Previous Member Bios

Jane Hession

Alexandria, Virginia

Jane Hession’s son Brendan was in high school when he died from meningococcal disease, only 16 hours after the onset of his first symptoms. It was not until after her son passed away that Jane learned about the vaccine that might have saved her son’s life. Jane is now dedicated to educating other parents about meningococcal disease and prevention, including immunization.

Download full biography (PDF).

Kathy Huddleson

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Kathy Huddleson never knew her 20-year-old daughter Elizabeth, a junior at the University of Northern Iowa, was at risk for meningococcal disease. Kathy and her husband awoke one morning to a phone call from Elizabeth’s boyfriend saying Elizabeth was in the hospital and had stopped breathing. A few hours later, Elizabeth died of meningococcal disease.

Download full biography (PDF) and her PSA (mp3).

Marybeth Leeber

Stony Point, New York

Marybeth didn’t know about meningococcal disease before watching her 5-year-old daughter Lauren fight for her life. The day before Halloween, Lauren began feeling ill and had flu-like symptoms. She was hospitalized later that evening and doctors had to amputate Lauren’s right hand, the tips of her left hand finger and both her legs below the knee in order to save her life. Marybeth and her family feel fortunate that Lauren survived, but know that not all families affected by meningococcal disease are as fortunate.

Download full biography (PDF).

Olga Pasick

Wall Township, New Jersey

Olga Pasick’s son David was a happy, healthy 13-year-old, when a potentially vaccine-preventable disease tragically took his life. One day in September 2004, David began exhibiting flu-like symptoms, but by the next morning, Olga called the pediatrician to get David evaluated since she was nervous his condition was worsening. David was rushed to the hospital as he began to develop a purplish rash on his chest and arms. Sadly, David died only a few hours later due to meningococcal disease – less than 24 hours after he first began to show symptoms.

Download full biography (PDF) and her PSA (mp3).