Witness Testimony

Dianne Spaulding testified that she received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on April 23, 2021. Within five days she developed injection-site bleeding, swelling, rash, and progressive neurological symptoms including pins and needles in her extremities, blurry vision, intense dizziness, disassociation, internal chest vibrations, and extreme sensitivity to light and noise. She stated she spent approximately two months largely bedridden due to fatigue and described widespread bruising and petechiae across her body, which she had not experienced prior to vaccination.
During multiple emergency department visits, she testified that initial concerns about vaccine-induced clotting were not thoroughly investigated. On her third visit, she was diagnosed with anxiety after presenting with tremors affecting her hands, legs, and head. She was referred to psychiatry and prescribed antidepressants. Although one neurologist acknowledged seeing similar post-vaccination tremor cases and diagnosed essential tremor, other specialists provided limited follow-up, and Toronto Public Health reportedly advised her to proceed with a second dose despite a psychiatrist’s written exemption.
Spaulding stated she submitted an adverse event report but felt dismissed. She later complained to Mount Sinai Hospital regarding her treatment and, in January 2023, received a phone call apologizing for how her case had been handled, including discussion at a board meeting. She testified that she ultimately sought independent research and alternative medical consultation, reporting improvement in tremors and internal vibrations after treatment, though bruising, petechiae, and persistent brain fog remain. She concluded by stating her desire “to be seen, to be heard, to be believed,” and called for truthful public messaging.