ABOUT US

In 2019, Lauren Palladini, Dez Del Barba, and Liam Corey each experienced the profound and devastating impact of military medical malpractice, leading to significant medical challenges that not only affected them but also deeply impacted their families. These personal tragedies ignited their relentless pursuit of justice and change, forming the foundation of what would become the Coalition of Heroes.

Lauren Palladini, an Airborne Paratrooper, suffered severe complications during a routine c-section at Womack Army Medical Center. Her right uterine artery was lacerated, but the injury was undiagnosed and improperly repaired. Over the course of four weeks, Lauren endured seven postpartum hemorrhages, multiple invasive procedures, and 13 blood and plasma transfusions before ultimately requiring a hysterectomy to save her life. At just 22 years old, Lauren lost her fertility due to this medical error.

Dez Del Barba, a 21-year-old college student at Sonoma State University, put his studies on hold to join Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, aiming to become an officer in the U.S. Army. In his sixth week of training, Dez contracted Streptococcus A, which, due to inadequate treatment, developed into Necrotizing Fasciitis. This life-threatening infection led to the amputation of his left leg. After enduring 43 surgeries and months of rehabilitation, Dez emerged with a new perspective on the failures within military healthcare.

Liam Corey’s life changed on April 20, 2019, when he was involved in a hit-and-run accident in Austin, TX, suffering a vertical shear pelvic fracture and torn urethra. After two surgeries and some rehabilitation at Dell Seton Medical Center, he was transferred back to Fort Hood in Killeen, TX, without proper transportation or a transition plan. Despite his complex medical needs, including a trapeze hospital bed and extensive prescriptions, his room on base was non-compliant, lacked adequate medical supervision, and exposed him to potential prescription mismanagement. Military staff were unaware of Liam’s injuries upon his return, leading to months of inadequate care, multiple ER visits, and bureaucratic delays, taking 104 days to receive proper treatment. Liam’s experience highlights the urgent need for improved medical protocols and compassionate care within the military healthcare system.

During their personal struggles, Lauren, Dez, and Liam discovered comfort and encouragement through various online groups and communities. These platforms enabled them to share their experiences and connect with others who had faced similar injustices. Through this network of mutual support, they found other victims who would become instrumental in shaping their advocacy efforts.

In 2024, Lauren Palladini, Kamni Del Barba (Dez’s mother), Jill Corey (Liam’s mother), and Mandy Feindt (an advocate for the Red Hill Water Crisis in Hawaii) united to officially form the Coalition of Heroes. Each woman had witnessed the devastating effects of military medical malpractice and negligence on their loved ones, igniting their determination to create a collective voice for change. Kamni and Jill were driven by a desire to prevent other families from suffering as their sons had, while Mandy brought her experience in combating military negligence and systemic failures from her advocacy in the Red Hill Water Crisis.

The formation of the Coalition of Heroes marked the beginning of a broader movement, bringing together victims and supporters to address these critical issues. Lauren, Dez, Liam, and their families' dedication has led to significant progress, including influencing policy discussions and raising public awareness about the Feres Doctrine and its impact on military medical malpractice. United by a shared mission to confront these injustices, demand essential reforms, and amplify affected voices, the Coalition has relentlessly advocated for change. They have traveled to Washington D.C., met with lawmakers and military officials, and highlighted the shortcomings of the Feres Doctrine, pushing for exceptions to allow service members harmed outside of combat to seek justice.

Through relentless advocacy, education, and solidarity, the Coalition of Heroes continues to fight for a future where every service member receives the justice, respect, and support they rightfully deserve. Their journey, born out of personal tragedy, has transformed into a powerful movement striving for change and accountability within the military medical system. Their personal journeys of survival and loss has fueled their commitment to tirelessly advocate for reforms that ensure no service member endures such preventable tragedies in the future.