Inter- jects since fessor of medicine and psychiatry national and the author of numer- 1966, he is at the Johns Hopkins School of ous publications and recipient of the founding Medicine and adjunct professor of many honors and awards for his chairman of a microbiology and tropical medi- pioneering research into autism. He residential cine at George Washington Univer- served as a primary technical ad- and day ser- sity School of Medicine. She visor on autism for the film Rain vice for more graduated magna cum laude from Man, an acclaimed film whose than 150 Harvard-Radcliffe College with a main character was based on Dr. adults and degree in biology and received her Rimland’s oldest son, who is au- adolescents medical degree with honors from tistic. Dr. Rimland is being pre- with autism University of Wisconsin School of sented with NVIC’s Courage in in the North East of England. He Medicine. Her post-graduate work Science award at this conference. is vice president of the World Au- was conducted at Johns Hopkins tism Association and UK represen- University in neurovirology and Jeana Smith is a co-founder of tative and Hon. Sec. of the Inter- infectious diseases. Dr. Carbone Unlocking Autism and the mother national Association of Autism- served as chief, FDA Laboratory of Conference Speakers
Pediatric and Respiratory Viral and University College Medical Diseases, Division of Viral Prod- School, London. Dr. Wakefield has ucts, Office of Vaccines Research served as honorary consultant in and Review, CBER, from 1996 to experimental gastroenterology to 2002. She is the recipient of many Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust scientific awards and author of nu- and director of research and chair- merous articles on virus-induced man, Inflammatory Bowel Disease neurobehavioral disease pathogen- Study Group at Royal Free Hospi- esis, including Borna disease virus tal School of Medicine. The recipi- (BDV)-induced model of autism: ent of awards and scholarships for application to vaccine safety test original research and technology design (in press). She has just com- development, he is an international pleted a book, Borna Disease Vi- authority on inflammatory bowel rus and Its Role in Neurobehavioral disease and has published exten- Diseases, which is also in press. sively on its pathogenesis and eti- ology; mechanisms of intestinal Andrew J. Wakefield is a gastro- injury in NSAID drug-induced en- enterologist and director of re- teropathy; measles virus; and child- search for the International Child hood developmental disorders and Development Resource Center. chronic intestinal inflammation. In Born in England, he received his 2000, Dr. Wakefield was presented doctor of medicine degree from with NVIC’s Courage in Science University of London, St. Mary’s award for his pioneering research Hospital Medical School. He stud- into the biological mechanisms of ied experimen- vaccine associated autism. tal surgery and small bowel Paul Fawcett is director of the Life transplantation Science Center, Alfred I. DuPont at the Univer- Hospital for Children, where he is sity of Toronto. also senior research scientist and In 1988, he was head of the Im- appointed munology Wellcome Re- Laboratories. search Fellow He graduated at the Royal Free School of Medi- magna cum cine and, between 1990 and 2001, laude from was a senior lecturer and then a Lowell State reader in Experimental Gastroen- Teacher’s Col- terology, Department of Medicine lege with a and Histopathology, Royal Free bachelor of “All knowledge attains its ethical value and its human significance only by the humane sense in which it is employed. Only a good man can be a great physician.”
–Hermann Nothnagel science degree in biology and his master’s degree and Ph.D. in ceived his bachelor of science de- earned a master’s degree in biol- epidemiology from University of gree in physics from the College ogy from University of Massachu- California. He received his doctor of William and Mary and his setts Lowell. He received his Ph.D. of chiropractic master’s of science degree in fam- in biochemistry and chemistry degree from ily and child development from from University of Massachusetts Los Angeles Kansas State University. He earned Lowell. He is assistant professor of College of his Ph.D. in family studies from pediatrics at Thomas Jefferson Uni- Chiropractic, Purdue University. With more than versity and supervisor of post doc- where he was 30 years active and reserve military toral fellows at University of Dela- his class vale- service in the U.S. Army, includ- ware, School of Life and Health dictorian, and ing active service in Desert Storm, Sciences. An authority on Lyme has served on Dr. Schumm is a Colonel in the disease, Dr. Fawcett has published the Board of Military Police, U.S. Army, Retired extensively on the causes and bio- Chiropractic Reserve. He is the recipient of 25 logical mechanisms for autoimmu- Examiners for the State of Califor- decorations and service medals, in- nity, including immune complex nia since 1989. He has conducted cluding the Legion of Merit. He has disease and malaria infection; pe- research into and published and served as a Senior Consortium of diatric Lyme arthritis, and arthritis lectured extensively on the rela- Universities Research Fellow since following OspA Lyme vaccination. tionship between immune stimula- 1994 at the U.S. Army Research In- He is the recipient of the 2002 Dis- tion and subsequent physical and stitute for the Behavioral and So- tinguished Alumnus Award, De- behavioral responses, including the cial Sciences focusing on ways to partment of Bio-Science, Univer- effect of chiropractic and medical reduce deploy- sity of Massachusetts Lowell and management of low back pain on ment/separa- serves on the Institutional Review health; the relationship between tion stress on Board for Human Research, Alfred asthma, hay fever and other aller- military fami- I. Du Pont Hospital, and the Com- gies on lower-back pain and de- lies. He is the mittee of Experts, General Toxicol- pression; and the effects of DPT or co-author of ogy & Biocompatibility, United tetanus vaccination on allergies and Sourcebook of States Pharmacopeia. allergy-related respiratory symp- Family Theo- toms among children and adoles- ries and Meth- Eric Hurwitz is assistant profes- cents. He is the recipient of nu- ods: A Contex- sor in residence, Department of merous research and teaching tual Approach Epidemiology, School of Public awards, including the Distin- and has con- Health, University of California, guished Teaching Award from the ducted research and published ex- Los Angeles, and assistant profes- UCLA School of Public Health. tensively on the effect of military sor, Department of Research, Los life on the physical, mental and Angeles College of Chiropractic, Walter R. Schumm is a professor emotional health of families, in- Southern California University of of family studies, School of Fam- cluding the adverse effects of ex- Health Sciences. He received his ily Studies and Human Services, perimental drugs and vaccines used bachelor’s degree in physiology, Kansas State University. He re- by Persian Gulf War soldiers. Conference Speakers
John Lednicky is assistant profes- University of Kentucky, with joint Mark Geier is co-director, Genetic sor and director of virology for mo- appointment in the College of Phar- Consultants; director, Institute of lecular pathology and associate di- macy. He received his bachelor’s Immuno-Oncology and Genetics; rector of clinical microbiology and degree in chemistry and physics and president of the Genetic Cen- director of clinical virology at from Franklin College, a master’s ters of America. He received a Loyola University, Chicago. He degree in organic chemistry from bachelors of science degree, a received a bachelor of science de- University of Idaho and a Ph.D. in Ph.D. in genetics and a doctor of gree in microbiol- chemistry and biochemistry from medicine degree from George ogy from University Washington State University. He Washington University. He was a of Miami and a served as a Research Scholar in the research geneticist at the Labora- master’s of science Food and Drug Administration and tory of General and Comparative degree in microbiol- was an NIH Postdoctoral Scholar Biochemistry at the NIH and sub- ogy from University in the Department of Physiology, sequently a member of the profes- of Missouri. He Yale University Medical School, sional staff. A Diplomate of the earned his Ph.D. in before becom- American Board of Medical Genet- microbiology from ing a professor ics and of the American Board of University of Texas- in the Depart- Forensic Medicine, Austin. He completed post-doc- ment of Bio- he served as assis- toral education and was an assis- chemistry, Uni- tant professor, De- tant professor, Division of Molecu- versity of Wyo- partment of Gyne- lar Virology and Microbiology at ming. He is co- cology and Obstet- Baylor College of Medicine. In founder and sci- rics, Johns Hopkins 1995, he was lead author of the first entific advisor School of Medi- published report of the isolation and of Affinity La- cine, and associate cloning of a viable natural SV40 ge- beling Technologies, Inc., a biotech professor, Depart- nome by lipofection of purified to- company that synthesizes and mar- ment of Psychol- tal human choriod plexus tumor kets to major research institutes ogy at the U.S. Military Medical DNA into SV40-permissive monkey nucelotide photoaffinity analogs School. He is president of Genetic kidney cells (Natural simian virus for biomedical research. Dr. Counseling and Research, Inc. and 40 strains are present in human Haley’s research into biochemical director of Molecular Medicine, choriod plexus and ependymoma factors involved in Alzheimer’s dis- Inc. He was an early critic of the tumors. Virology). He has published ease led to his identifying exposure whole cell pertussis vaccine and is extensively on the serological and to mercury as a major exacerbat- an expert on the biological effects molecular evidence for SV40 infec- ing and perhaps causal factor. He of vaccine-induced infant death. He tions in children and the relationship has published, lectured and testi- and his son, David, have co- between human SV40 infections fied in Congress and in state legis- authored a series of articles provid- and brain and bone cancer. latures about the association be- ing in-depth analysis of events re- tween mercury in dental amalgams ported to the federal Vaccine Ad- Boyd Haley is professor and chair- and vaccines with chronic disease verse Events Reporting System man, Department of Chemistry, and disability, including autism. (VAERS), including those involv- “Liberty of thought is the life of the soul”
– Hegel
ing hepatitis B, rubella, pertussis, exandria Tourist Council in Alex- his fourth DPT shot in 1980 when Lyme, rotavirus, anthrax, and andria, Virginia. She is co-author he was two and a half years old. smallpox vaccines. Dr. Geier will of DPT: A Shot in the Dark receive NVIC’s Courage in Science (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Kathi Williams is co-founder and award at this conference. 1985), author of The Consumer’s vice president/executive director of Guide to Childhood Vaccines and the National Vaccine Information David Geier is president of editor of THE VACCINE REAC- Center. She opened NVIC’s office MedCon, Inc. He graduated with TION and The Vaccine Hotline in 1982 and has been responsible honors from University of Mary- newsletters. She served on the Na- for creating the administrative in- land-Baltimore with a bachelor’s tional Vaccine Advisory Commit- frastructure and managing business degree in biology in 2002. During tee for four years and was ap- and day-to-day operations for most college, he was a research intern at pointed to the of NVIC’s 20 year history. As prin- the National Institutes of Mental Institute of cipal liaison with NVIC’s member- Health, Laboratory of Biochemical Medicine Vac- ship, she is an expert on the provi- Genetics and the cine Safety sions and implementation of the Biological Labora- Forum in National Childhood tory of the Univer- 1995, where Vaccine Injury Act sity of Maryland- she helped to of 1986. She has Baltimore. He is coordinate represented NVIC the recipient of a five public membership con- number of awards workshops on vaccine safety is- cerns at meetings of for academic sues. She has been the consumer the Advisory Com- achievement and voting member of the Vaccines and mission on Child- has co-authored with his father, Related Biological Products Advi- hood Vaccines and Mark Geier, more than 20 articles sory Committee of the FDA since other government meetings and analyzing events reported to the 1999. She has defined and led the legislative hearings. She is co- Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting national grassroots vaccine safety owner of Vienna Glass Company System (VAERS). and informed consent movement in and served as the company’s busi- the U.S., representing parents at ness manager for five years. The Barbara Loe Fisher is co-founder scientific and government meet- mother of two children, her son, and president of the National Vac- ings; testifying in state and federal Nathan, suffered a severe reaction cine Information Center. She re- legislative hearings; speaking at to his fourth DPT shot in 1982 ceived a bachelor of arts degree in health care conferences and par- when he was 18 months old and English from the University of ticipating in print and broadcast re- was left with learning disabilities Maryland and was an editor for ports on vaccine safety and in- and attention deficit disorder. New York Life Insurance Company formed consent issues. The mother in New York City; director of com- of three children, her oldest son, Philip Incao is a physician in pri- munity relations for Muhlenberg Chris, was left with multiple learn- vate practice in Denver, Colorado. Hospital in New Jersey; and me- ing disabilities and attention deficit He received his doctor of medicine dia relations coordinator for the Al- disorder after a severe reaction to degree from Albert Einstein Col- Conference Speakers
lege of Medicine in New York. He board of directors of the Associa- master’s degree in clinical chem- interned at Herrick Memorial Hos- tion of Chiropractic Colleges. He istry and a doctor of medicine de- pital in Berkeley, California and has also served gree from Louisiana State Univer- served in the US Naval Medical as a member of sity Medical Center. She completed Corps before studying philosophy, the Board of Di- her internship and residency in ethics and anthroposophic medi- rectors or an of- family medicine at Earl K. Long cine at Einstein College, Sussex, ficer of the Inter- Memorial Hospital and is certified England and at the Lukas Clinic in national Chiro- by the American Board of Family Arlesheim, Switzerland. The first practors Asso- Practice. She is the author of What president of the Physicians’ Asso- ciation and the Your Doctor May Not Tell You ciation for Anthroposophic Medi- Council on Chi- About Children’s Vaccinations cine in the U.S., he ropractic Educa- (Warner, 2001) and has testified was a physician in tion and the Association of Chiro- before state and federal legislative private practice in practic Colleges. He is a Diplomate hearings on mercury in vaccines rural New York for of the National Board of Chiro- and autism. In her private practice 23 years, where he practic Examiners. The recipient of she specializes in treating children also served as the numerous awards for distinguished with allergies, attention deficit dis- medical director for service in education and the com- order, autism and other Camphill Village in munication of chiropractic philoso- neuroimmune dysfunction. Copake, a unique phy and principles, he is a frequent community resi- lecturer at educational conferences Sherri Tenpenny is founder and dence for mentally handicapped and colleges in the U.S. and abroad director of OsteoMed II, an inte- adults. He is a consultant and on the subject of integrated health grated practice of conventional, teacher on health topics at Waldorf care and the social and cultural complementary and preventive Schools in Denver, Boulder and trends affecting the evolution and medicine in Strongsville, Ohio. Aspen and lectures frequently on future of health care. She graduated from the multi-disciplinary approach to University of Toledo health and healing. Stephanie Cave is on the clinical magna cum laude faculty at the Louisiana State Uni- with a bachelor of arts Gerard Clum is a professor of chi- versity Medical School and her pri- degree and received ropractic sciences and president of vate practice in Baton Rouge is de- her doctor of osteopa- Life Chiropractic College West. He voted to family thy degree magna cum received his doctor of chiropractic medicine. After laude from Kirksville degree from Palmer College of graduating with College of Osteo- Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, honors from the pathic Medicine. She interned at where he served as an instructor of School of Medi- Michigan Osteopathic Medical chiropractic technique and was also cal Technology Center and is board certified in in private practice. Dr. Clum is at Ochsner Foun- emergency medicine and osteo- Secretary of the World Federation dation Hospital, pathic manipulative medicine. Dr. of Chiropractic and serves on the she received a Tenpenny founded and was presi- “When you take an idea or a concept and turn it into an abstraction, that opens the way to take human beings and turn them, also into, abstractions.”
-Elie Weisel dent of Valley-Plus Emergency development at the Medical Col- Committee and the Center for Bio- Medical Group in Findlay, Ohio lege of Virginia. A Diplomate of the medical Ethics, University of and served as chief of Family Prac- National Board of Medical Exam- Maryland, Baltimore. Dr. Shamoo tice/Emergency Medicine and di- iners and a Fellow of the Ameri- is the founder and editor of the jour- rector of the Emergency Medicine can Academy of Pediatrics, she nal Accountability in Research and Department at Blanchard Valley served as director of Developmen- the co-founder and first vice presi- Regional Health Center. She lec- tal Pediatrics at Children’s Hospi- dent of Citizens for Responsible tures at Case Western Reserve tal in Richmond for nine years and Care and Research. He was a mem- Medical School on integrating al- was associate clinical professor of ber of the board of directors of the ternative medicine into a conven- pediatrics, Medical College of Vir- National Alliance for the Mentally tional medical practice and has ginia. Dr. Megson’s private prac- Ill and the principal author of their given workshops at Cleveland tice is devoted to diagnosing and 1997 Code of Ethics for enrolling State University and major cities treating developmentally delayed the mentally ill in research. He on women’s health issues, alterna- children and she is currently con- served as president of the board of tive therapies, vaccination and ducting a clinical study to investi- directors of Howard County Men- clinical tools to address vaccine- gate her hypothesis that G-alpha tal Health Authority and under his related health concerns. She is protein defect is a high risk factor co-leadership in 1994 the State of moderator of “Health Wise,” an for developing autism after vacci- Maryland passed the first and most internet forum on Cleveland Live nation. comprehensive Mental Health Par- (www.cleveland.com). ity Law in the nation. He has Adil Shamoo is professor and chaired eight international confer- Mary Megson is founder and di- former chairman, Department of ences on ethics in research and rector of the Pediatric and Adoles- Biochemistry and Molecular Biol- public policy and published more cent Ability Center in Richmond, ogy, Univer- than 200 papers in the field of bio- Virginia. She graduated magna sity of Mary- physics, biochemistry, and protec- cum laude from Hollins College land School of tion of human subjects in research, with a bachelor of science degree Medicine. He and is the recipient of numerous and received her doctor of medi- received a achievement awards. cine degree from the University of bachelor of Virginia. She completed her intern- science degree Diana Cregar is a Geographic In- ship and residency at Boston Float- in physics formation System (GIS) project ing Hospital, from the Uni- specialist at the Institute for Com- Tufts New En- versity of Baghdad and a master’s munity and Regional Develop- gland Medical degree in physics from the Univer- ment, Eastern Michigan University. Center and fel- sity of Louisville. He received a She received a bachelor of science lowships in am- Ph.D. in biophysics from the City degree from Eastern Michigan Uni- bulatory pediat- University of New York. A research versity in urban and regional plan- rics at Boston scientist and bioethicist, he is a ning and environmental science. Children’s Hos- member of the National Human She is chairperson of the Southeast- pital and child Research Protections Advisory ern Michigan Council of Govern- Conference Speakers
ments. Using advanced computer leading national advocate for cast and print news reports on software programs based on civil medical privacy and consumers’ health freedom issues. engineering and environmental ap- freedom to choose their own health plications, Ms. Cregar has assisted care, she received her bachelor of Katie Corrigan is legislative the City of Ypsilanti in the science degree and master of sci- counsel for the American Civil identifcation of redevelopment ar- ence degree from Johns Hopkins Liberties Union (ACLU) in its eas targeted for environmental University and a master of public Washington National Office, toxin contamination cleanup and health degree where she is responsible for main- worked with local counties and from Harvard taining and defending civil liber- school districts to de- University. A ties in the areas of privacy. A velop GIS education former registered graduate of the University of Penn- and training programs nurse who prac- sylvania, she received her law de- to analyze and im- ticed in hospitals gree from Georgetown University prove the quality of in Canada and the School of Law. She was a Teach- life in communities. U.S., Ms. Blevins ing Fellow at the Federal Legisla- She is spearheading a was awarded the tion Clinic, Georgetown Univer- research project, Emma Jones Cullen Beckwith sity Law Center and served as “Making the World Award for highest standards of counsel for the Senate Health, Edu- Visible to the Mind: nursing practice and executive abil- cation, Labor and Pensions Com- Investigating the Spatial Relation- ity from Johns Hopkins University. mittee, where she was the lead ships between Environmental Tox- Ms. Blevins served as a legislative staffer on genetic discrimination ins and Autism Spectrum Disor- analyst for the National Institutes and disability rights for U.S. Sena- der,” in which GIS technology will of Health and as a Congressional tor Tom Harkin. She organized two be used to create and analyze com- Fellow for Senator John D. bi-partisan congressional amicus puter generated maps that can il- Rockefeller IV. She was a Nonresi- briefs to the Supreme Court sup- lustrate the spatial relationships be- dent Fellow for the Institute for Hu- porting the constitutionality of tween exposure to environmental mane Studies at George Mason Title II of the Americans with Dis- toxins via water, air or dietary food University, where she conducted abilities Act (ADA). She spear- sources and vaccine usage as they original research to identify anti- headed Senator Harkin’s bipartisan relate to disabilities such as autism. competitive barriers in health care initiatives to bridge the digital di- A database infrastructure will sup- which was published by the Cato vide for people with disabilities port research that examines and com- Institute entitled “The Medical Mo- and to ensure equal access to com- pares a child’s variable genetic sus- nopoly: Protecting Consumers or munity based services for people ceptibility to environmental toxins Limiting Competition?” She served with disabilities. She has helped that will help determine if children as a consultant and primary author develop proposed legislative pro- with higher exposures are susceptible of a report for Massachusetts Gov- tection for individual’s identifiable to neuroimmune dysfunction. ernor Weld’s Task Force on the health information held by state Health Care Industry. Leading free public health agencies and the pro- Sue Blevins is founder and presi- market think tanks, such as the Na- tection of individual liberties un- dent of the Institute for Health tional Center for Policy Analysis, der the Model State Emergency Freedom, a nonpartisan, nonprofit have published her research and she Health Powers Act being intro- Washington-based think tank. A has appeared in numerous broad- duced in states. “For all we have and are For all our children’s fate, Stand up and take the war.”
– Rudyard Kipling
George Annas is the Edward R. stitute of Medicine and co-chair of Mathew Staver is founder and Utley Professor and chair of the the American Bar Association’s president of Liberty Counsel, a re- Department of Public Health, Bio- Committee on Medical Practice ligious civil liberties education and ethics and Human Rights of Bos- and Medical Research (Science legal defense organization. He ton University School of Public and Technology Section). graduated magna cum laude from Health and professor in the Boston Southern College with a bachelor’s University School of Medicine and Jeffrey Thompson is an attorney degree in theology. He graduated School of Law. He graduated from with the Williams Bailey Law first in his class, summa cum laude, Harvard College magna cum laude Firm in Houston, Texas. He re- from Andrew University with a with a bachelor’s degree in eco- ceived his bachelor’s degree from master’s degree in religion. He re- nomics and received his doctor of Northeast Missouri State and ceived his doctor of law degree law degree from Harvard Law studied law at the University of from the University of Kentucky. School and a master’s in public Houston Law Center, where he Prior to entering law, he served as health from Harvard School of graduated magna cum laude with a pastor in churches in Kentucky. Public Health. He was awarded an a doctor of law degree in 1992. He The author of Faith and Freedom: honorary Doctor of Humane Let- served as a law clerk for the Hon. A Complete Guide to Defending ters from Salem State College. He Carolyn Dineen King at the Your Free Speech and Religious is founder of the Law, Medicine United States Court of Appeals for Rights, he is also the author of nu- and Ethics Program at Boston Uni- the Fifth Circuit and was a trial merous articles and published le- versity and co-founder of Global lawyer at Houston’s Susman gal opinions on reli- Lawyers and Physicians, a Godfrey where gious expression, the transnational professional associa- he worked on law and public tion of lawyers and physicians commercial, policy, including first working together to promote hu- toxic tort and amendment rights, man rights and personal injury balancing federal health. Professor cases. He has court intervention Annas has written been admitted with state sover- more than 200 ar- to practice be- eignty, first amend- ticles on health law fore the Fifth ment rights, clergy and bioethics. He Circuit Court of confidentiality, and religion in pub- has written regular Appeals and in the United States lic places. He has been admitted to features for the District Courts for the northern, practice before the Florida Su- American Journal southern, eastern and western dis- preme Court and U.S. District of Public Health and the New En- tricts of Texas. At the Williams Courts in Washington, D.C., gland Journal of Medicine and is Bailey Law Firm, he is currently Florida, Wisconsin, Texas and an author or editor of 12 books on working with families whose chil- Michigan and in 11 U.S. Court of medicine and the law, including dren have been injured by vac- Appeals as well as the United The Nazi Doctors and the cines to help them secure finan- States Supreme Court. He serves Nuremberg Code: Human Rights in cial support for their permanent on the Board of Advisors of Trin- Human Experimentation, Judging injuries either through the federal ity Law School and is a religious Medicine and Health and Human vaccine injury compensation pro- liberty journalist for The National Rights. He is a member of The In- gram or civil litigation. Liberty Journal. NVIC Special Achievement Awards COURAGE IN SCIENCE AWARDS
Bernard Rimland, Ph.D. for one of the biological causes of au- compassion for the health and well demonstrating intellectual inde- tism in some children. being of all children when he chal- pendence and personal courage in For his dedication to truth in lenged the status quo and helped challenging medical science and science and the public’s right to DPT vaccine injured children in the its widely-held view that the know, Bernard Rimland is an out- tort and federal vaccine injury com- causes of autism are psychologi- standing example of what it means pensation systems. Today, he is cal and not biological. to have courage in science and is once again challenging medical With the publishing of his given NVIC’s Courage in Science science to take vaccine risks seri- ground-breaking Award. ously as he investigates serious 1964 book, In- events reported to the federal Vac- fantile Autism: Mark Geier, M.D., Ph.D. for cine Adverse Events Reporting The Syndrome demonstrating intellectual indepen- System (VAERS). and Its Implica- dence and personal courage as one For his dedication to truth in tions for a Neural of the first American physicians science and the public’s right to Theory of Behav- and scientists to publicly question know, Mark Geier is an outstand- ior, Dr. Rimland the safety of the whole cell pertus- ing example of what it means to shattered the sis vaccine have courage in science and is view in psychia- and its role given NVIC’s Courage in Science try that autism in in neuro- Award. children is an emotional illness logical reac- caused by cold and destructive tions and in- mothering. His pioneering re- fant death. search established that the causes His in- of autism are biological and not dependent psychological. He helped to raise investiga- public awareness about autism tion into when he worked on the academy DPT vac- award winning film, Rain Man, cine risks and the lack of adequate whose lead character was modeled testing and quality control stan- after his own autistic son. After dards to minimize those risks having devoted more than 35 years helped to raise awareness within to the study of autism, its biologi- and outside of the medical profes- cal causes and the development of sion. Defending the right of chil- healing therapies, Dr. Rimland to- dren to have access to a less reac- day is once again challenging tive pertussis vaccine, in the 1980’s medical science as he publicly Dr. Geier demonstrated profes- questions whether vaccination is sional leadership and personal “God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard and defend it.”
– Daniel Webster
Parent Leadership lic organization dedicated to re- Washington, D.C. bureau, he is search, clinic services and educa- now a full professor of journalism Award tion for autism in the world. Rick at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure is responsible for raising over $70 University in upstate New York. In Rick Rollens, for exemplifying million for the Institute, more addition to re- parental love and demonstrating money than any single individual porting on 15 leadership in the search for the has raised for autism research. As national politi- causes of and a result of his work to increase pub- cal conventions cures for au- lic awareness about autism, his son, and eight presi- tism. Russell, was featured on the July dential cam- Utilizing 31, 2000 cover of Newsweek paigns, he cov- the personal magazine and it became the ered news from and legislative magazine’s all time best selling is- the White skills he dem- sue. Committed to supporting re- House, Con- onstrated dur- search into all possible biological gress, the Pen- ing 24 years of causes for autism, Rick has been a tagon, State and Justice Depart- distinguished strong public advocate of research ments, and all federal health agen- service as Sec- into vaccine-associated autism. cies during his two decades as a retary of the California State Sen- For his devotion as a parent and writer for Gannett and USA TO- ate, Rick co-founded the family his extraordinary effort on behalf DAY. During his long career, he support group Families For Early of autistic children, which makes served as managing editor, bureau Autism Treatment (F.E.A.T) and him a leader among his peers, Rick chief, or editor-in-chief for a num- secured California funding legisla- Rollens is given NVIC’s Parent ber of major newspapers. tion which produced the “Califor- Leadership Award. Two of his award-winning in- nia Report,” the nation’s first docu- vestigative series for Gannett mented report on the dramatic in- helped change the face of Ameri- creases in autism in children. In Courage in can health care. In 1984, in the face 1998, he secured passage of state Journalism Award of strong opposition from the phar- legislation creating and funding the maceutical industry and public M.I.N.D. Institute at University of John Hanchette for his intel- health agencies, he researched and California, Davis, which he co- lectual integrity and moral courage co-authored a series of articles en- founded with three other fathers of as an investigative journalist in titled “The Vaccine Machine” autistic children. Dedicated to in- searching for and communicating which identified the economic vestigating the biological causes of the truth. forces, misplaced nationalism and and treatments for autism and other A Pulitzer Price-winning writer vacuum of scientific knowledge neuroimmune dysfunction in chil- who retired earlier this year as se- that prevented the development of dren, the M.I.N.D. Institute has nior national affairs correspondent safer childhood vaccines. The se- become the largest private or pub- for Gannett News Service in its ries helped lead to the licensing of NVIC Special Achievement Awards an acellular pertussis vaccine and Humanitarian Award down by local public health offi- the passage of the National Child- cials and police during frequent hood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. Nkamuhayo Rwacumika aka polio vaccine campaigns and A decade later he researched and Kihura Nkuba, for love of his Kihura began speaking out against co-authored “Vaccination Nation,” people and defending their right to forced vaccination. He questioned a series which revealed how little know the truth and be free to act on the use of live OPV, which could progress had been made to improve it, for uncommon valor in the face cause paralysis and was especially vaccine safety and how the billion of opposition. dangerous for those infected with dollar federal vaccine injury com- In 1997, Nkamuhayo HIV. Soon Kihura and his radio sta- pensation program set up by Con- Rwacumika and his wife, Washind tion were under attack from the gress in 1986 had failed to live up Abonera, raised several thousand government and UNICEF. He was to its promise. Professor Hanchette dollars to launch Greater Afrikan threatened with a state charge of has been nominated for the Pulitzer Radio, a community radio station sedition, which carries a death sen- Prize eight times and has received based in western Uganda. Recorded tence. His radio advertisers fled. numerous journalism awards, in- in local studios using local dialects Kihura stood firm, the people stood cluding being named one of the Top and playing traditional African by Kihura, and the charges were Ten Gannett Reporters of the last music, Greater Afrikan Radio fo- never made. quarter century. cuses on stories which are of inter- However, the persecution has For his dedication to freedom of est to ordinary people, such as taken its toll. Advertisers are afraid thought, inquiry and expression in growing nutritious food, storing and today Greater Afrikan Radio journalism and his moral commit- grain and drinking clean water. The is facing bankruptcy while in most ment to using his investigative and radio station broadcasts into five parts of western Uganda live polio journalistic skills to protect the African countries and its most vaccination is forced upon villag- health and well being of children, popular evening program, entitled ers at gunpoint. Kihura Nkuba has John Hanchette is given NVIC’s “Afrikan Metaphysics,” has been come to America to tell his story, a Courage in Journalism Award. hosted by Nkamuhayo, who has story which carries a warning for become known to villagers, stu- all people who love freedom of dents and the general public as choice in health care. Kihura Nkuba (one who handcuffs NVIC is proud to give our first lightening and throws thunder in Humanitarian Award to Kihura jail). Nkuba, a man of great love, integ- In the first few years the station rity and courage. was broadcasting, Kihura began to hear from villagers that their chil- dren were suffering reactions, in- juries and deaths from repeated vaccination with oral polio vaccine (OPV). They reported being hunted Featured Guest Michael Palmer, MD
Michael Palmer, M.D. is asso- ence in 1995, he began putting to- ciate director of the Massachusetts gether the puzzle of why Luke had Medical Society Physician Health been so sick as an infant and tod- Services, where he helps physi- dler. Later he would conduct exten- cians troubled by mental and physi- sive research into vaccine safety cal illness, and is a clinical instruc- issues that eventually culminated in tor in medicine at Tufts University the writing of Fatal. School of Medicine. He is an in- “As a physician and parent, my ternational best selling author of interest in vaccinations did not go eleven novels of medical suspense. beyond the perfunctory. If the phar- His most recent novel, Fatal, was maceutical industry or the FDA or published by Bantam Books in my family pediatrician said “vac- May 2002 and explored the theme cinate,” I vaccinated, whether it of vaccine safety. It became a best was my patients or my children. No seller after only four days on the questions asked. But after I book shelves. watched my youngest son be so Dr. Palmer was born and raised sick during the first few years of in Massachusetts and graduated his life and then be diagnosed with from Wesleyan University with a search cheating (Miracle Cure). high-functioning autism, I began to bachelor’s degree in biology and His 1991 best seller, Extreme Mea- question the science behind vacci- Russian. He received his doctor of sures, was made into a film star- nation. And in the process of learn- medicine degree from Case West- ring Gene Hackman, Hugh Grant ing more about vaccines, I became ern Reserve School of Medicine, and Sarah Jessica Parker and his determined to write a medical where he graduated with honors ninth and tenth books (Miracle thriller that asked questions which and specialized in internal and Cure and The Patient) have been need to be answered.” emergency medicine. He was co- optioned as films. Fatal has sold in excess of founder and medical director of the Dr. Palmer is the father of three 100,000 copies hardcover, has been Cincinnati, Ohio Free Clinic and children. His youngest son, Luke, bought by publishers in more than practiced internal medicine and was diagnosed with Asperger’s a dozen countries, and already has emergency medicine in Falmouth, Syndrome (high functioning au- been translated into 21 languages. Massachusetts. tism) as a young child. During his It made the top 20 of the New York His first book, The Sisterhood, search for healing therapies which Times best seller list for four weeks dealt with euthanasia and others would help Luke, he found himself and has been the main selection have focused on corporate medi- also searching for the truth about Literary Guild; main selection cine (Flashback), infertility (Side what had happened to his son. Af- Mystery Book Club; and featured Effects), managed care (Silent ter hearing a speech given by Bar- alternate Book of the Month Club. Treatment), alternative medicine bara Loe Fisher at a Developmen- It will be published in paperback (Natural Causes) and academic re- tal Delay Resources (DDR) confer- in 2003. National Vaccine Information Center
Founded in 1982 by parents of realized when a less toxic pertussis vaccine injured children, the non- vaccine was finally licensed for ba- profit, educational organization bies six months and younger. In known today as the National Vaccine 1997, NVIC hosted the First Inter- Information Center (NVIC) is dedi- national Public Conference on Vac- cated to preventing vaccine injuries cination, the first major conference and deaths through public education on disease and vaccination to be held and defending the right to informed without industry or government consent to vaccination. NVIC pro- funding. NVIC sponsored the Sec- vides assistance to parents whose ond International Public Conference children have suffered vaccine reac- on Vaccination in 2000. tions; promotes research to investi- NVIC represents the vaccine gate the biological mechanisms of safety concerns of parents and vaccine injury and death, the long health care consumers on govern- term chronic effects of multiple vac- ment advisory committees and cination on individual and public meetings, at scientific confer- health and the identification of ge- ences, legislative hearings and in netic and other high risk factors; and the media. During the past 20 supports an exploration of health years, the information NVIC re- care alternatives for preventing ill- searches, produces and provides to ness and maintaining health. the public about vaccines and dis- After launching the organized eases has reached millions of vaccine safety and informed consent Americans through radio, televi- movement in the U.S. in the early sion, newspaper, magazine re- 1980’s, NVIC’s co-founders worked ports as well as through NVIC’s with Congress to create the National award winning internet website Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of (www.909shot.com) and publica- 1986. This historic law was the first tions such as THE VACCINE RE- societal acknowledgement that vac- ACTION and The Vaccine Hotline. cine injuries and deaths are real NVIC remains the oldest and while safety provisions within the largest consumer health organiza- law for the first time required doc- tion providing disease and vaccine tors to record and report hospital- risk information to the public, serv- izations, injuries and deaths follow- ing as a consumer “watchdog” ing vaccination. In 1989, NVIC held monitoring vaccine research, devel- an International Scientific Work- opment, policymaking and legisla- shop on Pertussis and Pertussis Vac- tion; advocating the institution of cine and, in 1996, a major goal was safety reforms in the mass vaccina- tion system; endorsing independent scientific investigation into vaccine- associated death, injury and chronic THE MISSION illness; and defending the human right of all people to make informed, Small and sweet and open faces The pain that comes with dreams deferred. voluntary decisions about medical with trusting eyes turned toward the light. The endless battle to prevail. interventions which carry a risk of Her screams now fill our empty days. Trust, hard earned, seems to falter. injury or death, including vaccina- His last sigh haunts the restless night. Untested strength almost fails. tion. The National Vaccine Informa- tion Center is a charitable, educa- On a wing broken Beneath the wheel, tional 501(c)3 organization sup- ported by donations. but never still, there is a place moving always forward where tender mercies NVIC Board Members with missionary will, offer grace, driven by a vision and stay our struggle Barbara Loe Fisher clearly seen, to fight or leave. President and Co-founder we We Kathi Williams will not forget. are bound by love. Vice President and Co-founder
Carol Hall Church bells ring the mourning cry, Small and sweet and open faces Second Vice President while jackals lean against our door. with frightened eyes turned from the light. Clifford Shoemaker Prayers offered to a silent God His screams now fill our frantic days. Treasurer are silent no more. Her last sigh haunts the lonely night. Judy Braiman Secretary With a faith shattered Fulfilling a promise Andy Schaus but not forgotten, that we made Paul Mulhauser holding a truth near the flowers Greg Burgess that will not bend, by their graves, NVIC Staff defending the right because of what to set them free, will never be, Barbara Loe Fisher we We President will not forget. will not surrender. Kathi Williams Executive Director Barbara Loe Fisher November 1986 Carmen Gonzales Office Manager Geeta Choppala, MD. (Dominica) Medical Advisory Board Information Specialist J. Barthelow Classen, M.D. Alicia Campi, Ph.D. Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D. Librarian Mark Geier, M.D. Philip Incao, M.D. Bolormaa Mishigdorj Ron Kennedy, Ph.D. Library Assistant Mary Megson, M.D. Gina Bernazzani Richard Moskowitz, M.D. Member Services Meryl Nass, M.D. Diane Brisk, R.N. Howard Urnovitz, Ph.D. Counselor Andrew Wakefield, M.D. Conference Exhibitors
Autism Autoimmunity ness, education and research re- Project/Casi’s Quest lated to autism. The ASA is dedi- PO Box 293144 cated to increasing public aware- Davie, FL 33329 ness about autism and the day-to- Tel: 954-506-5654 day issues faced by individuals Fax: 954-587-6509 with autism, their families, and the www.CasiQuest.org professionals with whom they in- www.gti.net/truegrit teract. [email protected] Contact: April Oakes Coalition for Safe Minds 254 Trickum Creek Casi’s Quest features prominent Tyrone, GA 30290 Tel: 404-932-1786 medical and natural practitioners Fax: 770-631-9272 with the latest and most successful www.safeminds.com treatment in autism and related dis- Contact: Lyn Redwood orders. The Autism Autoimmunity Project is a non-profit charity dedi- The Coalition for SAFE MINDs cated to obtaining funding for in- (Sensible Action For Ending Mer- dependent research addressing im- cury-Induced Neurological Disor- mune and immunogenetic abnor- ders) is a non-profit organization malities in autism. founded by parents to investigate and raise awareness of the risks to Autism Society of infants and children of exposure to America mercury from medical products, 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 300 including thimerosal in vaccines. Bethesda, MD 20814-3067 SAFE MINDs founders have pre- Tel: 301-657-0881 pared and compiled a number of 1-800-3AUTISM research papers on the potential Fax: 301-657-0869 harmful effects of mercury and www.autism-society.org thimerosal, which are likely caus- Contact: Jeff Sell ative factors in a number of neurodevelopmental disorders such The mission of the Autism Society as autism, attention deficit disorder, of America (ASA) is to promote language delay, and learning diffi- lifelong access and opportunities culties. Our mission is to end the for persons within the autism spec- devastation caused by the needless trum disorder and their families, to use of mercury in medicines. be fully included, participating members of their communities through advocacy, public aware- “Great things have this beauty that they bring to light the fraternity of strangers.” – Victor Hugo
Developmental Delay tion and, in our youngest patients, phasis on mercury toxicity. In ad- Resources nearly complete recovery from dition to having Dr. Barbara 4401 East West Highway, Ste. 207 ASD. Lecture by Dr. Sherri Solomon, a pioneer in Environ- Bethesda, MD 20814 Tenpenny of OsteoMed II, Novem- mental Medicine and Allergy De- Tel: 301-652-2263 ber 9, 9:45 am. sensitization, this center is posi- Fax: 301-652-9133 tioned to help children with any www.devdelay.org The Committee to Protect form of toxicity or dysfunction. Contact: Patricia S. Lemer Medical Freedom Using color and light therapy dur- ing allergy elimination therapy and Developmental Delay Resources 8221 Frances Lane Owings, MD 20736 non-invasive allergy testing tech- (DDR), established in 1994, is a na- 301-855-2679 niques and allergy drops for treat- tional non-profit membership orga- [email protected] ment, they have created a positive nization. It is dedicated to meet- Contact: Cliff Kincaid experience for apprehensive chil- ing the needs of parents and pro- dren and adults. fessionals working with children The Committee to Protect Medical who have delays in motor, sen- Freedom, a project of America’s National Vaccine sorimotor, language and social- Survival, Inc., held the first national emotional areas, including atten- conference opposing a mandatory Information Center tion deficits, learning disabilities, HIV/AIDS vaccine. Veteran jour- 421-E Church Street pervasive developmental disorders nalist Cliff Kincaid is the director. Vienna, VA 22180 and autism. Tel: 703-938-0342 Fax: 703-938-5768 National Integrated www.909shot.com OsteoMed II & Barrie Health Associates Contact: Kathi Williams Galvin, OTR/L & Associates 5225 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 401 13550 Falling Water Rd., Ste 202 Washington, DC 20015 The National Vaccine Information Strongsville, OH 44136 TEL: 202-237-7000 Center booth features a variety of TEL: 440-572-1136 FAX: 202-237-0017 publications, videos and audio Fax: 440-572-2195 www.nihadc.com tapes. A conference tee-shirt and www.osteomed.com Contact: Scott Richards bumper stickers are available. Book www.of4children.com National Integrated Health Associ- signings by Michael Palmer, M.D., ates is a unique multi-specialty Stephanie Cave, M.D., and Judy Providing innovative therapies for Converse, R.D., MPH. those with physical, developmen- health center. Founded in 1995, this tal and emotional conditions - in- organization has specialized in al- cluding autism spectrum disorder ternative medicine and holistic den- (ASD). Our protocols combine tistry. Equipped with a comprehen- chelation, food desensitization and sive dental office and specializing nutritionals with psychological, in removal of mercury fillings, Dr. speech/language and occupational Mark McClure has become nation- therapies. Results show greatly ally recognized for heavy metal improved overall health and func- detoxification with a special em- Conference Exhibitors
The Centers for Disease Unlocking Autism scription drug merry-go-round. P.O. Box 237 The World Children’s Wellness Control National Walker, Louisiana 70785 Foundation provides answers and Immunization Program/ TEl:225-665-7270 will lead parents to raise healthy, FAX:225-665-7547 well children. CDC www.unlockingautism.org Mailstop 61 Contact: Jeana Smith 1600 Clifton Road, NE Polio Network of USA Atlanta, GA 30333 Unlocking Autism was founded 771 Hollywood Drive Tel: 404-639-8256 primarily for the purpose of in- Owasso, MI 48867 Fax: 404-639-5334 Tel: 989-723-8369 Contact: Kristine Sheedy or Beth Hibbs creasing awareness about the dis- Contact: Phyllis Daenzer, PhD, RN order and in 1999 launched the The National Immunization Pro- Open Your Eyes project, a collec- gram (NIP) is part of the Centers tion of pictures of people with au- for Disease Control and Preven- tism which have been displayed at tion. As a disease-prevention pro- the Hear Their Silence rallies in SPECIAL gram, NIP provides leadership for Washington DC in 2000-2002. UA THANKS TO: the planning, coordination and con- has a state and regional network. duct of immunization activities Sandy Mintz, nationwide. An important part of World Children’s www.vaccinationnews.com, NIP’s mission is to monitor and re- Wellness Foundation “Scandals” search the safety and effectiveness 3201 Bridge Avenue of vaccines. NIP provides up-to- Point Pleasant, NJ 08742 Sandy Mintz is a long-time date vaccine safety information and Tel: 732-295-0707 vaccine research/rights educational resources to health care Fax: 732-295-1166 advocate from Anchorage, professionals and the public Contact: Dr. Stuart Warner Alaska. She is author of the through a number of channels in- weekly column “Scandals”, cluding the internet (www.cdc.gov/ The World Children’s Wellness featured on nip) and the National Immuniza- Foundation is dedicated to empow- www.redflagsweekly.com as tion Program Hotline at 800-232- ering parents to raise extraordinary well as publisher of 2522 (English) or 800-232-0233 healthy children in a non-contra- “Vaccination News” (Spanish). dictory way. The two major pur- (www.vaccinationnews.com), poses of the foundation is to raise a website devoted to vaccine- money for pediatric research and related issues, including to increase the awareness of the im- “daily news”, VAERS portance of chiropractic care for research, political action children. Parents are looking for alerts, state information, solutions for their children’s personal stories and a weekly ADHD, autism, asthma, allergies, newsletter. ear infections, colic and the pre- Featured Entertainment Pat Humphries and Sandy Opatow
Called the “true spirit-child of month after September 11, 2001 Woody Guthrie” activist musician and, again, at an all-night peace and award-winning songwriter, Pat vigil in New York City on Septem- Humphries, brings her powerful ber 11, 2002. To hear the NPR in- songs to concert halls, coffee- terview and for more information, houses, festivals, conferences and go to www.pathumphries.com. demonstrations across the country. Pat’s much acclaimed anthems “Swimming to the Other Side,” Keep on Moving Forward (Never Turning Back)” and “Common Thread” are sung at peace and jus- tice events around the world and have been translated into seven lan- guages. In May 2002, Pat and “Swim- ming to the Other Side” were fea- Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor John Hager, tured on NPR’s “All Things Con- Honorary Chairman sidered.” In the interview, Pete Seeger said, “The powers that be The Children’s Fund for Hope and Healing is a research can control the media [but] it’s hard project of the National Vaccine Information Center, which was to stop a good song...Pat’s songs launched at the Second International Public Conference on Vacci- will be sung well into the 22nd cen- nation. The project is dedicated to raising private funding for inde- tury.” The unprecedented response pendent research into the biological mechanisms of vaccine injury by NPR listeners made Pat’s CD and death and the biological impact on human health of current “Hands” the Number One CD mass vaccination programs. seller on Amazon.com for three Research projects under consideration are an investigation into the days. current policy of vaccinating children when they are sick with a viral Pat and Sandy were in the pro- or bacterial infection; re-vaccinating those who have suffered convul- cess of moving to the Washington, sions, mental regression and other serious health problems after previ- D.C. area from New York City ous vaccinations; the simultaneous injection of multiple vaccines; the when the events of September 11, relationship between childhood vaccines and minimal brain damage 2001 occurred. Since then, they including learning disabilities and ADHD; and the relationship between have been performing at concerts, vaccines and autoimmune dysfunction such as asthma and diabetes. teach-ins and rallies, including Proceeds from the fund raising dinner being held at this conference leading 10,000 people in New York on Nov. 8 through the Children’s Fund for Hope & Healing will be donated to research being conducted by Andrew Wakefield, M.D. into City singing their song “Peace, the biological mechanisms of MMR vaccine associated autism. Salaam, Shalom,” less than a Conference Sponsors
As a non-profit, educational organization Silver Starfish dedicated to public service, the National Vaccine Information Center has never re- Lucille Addington, R.N. Rachael Lomonaco, D.C. ceived state or federal government fund- Debbie Allsup Alane Lucht, D.C. ing or corporate grants. NVIC has funded Lauren Antanaitis Kimberly Mah, D.C. this conference with individual registra- Anne Attivissimo Jean Martin tion fees, exhibitor fees and donations. Laurie Bailey Johnathan Mastrobattista, D.C. The following individuals and organiza- Gerhard Bedding Leslie McClellan Gregory Belcher, D.C. Mimi McLaughlin, D.C. tions have made an extra donation to help Elizabeth Birt James McNally sponsor the Third International Public Dilmus Blackmon Dominique Michel, D.C. Conference on Vaccination: Scott Bono Diane Moorman Anji Brightman, D.C. Stacy Morgan Platinum Starfish Nancy Byers Richard Moskowitz, M.D. Kathy Cadenhead, R.N. Elizabeth Mumper, M.D. Michael Williams, J.D., www.wt.com Christina Conlon, D.C. Greg Nawrocki Paul and Linda Mulhauser Chris and Judy Converse Jane Orient, M.D. Sandy Mintz David and Vicky DeBold Lawrence Palevsky, M.D. Vienna Glass Company Joseph Del Rosso, D.C. Bonnie Plumeri Franz Williams Bailey Law Firm, Laura DeMatteus Janet Presson www.vaccineinjury.org Diane DeReu-Foley, D.C. Lorilen Prosser Jessica Dietrich Carol Pruim Gold Starfish Thomas DiSalvatore, D.C. Lisa Reiss Catherine Falk, D.C. Anne Robertson, Ph.D. Barbara Loe Fisher Susan Fischer Joan Roseto Jeff Sell, Esq. Thomas Fuller, D.C. Crystal Sarvay www.HittPattersonSell.com Diana Galish-Frasier, D.C. Alan Sherr, D.C. Elizabeth Shafer Terri Gauthun, D.C. Sue Skillens Kathi Williams Laura Gelesko, D.C. Lynette Smith-Hendrickson, D.C. Stephen Winchell & Associates Robyn Graber, D.C. Mary Lou Taylor Cindy Griffin Todd Titus, D.C. In-Kind Donations Deborah Heinrich Arlene Trolman Maureen Hickman Lawrence Tyler, D.C. Future Perfect, Stuart Warner, D.C. Jennifer Humphrey Kart Ulman-Clancy International Chiropractors Association Beth Ingham Dona Vickrey www.Mercola.com Laurette Janak James Wagner, D.C. Mothering Magazine Lisa Jillani Angela Weissman Random House Publishing Company Melissa Katz Thomas Wicks, D.C. World Chiropractic Alliance, Jeane Koenen,, D.C. Dave & Mary Wildman Terry Rondberg, D.C. Lindyl Lanham Marguerite Willner Paul Zell, D.C. Michael Lehrer, D.C. Kathleen Wood (for keeping us well-adjusted) Lori Lester, D.C. Lisa Wynkoop, D.C.