About US Thalidomide Survivors

Learn the Truth

About Our Nonprofit Organization

US Thalidomide Survivors (USTS) is a nonprofit organization established in 2018 to support people with injuries caused by their mother being given thalidomide during pregnancy.

We also welcome people with phocomelia (malformations or absence of the arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers and toes) caused by other conditions or syndromes.

Membership is open to people born or currently living in the United States.

Beginning with three people in a private Facebook group in 2016, the organization now supports a community of over 100 people, the majority of whom were born between December 1, 1957, to December 31, 1967, inclusive, with birth defects likely caused by in utero thalidomide exposure.

Our Mission 

Public Awareness

Improve public awareness of the real history of Thalidomide in the US.

Advocacy

Advocate for the welfare
of Thalidomide Survivors in the US.

Information Exchange

Improve access to information for the benefit
of Thalidomide Survivors in the US.

Support

Function as a support community for Thalidomide Survivors in the US.

Board of Directors

US Thalidomide Survivors is run by a volunteer board of directors.

Jose G Calora

Jose G Calora

President

Gwen Riechmann

Gwen Riechmann

Vice President

Lori Kay

Lori Kay

Treasurer

Kimberly Arndt

Kimberly Arndt

Secretary

C Jean Grover

C Jean Grover

Comms Director

Paul Koneczny

Paul Koneczny

IT Director

Aaron Arndt

Aaron Arndt

Member at Large

Jennifer Vanderbes

Jennifer Vanderbes

Member at Large

Thank you to our corporate sponsor:

VIEW OUR ANNUAL REPORT:

2022 Board of Directors of US Thalidomide Survivors