I started MedShadow Foundation in 2013 because I was harmed by a medicine called DES (diethylstilbestrol) that was given to my mother when she was pregnant with me. When I was 13, I learned that I would not ever be able to get pregnant because of the side effects of DES. The FDA told doctors to stop prescribing that drug to pregnant women in 1971, but between five and 10 million pregnant women had already been given it.
I’ll take medicine when I need to, but because of DES, I’m very hesitant. Instead, I pay close attention to eating whole foods and exercising regularly so that my immune system and my body are healthy. Not taking any drugs (when possible) is the best way to avoid harmful side effects.
Soon after I started MedShadow, DES Action approached me about taking over the management of their member organization. DES Action USA has been the leading advocate for those exposed to DES for more than 40 years.
Because of my work with MedShadow, I’ve learned a lot about how the FDA approves drugs. In 2017 I applied to and was appointed to the FDA Advisory Committee on Drug Safety and Risk Management. I joined a panel of doctors and pharmacists as the lone consumer representative. I’m so excited to have a seat at the table when the FDA is deciding if a drug is safe and effective enough to approve.
