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About Us

React19 is a science-based non-profit offering financial, physical, and emotional support for those suffering from longterm Covid-19 vaccine adverse events globally.

Our mission is to bring healing to the moms, dads, friends, and loved ones who are facing life-altering side effects from their Covid-19 vaccine. We build bridges between patients and research institutions in order to develop a better understanding of our vaccine complications. React19 works with both patients and providers, as well as research teams. Our programs all fall within our 3 categories of assistance (financial, physical, and emotional). Programs include funding, promoting, and sharing relevant scientific research; bringing the right medical teams together with patients; direct financial assistance; educational outreach; and supporting communities where impacted people can begin to heal physically and emotionally.

Our History

Our organization began as a small community of medical professionals and everyday people who experienced adverse reactions from Covid-19 vaccines. Although we were previously healthy individuals, we shared very similar reactions to these vaccines. These included nausea, weight loss, heartburn, diarrhea/constipation, sleep disturbances, chest pains, headaches, facial and sinus pressure, dizziness, severe weakness and fatigue, painful paresthesias throughout the body, severe painful paresthesias focused on the face, tongue and scalp, internal vibrations and tremors, muscle twitching and muscle spasms, brain fog and mental status changes, memory loss, tinnitus, impaired/blurred vision, elevated blood pressure and heart rate, bulging veins, heart issues and weakness.

Our reactions occurred within minutes to a few short days after receiving the vaccines. Several in our group have experienced paralysis of the lower extremities and to this day remain paralyzed. Many of us have been ill for beyond 5 months.

For months, we suffered alone without adequate medical care, answers, or acknowledgement from medical groups and government. We found each other through our common struggle, and our community has continued to grow, far beyond any expectations.

Board of Directors

Co-Chairman
Brianne Dressen is a previously healthy preschool teacher, and mother of two young children. Early in life she learned that setting challenging goals and accomplishing near impossible tasks was rewa…
Co-Chairman
Joel Wallskog is an orthopedic surgeon from Mequon, Wisconsin. He grew up in the Milwaukee area. He attended Marquette University for his undergraduate education. He married his college sweetheart i…
Legal Affairs Director
Prior to his own life altering vaccine injury, Chris primarily practiced criminal defense throughout central Pennsylvania.  His client base ranged from individuals facing minor offenses such as…
Director of Advocacy
Former preschool teacher joined React19 following family members’ vaccine injuries. Deborah started her affiliation with React19 in February 2022. As a preschool teacher and former elementary school…
Director, Corporate Affairs
Daniel O’Connor brings 25 years of business operational experience to React19. Earning a joint MA & Juris Doctor from University of California Los Angeles and University of California, Hastings C…

Medical Board

Director of Education and Medical Board, React19
Visiting Professor, King Edward Medical University  Founder & CEO, DrBeen Corp and Syd Med Corp  Medical Educator, Presenter, and Illustrator  Dr. Mobeen Syed is a physician…
Neurology
Throughout her extensive medical career, Dr. Suzanne Gazda has uniquely combined a dedication to outstanding care with an authentic commitment to patients as people first.  Renowned by peers an…
Immunology - Allergy
Douglas Jones, MD is known globally as an innovator and “finding a way for those have not previously had one” by taking an integrative approach to patients. He is the founder and CEO of Global Allerg…
Co-Chairman
Joel Wallskog is an orthopedic surgeon from Mequon, Wisconsin. He grew up in the Milwaukee area. He attended Marquette University for his undergraduate education. He married his college sweetheart i…
Post Cancer Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Elise Mecham, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including body contouring after massive weight loss, facial rejuvenation, and post-…
React19.org Network Provider Liaison 
 Jeffrey M. Jones received his MD and PhD (microbiology) from the University of Illinois Medical School at Chicago. His thesis was an early demonstration of the role of cytokines as communicatio…
Research Advisor
Danice Hertz MD is a retired gastroenterologist in Los Angeles, California. She received a BA in biology from UC San Diego and graduated from UCLA Medical School. She completed an internal medicine…
Radiology
Dr. Triantos is a board-certified radiologist with over three decades of experience in diagnostic and interventional radiology, neurology, and neurodiagnostics. A cum laude graduate of the University…
Pediatrics
Jan Maisel M.D. Ph.D. practiced primary care pediatrics in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly 40 years, and was an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of…

Advisory Board

Military Chapter
As a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Drew served 14 years, leading aviation operations missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Spartan Shield, earning the Army Commendation Medal. Afte…
Treasurer
Treasurer Jessica Zodikoff is a mother of two and certified Health Coach. She works in operations at Vitality Nutrition, where she was introduced to React19’s mission. Jessica&nb…
Research Advisor
Danice Hertz MD is a retired gastroenterologist in Los Angeles, California. She received a BA in biology from UC San Diego and graduated from UCLA Medical School. She completed an internal medicine…
Government Affairs
Kyle is a three-time North American Enduro Mountain Bike Champion, a dedicated community advocate, and a recognized influencer in the world of mountain biking. He has an intense passion for helping o…
Research Manager
Edoardo Galli PhD is a research scientist based in New Zealand. He is originally from Italy and grew up between Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. He has always been fascinated by the human body and engin…
IT Development Manager
Branden Nail is professionally trained in cybersecurity and computer engineering. He enjoyed a robust and vibrant life alongside his wife and two young children until a vaccine injury in June 2021 a…
Creative Director
Jessica Sutta, Mother, Singer, Writer, Vaccine Injury Advocate & former member of the International Platinum Award-winning recording pop group, The Pussycat Dolls. She was severely injured by Mo…
Communications Advisor
 Stephanie Hurovitz (Communications Coordinator) has been proudly volunteering with React19 since July of 2022.  After seeing the injured speak out at a few hearings and events, she was co…
CARE Fund Advisor
Cody Flint is from Cleveland, MS and has been an aerial applicator for the past 15 years. Flying has been his dream from the very beginning. Immediately after high school, Cody attended Ag-Flight, I…
Community Outreach
Community Outreach Officer, Podcast Host – React19 Nikki holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science: Athletic Train…
Community Outreach
As a mother of eight grown children, Ann Forti has been monitoring vaccine safety conversations for over 35 years. Ann received her BA in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has…

REACT

  • Patient-led RESEARCH, and collaborations with researchers and research institutions

  • To increase our understanding through EDUCATION, reviewing emerging science, and analyzing collected data through patient-led research
  • To get those suffering on the path to healing through ACTION and advocacy.
  • Leading to the COVID 19 mRNA vaccines we address the needs of an underserved and growing community.
  • Assessing successes and shortcomings in treatment protocols and THERAPEUTICS.