Personal Stories


An H1N1 Scare – Gone, But Not Forgotten

By Belinda Duvall Fall is here again bringing crisp air, beautiful fall leaves, and family events. It is also the one year anniversary of my son, Luke, almost losing...


Who Knew What the Flu Could Do

By Christine Vara It’s October and the weather has briskly announced that fall has arrived.  Along with pumpkins, falling leaves and Halloween decorations, now is the time to say...


A Gift for Baby Shawn

By Frankie Milley A member of my family, after five miscarriages and at the age of 36, is finally about to give birth to a healthy baby boy.  As...


Why My Child With Autism Is Fully Vaccinated

Last week, we read a terrific blog p0st from Shannon Des Roches Rosa on The Thinking Person’s Guide To Autism blog.  It was so wonderfully written – heartfelt, down to earth, personable and...


With Only 6% of Adults Immunized Against Pertussis, What Hope is There for Our Newborns?

By Christine Vara After viewing the recent CBS News coverage of pertussis, it’s a wonder all five of my children survived past infancy. The piece led with a heartbreaking story of Mariah Bianchi, a responsible...


A Mother's Story of Love, Loss and Hope

Shot of Prevention would like to thank Felicia Dube for contributing this article.  We admire her courage in sharing her personal story of loss and pain.  We appreciate her determination to save...


Meningitis Vaccine Important, Even If Not Required

By Christine Vara It’s August and every where you turn students are preparing to return to school.  College students are often the first ones to return to campus, and today...


Honoring Our Advocate Mothers on Mother's Day

By Christine Vara As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, mothers around the nation will be honored by their children.   Some will receive flowers; some breakfast in...


A Mother Speaks Out to Protect Others Against Pertussis in Her Daughter's Memory

By Katie Van Tornhout After five years and four miscarriages, our daughter Callie entered the world.  Although she was born six weeks early, the doctors felt comfortable letting us...


Helping Oologah Oklahoma Recover from a Devastating Meningitis Outbreak

By Frankie Milley, Meningitis Angels Meningitis Angels was founded in memory of Ryan Wayne Milley, only child of Bob and Frankie Milley. Ryan died at the age of 18...