Quinolone Vigilance Foundation had a very busy and productive year in 2014.
In
February, Assistant Director Donna Schutz and her fiance Jeff Stephens
were interviewed for a Croatian radio station. The station heard about
their love story. Donna lives in Australia and Jeff lives in Atlanta,
Georgia. They have had a 16,000 mile long distance relationship for five
years. The interview starts at 0:45:00 minutes and finishes at 1:06:40.
At approximately 58:40 is about fluoroquinolones and QVF
http://radio.hrt.hr/drugi-program/ep/gladne-usi-13022014/54501/. This is the English Raw version with an added video to the interview:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202541591173861 .
In
March, Dr. Charles Bennett from the University of South Carolina
published a QVF study on fluoroquinolone induced cardiac issues in the
Annals of Family Medicine.
http://annfammed.org/content/12/2/121
Also
in March, Quinolone Vigilance Foundation connected with Ryan Clarkson,
owner of Clarkson Law Firm in Santa Monica, California. Mr. Clarkson's
firm was the first firm to review fluoroquinolone-induced peripheral
neuropathy. A week and a half later, QVF connected with Baron & Budd
Law Firm, a national law firm which partnered with Clarkson Law Firm to
try peripheral neuropathy cases.
www.clarksonlawfirm.com and
www.baronandbudd.com
As
she does every year, President and Executive Director Rachel Brummert
attended Johnson & Johnson's shareholder meeting in April in New
Brunswick, New Jersey to speak with CEO Alex Gorsky. Ms. Brummert was
invited for a private meeting at Johnson & Johnson headquarters for a
follow-up meeting.
Sometimes QVF hits snags along the
way. In May, QVF materials were stolen in Australia. Constable Jennifer
Favorito recovered everything after an investigation was launched. QVF
Assistant Director Donna Schutz arranged a special presentation to honor
Constable Favorito for her hard work. Ms. Schutz went on to educate the
police department about fluoroquinolones. Luckily this snag had a happy
ending!
Part of Ms Schutz's presentation can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63Ti2IM9LI4
QVF
was asked several times this year to come and educate doctors. In May,
Ms Brummert met with Rothman Institute, a specialized orthopedic
hospital in South Jersey; she also met with Capital Health Systems.
On
June 11, we had sad news to report. Bob Grozier, an activist who was
severely damaged by Cipro, died at the age of 55. We will never forget
him.
http://clarksonlawfirm.com/blog/dead-from-cipro-at-55-quinolone-antibiotic-injury-victims-mourn-loss-of-activist-bob-grozier/
On
June 26, President and Executive Director Rachel Brummert and Assistant
Director Donna Schutz traveled to Atlanta, Georgia for a presentation
at Progressive Medical Center about fluoroquinolones. Joining them were
floxies Jeff Stephens and Bill Milligan. Progressive Medical Center
treats fluoroquinolone toxicity patients.
www.progressivemedicalcenter.com.
Thank you Donna Schutz and Carey Spurgeon for arranging the
presentation. It went very well and we continue to work with
Progressive.
At
the end of July, QVF elected Leslie Day to the position of Secretary,
succeeding Alice Broussard, who needed to step down after a year and a
half of faithful service.
During the
summer, President and Executive Director Rachel Brummert met with
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital to speak with the medical board
about how fluoroquinolones are prescribed. 1) Informed patient consent
after being warned of the risks. 2) Only for life threatening
infections. 3)Verify that there is an infection in the first place.
4)Never to children.
Quinolone
Vigilance Foundation also supported a Citizens Petition submitted by
Dr. Charles Bennett from the University of South Carolina to The US Food
and Drug Administration. This Citizen Petition is asking the FDA to add
Mitochondrial Toxicity to a 3rd Black Box warning. Through a Freedom of
Information request, there is solid documentation from the FDA
themselves which states that they have been aware that fluoroquinolones
cause Mitochondrial Toxicity and never told doctors or patients of this
link. Mitochondrial Toxicity causes diseases such as Parkinson's, ALS,
Alzheimer's, MS, and Neurosarcoidosis. QVF is calling on the FDA to
immediately issue this Black Box warning and use their own words on the
label.
http://www.saferpills.org/citizen-petition/.
Also
in August, Quinolone Vigilance Foundation received its non-profit
501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service, 15 months after we
applied for it.
We also kicked off our annual online auction to help us fund research and to raise awareness.
Rounding
out the month of August in the good news department was that Tom Sims
from Baron & Budd Law Firm filed the first of many rounds of
lawsuits against the makers of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, specifically
against Johnson & Johnson and Bayer.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140826006280/en/Baron-Budd-Files-Litigation-Levaquin-Avelox-Cipro#.VHqaBslu2eU . We are very grateful for all of his hard work.
This is a breakdown on course of action in the pleadings:
1. Liability damages
2. Failure to warn
3. Negligence
4. Breach of expressed warranty
5. Breach of implied warranty
6. Fraud
7. Negligent misrepresentation
8. Fraudulent concealment
On
August 25, Rachel Brummert hosted a conference at Capital Health
Systems, educating over 80 doctors about fluoroquinolones. This was our
biggest presentation yet.
That
same day, Ms Brummert submitted documents and Comments to Dr. Walter
Ellenberg at the FDA for a September 23, 2014 FDA Pediatric Advisory
Committee Meeting in Bethesda, Maryland. These documents were presented
to everyone at the Committee Meeting to request that they reconsider the
use of Pediatric Levaquin in children. Those documents and Comments
have been forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
September was also a busy month. Quinolone Vigilance Foundation issued 3 press releases:
-September 2, 2014- Quinolone Vigilance Foundation Press Release published:
http://www.saferpills.org/contact/media-inquiries/quinolone-vigilance-foundation-warns-levaquin-cipro-avelox-may-result-neurodegenerative-diseases/
-September 15, 2014- Press release published:
http://www.saferpills.org/contact/media-inquiries/quinolone-vigilance-foundation-supports-citizen-petition-requesting-another-black-box-warning-levaquin-cipro-avelox/
-September
16, 2014- Quinolone Vigilance Foundation Press Release published
addressing the documents and Comments that Executive Director Rachel
Brummert submitted to the FDA for a September 23, 2014 FDA Pediatric
Advisory Committee Meeting in Bethesda, Maryland:
http://www.saferpills.org/request-fda-investigate-potential-levaquin-link-mystery-illnesses-california-children/
Also
in September, QVF supported another Citizen Petition submitted by Dr.
Charles Bennett from the University of South Carolina to the FDA
requesting a 4th Black Box Warning regarding Psychiatric Effects.
http://www.saferpills.org/citizen-petition-psychiatric-effects/
September
also saw QVF cast in the national spotlight, starting with an article
written by Michelle Lee for the Arizona Republic featuring QVF Public
Relations Director Jenny Frank.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2014/09/17/critics-demand-stronger-warnings-potent-antibiotics/15759755/ . The story was picked up in USA Today
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/09/17/levaquin-antibiotic-side-effects/15767249/ and Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/story/life/wellness/2014/09/17/antibiotics-warning-labels-fda/15770411/ .
A
few days later, on September 22, Rachel Brummert lead a conference
educating doctors and administrators about Fluoroquinolone Toxicity at
CentraState Medical Center.
The
next day, Irvin Jackson wrote an article about the Citizens Petition
requesting the FDA add a Psychiatric Effects Black Box Warning to
fluoroquinolones. Quinolone Vigilance Foundation is mentioned, and
President and Executive Director Rachel Brummert is quoted.
http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/antibiotic-black-box-petitions-71197/
The
day after that, on September 23, Quinolone Vigilance Foundation
attended a FDA Pediatric Advisory Committee meeting in Bethesda,
Maryland to present a report requesting the FDA reconsider the use of
Levaquin in children and requesting that the FDA open an investigation
into whether Levaquin is causing paralyisis and "mystery illness" in
children in California.
In October, President and
Executive Director Rachel Brummert met twice with CentraState Medical
Center in New Jersey to educate their doctors about fluoroquinolones,
and met with the medical board to advise them on safer prescribing
procedures for fluoroquinolones if one must be used in a
life-threatening situation, and to help implement informed consent after
being advised of the risks.
Rachel Brummert was interviewed by two reporters for stories that will be published at a later date.
We
did hit a snag in mid-October. QVF was the victim of identity theft.
Our corporate card number was used for fraudulent purchases. Our bank
notified Executive Director Rachel Brummert and the matter was quickly
resolved. Every penny was recovered and additional measures were
implemented to make sure this never happens again. We are thankful for
the bank's fraud department for alerting us so quickly. Quinolone
Vigilance Foundation's policy is to cooperate with all levels of law
enforcement. We continue to assist law enforcement in their
investigation and the perpetrator will be prosecuted to the fullest
extent of the law.
Ending October, Quinolone Vigilance
Foundation welcomed Dr. Joe Hudak to the Board of Directors. He received
his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from New York Chiropractic College
after completing his undergraduate studies at Middlesex County College.
To further his education, he completed an intensive residency program at
Levittown Health Center in Long Island, New York. Dr. Hudak then went
on to work as a Senior Associate at Park Avenue Chiropractic in
Manhattan before returning to the Edison Area to open his state of the
art office facility where he currently practices.
November was very exciting. Several news stories aired featuring Public Relations Director Jenny Frank.
November
3, 2014- Quinolone Vigilance Foundation's Arizona Ambassador and Public
Relations Director Jenny Frank is interviewed for a news story that
aired on ABC15.
http://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/investigations/experts-top-antibiotic-carries-hidden-side-effects-not-listed-on-the-label
November
3, 2014- Quinolone Vigilance Foundation's Arizona Ambassador and Public
Relations Director Jenny Frank is interviewed for a news story that
aired in NBC12. Quinolone Vigilance Foundation is specifically
mentioned:
http://www.azcentral.com/videos/news/local/arizona/2014/11/04/18450053/
November
14, 2014- ABC7 in Detroit, Michigan aired Dave Biscobing's news story
featuring QVF's Public Relations Director Jenny Frank:
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/experts-top-antibiotic-carries-hidden-side-effects-not-listed-on-the-label
November
15, 2014- WRTV ABC in Indianapolis aired Dave Biscobing's news story
featuring QVF's Public Relations Director Jenny Frank:
http://www.theindychannel.com/news/u-s-world/experts-top-antibiotic-carries-hidden-side-effects-not-listed-on-the-label
November
18, 2014- WPTV in Palm Beach, Florida aired Dave Biscobing's news story
featuring QVF's Public Relations Director Jenny Frank
http://www.wptv.com/money/consumer/experts-top-antibiotic-carries-hidden-side-effects-not-listed-on-the-label
November 18, 2014- WCPO in Cincinnati aired Dave Biscobing's news story featuring QVF's Public Relations Director Jenny Frank
http://www.wcpo.com/news/health/healthy-living/levaquin-popular-antibiotic-carries-side-effects-not-listed-on-label
November
24, 2014- ABC10 in San Diego airs news story featuring QVF's Public
Relations Director and Arizona Ambassador Jenny Frank and QVF's
Palmdale, California Ambassador Tony Woods.
http://www.10news.com/news/investigations/patients-experts-popular-antibiotics-could-cause-permanent-damage-11242014
QVF
also began working with Lincoln Combs and Mark O'Connor from Gallagher
& Kennedy Law Firm, who are reviewing cases of
fluoroquinolone-induced peripheral neuropathy.
www.gknet.com
At the end of November, released our first promotional video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaQCbao8XX8
More coming soon.
In
December, Executive Director Rachel Brummert presented Thomas Sims from
Baron & Budd Law Firm with a plaque thanking him for all of his
hard work on behalf of fluoroquinolone victims.
Rachel writes about their meeting here:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/quinolone-vigilance-foundation/qvf-meets-with-tom-sims-from-baron-budd/877177628967779
In
addition, Quinolone Vigilance Foundation also honored Ryan Clarkson
from Clarkson Law Firm for his hard work on behalf of the
fluoroquinolone community.
Mr. Clarkson was kind enough to make a video for us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKzBdQ2RAz4
On December 16, Quinolone Vigilance Foundation created a YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqLU8_J7YCE773rKbjAWdgw
Rachel
Brummert was interviewed by Lisa Bloomquist, founder of Floxie Hope. Ms
Brummert is featured in Episode 3, dated December 17th. In it, she
talks about the history of QVF, current projects, and future projects.
December 17, 2014- Executive Director Rachel Brummert was interviewed
for an iTunes podcast by Lisa Bloomquist, founder of Floxie Hope.
Ms. Brummert's interview is Episode 3 dated December 17:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/floxie-hope-podcast/id945226010
Executive Director Rachel Brummert honored Donna Schutz in Villa Rica, Georgia with a plaque for outstanding service to QVF on December 23. Ms Schutz is an integral part of QVF and works very hard behind the scenes.
Quinolone Vigilance Foundation also honored Susan Knape, Communications
Director at Baron & Budd Law Firm. Susan is a strong supporter of
QVF and has worked very hard to help us.
We also honored Dr Joe Hudak from Hudak Chiropractic. Dr Joe has
been treating fluoroquinolone toxicity patients for a long time and he
genuinely cares about his patients. His knowledge and experience makes
him a wonderful addition to our team. Thank you for all you do Dr. Joe!
In addition, we honored Public Relations Director Jenny Frank with a
plaque to thank her for all her hard work. Jenny was featured in seven
news stories, wrote an excellent Press Release, which was picked up by
several media outlets, and she does a great job behind the scenes also.
Thank you for all you do Jenny! You are a true asset to our team.
Throughout the year, President and Executive Director Rachel Brummert wrote several articles and guest blogs:
March 27, 2014-
http://baronandbudd.com/protecting-whats-right/2014/03/the-quinolone-vigilance-foundation/
June 3, 2014-
http://clarksonlawfirm.com/blog/qvf-warns-users-of-cipro-levaquin-and-avelox-of-nerve-damage-risk/
June 16, 2014-
http://clarksonlawfirm.com/blog/dead-from-cipro-at-55-quinolone-antibiotic-injury-victims-mourn-loss-of-activist-bob-grozier/
June 24, 2014-
http://clarksonlawfirm.com/blog/it-only-takes-one-how-levaquin-forever-damaged-my-life/
June 30, 2014-
http://carenovatemag.com/personal-account-prescription-destruction-black-box-warning/
August 4. 2014-
http://baronandbudd.com/protecting-whats-right/2014/08/tips-for-those-doctor-visits-from-the-quinolone-vigilance-foundation/
August 13, 2014-
http://clarksonlawfirm.com/general/avoiding-quinolone-antibiotics-during-surgery-one-womans-story/
August 14, 2014-
https://www.facebook.com/notes/quinolone-vigilance-foundation/depression-and-suicide-tips-and-warning-signs/818814418137434
August 18, 2014-
http://www.progressivemedicalcenter.com/progressive-medical-center-supports-the-quinolone-vigilance-foundation/
September 7, 2014-
https://www.facebook.com/notes/quinolone-vigilance-foundation/explaining-fluoroquinolone-toxicity/830255793659963
September 29, 2014-
http://baronandbudd.com/protecting-whats-right/2014/09/levaquin-fluoroquinolones-affect-your-brain/
October 16, 2014-
http://clarksonlawfirm.com/general/finding-and-working-with-a-levaquin-cipro-or-avelox-nerve-damage-attorney-guest-blog-by-qvf-executive-director-rachel-brummert/
October 28, 2014-
http://clarksonlawfirm.com/blog/but-stupid-things-people-say-about-fluoroquinolone-toxicity-guest-post-by-qvf-executive-director-rachel-brummert/
November 5, 2014-
https://www.facebook.com/notes/quinolone-vigilance-foundation/more-stupid-things-people-say-about-fluoroquinolone-toxicity/860032547348954
November 6, 2014- :
https://www.facebook.com/notes/quinolone-vigilance-foundation/viral-vs-bacterial-infections/860172097334999
November 6, 2014-
https://www.facebook.com/notes/quinolone-vigilance-foundation/travel-tips-for-those-with-fluoroquinolone-toxicity/860580987294110
November 8, 2014-
https://www.facebook.com/notes/quinolone-vigilance-foundation/fluoroquinolones-in-pets/861353870550155?notif_t=like
November 22, 2014-
http://clarksonlawfirm.com/blog/the-uglier-side-of-fluoroquinolone-toxicity-guest-post-by-rachel-brummert-executive-director-of-qvf/
November 24, 2014-
https://www.facebook.com/notes/quinolone-vigilance-foundation/im-not-sorry/869265403092335
November 28, 2014-
https://www.facebook.com/notes/quinolone-vigilance-foundation/surviving-the-holidays-with-fluoroquinolone-toxocity/871855786166630
December 11, 2014-
http://baronandbudd.com/protecting-whats-right/2014/12/fluoroquinolone-toxicity-im-not-fine/?utm_source=subscribe2&utm_medium=email
Throughout
the fall and winter, Quinolone Vigilance Foundation and President and
Executive Director Rachel Brummert were nominated for six WEGO Health
Awards.
https://awards.wegohealth.com/nominees/4751
Winners will be announced in early 2015.
QVF
has accomplished quite a bit in 2014, and we are looking forward to
another productive year. Quinolone Vigilance Foundation will have a
charity fundraising concert on Friday, March 13 in Stafford, Virginia.
There will be four bands. Check back soon for updates on the concert.
Without
all of you, our Board of Directors, volunteer staff, and Ambassadors,
we would not be able to do what we do. Thank you for your continued
support.
If you would like to help us continue our work,
please consider a donation. We are a 501(c)(3) organization and
donations are tax deductible.
Standard mail:
Quinolone Vigilance Foundation's
PO Box 4023
Hamilton, NJ 08610
PayPal: donations@saferpills.org
CafePress:
www.cafepress.com/quinvigil
Rachel Brummert, President/Executive Director
Matthew Arnold, Vice President
Donna Schutz, Assistant Director
Leslie Day, Secretary
Christina Manthos-Sorrell, Treasurer
Michelle Fewer, Fundraising Director
Dr. Deanna Minkler, General Board Member
Dr. Joe Hudak, General Board Member
Lori Boz, R.N., Consultant
Victoria Chiovare, Assistant Fundraising Director
Jenny Frank, Public Relations Director
