Witness Testimony

Leah Cottam, an Alberta rancher and administrative worker, testified that she received two COVID-19 vaccinations in May and July 2021 without immediate adverse reaction. Approximately four months later, she developed foot pain, followed by progressive swelling in her hands and feet, loss of strength, and difficulty lifting her arms. Over subsequent months, she reported migrating inflammation throughout her body, severe swelling that prevented her from putting on socks or shoes, chest pain, and imaging findings of fluid at the base of her lungs. She described repeated medical visits and bloodwork initially reported as normal before inflammatory markers were eventually identified as significantly elevated.
She stated that at the peak of her illness in 2022 she experienced profound muscle weakness, was unable to perform basic tasks such as turning a car key or fastening a seatbelt, and lost approximately 30 pounds, largely attributed to muscle loss. She described missing much of the summer due to pain and fatigue and reported symptoms consistent with depression during that period. She was referred to a rheumatologist and treated with repeated steroid injections, later transitioning to methotrexate and a biologic anti-inflammatory medication (Amjevita), along with additional medications and supplements.
Ms. Cottam testified that she has gradually improved with treatment but continues to experience swelling and flare-ups. She indicated that no formal link between her condition and vaccination was acknowledged by her physicians, stating that attempts to raise the possibility were redirected. At the time of testimony, she remained on injectable immunosuppressive therapy and ongoing medical monitoring for what was described as a rheumatologic inflammatory condition.