Morgan Gertz was a 12-month-old twin who presented with Transverse Myelitis ten days following a HepB, HIB and VZV Vaccination. He experienced a sudden onset of quadriplegia and areflexia. Morgan had no other medical issues and his fraternal twin, who had received the same vaccinations, was not affected. There were no antecedent infections nor was he exposed to other sicknesses at home. Morgan suffered a complete loss of both sensation and motor function. Morgan was cognitively unchanged.

Morgan died on May 12th 2000. His parents, Bill and Kelly, are allowing me to honor the memory of Morgan as we open the 2nd International Transverse Myelitis Symposium. Bill and Kelly have offered us these words in the memory of their son, Morgan.

Morgan Gertz
March 18, 1999 - May 12, 2000

God watched you as you suffered and knew you had your share. He gently closed your weary eyes and took you in his care. Your memory is our keepsake, with that we will never part. God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts. Nothing could be more beautiful than the memories we have of you.