Thalidomide victims get compensation

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Wed, 28 Jul 2010 6:06p.m.

Barry de Geest was born with no arms and deformed legs

Barry de Geest was born with no arms and deformed legs

By Melissa Davies

Ten New Zealanders who have endured a lifetime after being born thalidomide babies are to get a share of $3.5 million.

In an announcement late this afternoon, drug company Diageo said it was going to pay compensation to victims here and in Australia.

The drug was prescribed to treat morning sickness for pregnant women in the 1950s and '60s. But as a result, many of their babies were born with missing limbs and other deformities.

Barry de Geest survived the debilitating effects of thalidomide, a drug given to his mother which meant he was born with no arms and deformed legs.

Not only has it disabled his body, but his life.

Today's announcement would at least change the latter – 3 News delivered him news of the announcement when it was released an hour ago.  

"It's emotional," he says. "It makes me feel really excited."

Mr De Geest will get compensation of around $78,000 paid over 20 years from the drug and alcohol company Diageo.

He says it's especially welcome as he struggles to afford the expense of catering for his disability.

"Wearing glasses and not being able to take them on and off is a real hassle, so now with this payment I'll be able to go out and get my eyes lasered," says Mr De Geest.

"I really want to give my mother a holiday because my mother saved me really, because they wanted to put me in an institution."

Thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant women to treat morning sickness, but the side effects were devastating.

An estimated 10,000 babies worldwide were born with severe deformities. There are 10 survivors in New Zealand.

Last year Diageo promised British survivors $35 million in compensation. In a statement a company director said: "We very much regret the thalidomide tragedy which happened nearly 50 years ago. The suffering and hurt of those affected has troubled us all."

There are strict controls on the use of thalidomide for pregnant women, and the drug has had a revival over the past decade. It is sometimes prescribed to treat a range of conditions like leprosy, AIDS and some forms of cancer.

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Comments

03 Dec 2011 01:37p.m.

Melissa Murphy wrote:

I live in the U.S. and my mother took thalidomide while pregnant with me. She was given the thalidomide by her Dr. in packets, not by prescription. My right arm is different than my left. My fingers are different size also. My health problems are unbelievable, far to many to list. It has only been recently that I even thought of the Thalidomide. My mom always said I was blessed because my deformity was no that noticeable, I am grateful! But, my health problems are never ending. I have the most horrible pain in my lower back, rectum, vagina and hips. Had heart bi-pass at 39 and too many stints to count. Sinus disease, my teeth are cracking and falling out. It goes on and on. I can't find any information on the side effects of the thalidomide for my age. I was born on Jan. 16, 1962. Who can help me? I am desperate for help and answers.

25 Jun 2011 11:49a.m.

steven barb wrote:

Hi, I was born in Australia 1962, with thalidomide problems.I was born without thumbs & had many opperations on my hands when i was young , & other problems related to thalidomide.Is there any compansation that can be claimed in Australia? Thank you.

01 Mar 2011 08:00a.m.

Help wrote:

Hello, I from Moldova and me 42 years, the man am dissolved children wasn't present. In 1997 I remained without both hands from an electricity through my fault, I write to you hoping that I can receive what not be the help. I for 14 years addressed many times to ours of the government that have helped though with one electric artificial limb, but to me answered that they don't have money. And in 2008 in me have found out a cancer of a bladder and ?????????????? glands to me have made 2 operations, 2 radiotheraphy and 6 chemotherapy but isn't present improvement illness progresses because these a medicine which should help at us aren't present. I have addressed for the help in Israel but there only diagnostics 3000$ costs and treatments 25000$. I live with parents pensioners, mum receives 70$ in a month, the father and I on 50$ total in a month 170$. There are 4 sisters and they have gone abroad to support the families and they too can't help. I don't work because I can not on physical inability 1 ??. I would be very grateful for any help because so still it would be desirable to live. Thanks for yours of attention to such as I.

22 Jan 2011 10:16a.m.

Ross Kessler wrote:

I was born in U.S. 1/15/1950, and I am a thalidomide survivor. Right leg, right foot, deformed. I have never asked for help for this. I have lived with the pain, and worked extremely physical jobs, until the multiple surgeries have left me disabled. I want to know who is going to help me now?

15 Aug 2010 11:06p.m.

GLENDA JOHNSON wrote:

I WAS BORN IN THE UNITED STATES AND I AM TRING TO FIND OUT WHO TO CONTACT FOR SOME TIME OF HELP OR COMPENSATION AS I AM A THALIDOMIDE VICTIM WITH NUMEROUS BIRTH DEFECTS SO IF SOMEONE CAN PLEASE HELP ME OR KNOW SOMEONE PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL ME;johnsonglenda90@yahoo.com ir 318-547-6709 THANKS AND MAY GOD BLESS: GLENDA

14 Aug 2010 01:39p.m.

Renee wrote:

Hi we are after some information on the compensation for our father who has a deformity from thalidomine..if any information can you please email us..thanks

11 Aug 2010 07:29p.m.

GLENDA JOHNSON wrote:

I WAS BORN A THALIDOMIDE VICITM IN 1962WITH NUMEROUS BIRTH DEFECT AND HALF A ARM AND A DEFORMED LEFT HANKD AS WELL. HOWEVER,I LIVE IN UNITED STATES-LOUISIANA AND I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY HELP OF ANY KIND AND NO COMPENSATION EVER AND I REALLY NEED SOME HELP AND INPUT ON THIS MATTER. IF YOU CAN HELP ME OR KNOW OF THE PERSON IN CHARGE IN THE UNITED STATES I WOULD BE SO GREATFUL AND THANKFUL AS MY HEART GOES OUT TO SO MANY OF THE VICTIMS AND I HOPE YOU WILL BE IN TOUCH SOON SO PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE 318-547-6709 THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS: GLENDA

09 Aug 2010 05:14p.m.

Lesley Fletcher, Secretary Thalidomide Australia Inc. wrote:

If you think you are a New Zealand or Australian ‘thalidomider’, please contact the Secretary of Thalidomide Australia Inc by email.

thalidomide@people.net.au

Include your name, contact details (phone/address), date of birth and a brief outline of thalidomide symptoms.

Alternatively write to

The Secretary,
Thalidomide Australia Inc
PO Box 4167
Forster NSW 2428 Australia

and someone will be in touch.

07 Aug 2010 10:10p.m.

Manerva zaky wrote:

I am a victim of thalidomite drugs since i was born sep 62. I needed to contact whoever in charge re/the criteria for assessing our suffering from almost 48years-could you please help and send me contact details so i can talk to people in charge and give more details about my defects and disability. thank you

05 Aug 2010 05:30p.m.

lesley wrote:

Karen send your contact details (email/phone)and a brief outline of thalidomide defects. Someone will be in touch.
Thalidomide Australia Inc
PO Box 4167
Forster NSW 2428 Australia