Neighbors Helping Neighbors…

Leads To A Call To Action

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Leads To A Call To Action:

Prior to receiving her vaccine Suzanna was a triathlete, an active mom, and a vice president at a top bank.  She also participated in the MS 150 bike ride to support fellow Minnesotans suffering from this debilitating disease. Suzanna was a mover; and was always looking out for those in need!

Suzanna after a triathlon

After Suzanna’s second vaccine her life completely changed.  She has been diagnosed with a multitude of neurological, rheumatological, and cardiac issues by her doctors including small fiber polyneuropathy and POTS.  

Now, Suzanna has to use a walker or wheelchair if she needs to walk more than a few blocks.  She can not work and spends most of her days in and out of different doctor’s offices.  

However, Suzanna is not alone.  Minnesotans have shown up for her.  

Her neighbor, Antoinette, goes for walks with her when Suzanna is able to use her walker. Antoinette also makes her healing smoothies.  Antoinette has become more than a neighbor.  She is Suzanna’s friend.  Antoinette is a wonderful example of neighboring with a pure compassionate heart.  She isn’t afraid to show up when Suzanna is weak, vulnerable and powerless. She listens to Suzanna; helps her to gain strength both physically and emotionally;  shows Suzanna she is resilient; and helps Suzanna remember that she is a dynamic human who has a lot to offer.

Antoinette bringing Suzanna a smoothie

Suzanna’s friendship with Antoinette and the kindness of other friends, neighbors and family has encouraged Suzanna to share her story.  Suzanna knows personally that the more she shares her story; the more compassionate souls connect with her; and the more Suzanna finds hope and the fortitude to keep waking up each day.  Suzanna wants other injured to feel this same way.  She wants to give them the opportunity to share their story.

On October 23, 2021 Suzanna decided to go BIG.  She made her way to the top of the St Paul capitol steps to share her story to 1000’s of people.  It was truly an act of bravery-putting herself and her story out there.  Please watch the video below to witness Suzanna’s fearlessness.

While preparing for this speech for this rally it occurred to Suzanna that her vaccine injury wasn’t a political issue.  It was a humanity issue.  It doesn’t matter if you vote blue or red-it matters that you are a human.  And, humans take care of each other.  Suzanna realized that she, too, could be a “neighbor” to the countless injured here in Minnesota.  Out of this act of courage Team Humanity was born.  

In subsequent posts we will share more about Team Humanity’s mission, its members, and its media.  We will also share how Team Humanity has expanded throughout the US and across the pond

But, for now we want to continue to introduce you to Suzanna.

Last year Suzanna connected with a new friend, Lorri.  After health issues had affected her family Lorri felt a calling to become a friend and advocate for people who were suffering from vaccine injuries.  

Lorri learned of Suzanna’s story after reading her story on WSAU (https://wsau.com/2021/11/17/minnesota-triathlete-severely-injured-by-covid-shot/).  Lorri reached out to Suzanna with one simple request-she wanted to help Suzanna.  

Lorri had no idea what she could do to help Suzanna; but she knew she had to show up in her life.  Suzanna and Lorri started communicating weekly.  They met for coffee, discussed Suzanna’s health issues, and together decided that they needed to start sharing the stories of those who have been injured.  

One day in June Lorri felt compelled to participate in the YMCA triathlon August 14th-the very same triathlon Suzanna used to compete in.  Lorri “hired” Suzanna to be her trainer over the summer.  On the day of the race Suzanna was there to cheer her on; and Lorri and Suzanna in her wheelchair crossed the finish line together.  In the middle of Suzanna’s pain, brokenness, fear and anguish Lorri showed up.  Lorri gave Suzanna hope and courage to continue fighting.

Lorri, Suzanna and Suzanna’s husband finishing the triathlon

Suzanna has continued to harness the hope and strength she gains from her new Team Humanity friends.  

Suzanna has shared her story on many podcasts.  We would like to highlight her podcast with Michele Tafoya, a fellow Minnesotan.

Suzanna is on the board of React 19 (www.react19.org).  Suzanna and her fellow injured recently went to Washington DC to advocate for the injured and patient’s rights.  Here is a link to this story.

https://react19.org/react19fda/

Team Humanity would like to thank you for reading Suzanna’s story.  Please reach out if you have questions and/or want to connect about your injury.

All stories are edited and approved by the participant before the story is published.