USA Thalidomide Survivors

07/02/2026

COME TO OUR CONFERENCE and now get the early bird registration discount good through July 31! Click here to register today >> https://usthalidomide.org/2026conferencepost/

07/01/2026

In our latest blog post, US Thalidomide survivor, Burt Pusch, has done the math on costs associated with our thalidomide injuries, over our lifetimes. This is by no means an exhaustive list; but gives an overview of the increased hardships our members are facing; and illuminates the need for financial assistance.

The Thalidomide Cost to American Survivors by Burt Pusch, PhD | Jul 1, 2026 | Blog Editor’s note: US Thalidomide survivor, Burt Pusch, has done the math on costs associated with our thalidomide injuries, over our lifetimes. This is by no means an exhaustive list; but gives an overview of the incre...

06/03/2026

FINISHING THE FIGHT!!
JOIN US for the 7th "Annual" USATS Conference

September 20 - 25th, 2026
Washington DC
Join us for a week of learning, taking action, hanging out with other survivors and fun!
9/20 *Check-in at Washington Dulles Marriott Suites
*Mingle with other survivors
*Hospitality Suite may be open to hang out in the evening
9/21 *Free hot breakfast at the hotel's restaurant (2 free breakfasts per room)
*Join us for a day of fun, informative and interactive sessions, and activities at the hotel
*Hospitality Suite open to hang out in the evening
9/22 *Free hot breakfast at the hotel's restaurant (2 free breakfasts per room)
*Take action on the Hill (email [email protected]) for information on helping to schedule meetings with your representative's office)
*Hospitality Suite open to hang out in the evening
9/23 *Free hot breakfast at the hotel's restaurant (2 free breakfasts per room)
*Take action on the Hill (email [email protected]) for information on helping to schedule meetings with your representative's office)
*Hospitality Suite open to hang out in the evening
/24 *Free hot breakfast at the hotel's restaurant (2 free breakfasts per room)
*Take action on the Hill (email [email protected]) for information on helping to schedule meetings with your representative's office)
*Group photos
* Group Dinner at Inchins Bamboo Garden - an Asian fusion restaurant (USATS will help with cost of the entree)
*Hospitality Suite open to hang out following the dinner
9/25 *Free hot breakfast at the hotel's restaurant (2 free breakfasts per room)
* Check-out by 1:00 PM

Registration for the conference can be found at: https://usthalidomide.org/2026conferencepost/ . Early bird registration is $50 per person until July 1st. After that, the on-time registration fee is $60. The on-time registration period lasts until August 24, 2026. Conference registration page has more details and information about the conference.
There is limited financial assistance to help individuals attend the conference. For more information, send an email to Gwen Riechmann at [email protected]. Deadline quickly approaching.

Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to make your hotel reservation. This link will give you the special rate for our group. If you need an ADA Mobility accessibility, or an ADA Hearing accessibility room, please let Gwen Riechmann at [email protected] know. A number of ADA rooms have already been held under USATS and Gwen will help you get one of these rooms transferred to you.
This year for the first time, polo shirts will be available for purchase when you register early bird. They will be an ash(light) gray with the USATS logo over the left chest. They are available in sizes XS – 6X. Prices range from $15.00 - $17.50 depending on the size ordered. Deadline for ordering shirts is July 1, 2026. They will be handed out at the conference. More information can be found on the conference registration page - https://usthalidomide.org/2026conferencepost/ .
For further information regarding the conference, please reach out to Gwen Riechmann ([email protected]), Coleen Fryer ([email protected]) or Lori Kay ([email protected]) .
Hope to see you there!

05/07/2026

https://suno.com/s/V4ifj7t41oeiyElf
Definitely worth a listen . . . lyrics by American thalidomide survivor, Steven Lucier, with music and vocals created with the help of AI platform, Suno.com. Beautiful and eloquently stated!

Listen and make your own on Suno.

04/27/2026

In Jean’s words: “We implore members of Congress to care about this issue.” PLEASE TAKE ACTION on behalf of American survivors. Write your congressperson, sign our petition . . . Visit link in bio!

04/26/2026

In Jean's words: "We implore members of Congress to care about this issue." PLEASE TAKE ACTION on behalf of American survivors. Write your congressperson, sign our petition . . . Visit https://usthalidomide.org/take-action

04/16/2026

You may have received this action item in your email . . . but if not, please fire up your cell phone and light up the phones of these legislators! Click: https://mailchi.mp/usthalidomide/call-list

04/10/2026

HAPPY LIMB LOSS AND LIMB DIFFERENCE AWARENESS MONTH! Are you aware? USA Thalidomide Survivors are … in fact you could say we are aware firsthand, and we can use your help! Please visit the link in our bio! Write your congressperson, sign our petition … we’ll show you how, step-by-step!

04/10/2026

HAPPY LIMB LOSS AND LIMB DIFFERENCE AWARENESS MONTH! Are you aware? USA Thalidomide Survivors are … in fact you could say we are aware firsthand, and we can use your help! Please visit https://usthalidomide.org/take-action! Write your congressperson, sign our petition … we’ll show you how, step-by-step!