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Science Magazine - New Long Covid trials aim to clear lingering virus—and help patients in dire need

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SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: P...io. South Berwick United States

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SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: Phillip Riley (41), Nicole Riley (43), Chloe Avants (15) and Jaxson Riley (9) at their home in South Berwick, Maine on Sunday, March 31st, 2024. Photo by Sofia Aldinio. South Berwick United States

SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: J...nio South Berwick United States

2 of 12 © 2024 Sofia Aldinio

SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: Jaxson Riley (9) had his first seizure episode in February of 2020. A year after he was diagnosed with epilepsy and gray matter heterotopia in his front left frontal lobe. South Berwick, Maine on Sunday, March 31st, 2024. Photo by Sofia Aldinio South Berwick United States

SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: J...io. South Berwick United States

3 of 12 © 2024 Sofia Aldinio

SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: Jaxson Riley (9) names his pillow Hammy that he uses on his wheelchair. South Berwick, Maine on Sunday, March 31st, 2024. Photo by Sofia Aldinio. South Berwick United States

SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: J...io. South Berwick United States

4 of 12 © 2024 Sofia Aldinio

SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: Jaxson's medical kit is held by his mother. Her tattoo on her wrist means I will not abandon. South Berwick, Maine on Sunday, March 31st, 2024. Photo by Sofia Aldinio. South Berwick United States

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SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: Fighting for his son's life meant that Nicole Riley (43) would have to go against many doctors that did not believe his son was sick from long Covid, trusting her instinct that her son was suffering from long Covid. South Berwick, Maine on Sunday, March 31st, 2024. Photo by Sofia Aldinio. South Berwick United States

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SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: Nicole (43) and Phillip Riley (41) have been struggling financially since Jax started having side effects because of Covid. Nicole is 100% dedicated to Jax wellbeing. South Berwick, Maine on Sunday, March 31st, 2024. Photo by Sofia Aldinio. South Berwick United States

SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: J...io. South Berwick United States

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SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: Jaxson (9) plays outside in the yard with his mom and service dog. Going out sometimes is hard for the Riley family, so they often stay around the house. South Berwick, Maine on Sunday, March 31st, 2024. Photo by Sofia Aldinio. South Berwick United States

SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: R...io. South Berwick United States

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SOUTH BERWICK, ME - MARCH 31: Riding bikes around the neighborhood is something that Jaxson Riley (9) really enjoys doing with his father. South Berwick, Maine on Sunday, March 31st, 2024. Photo by Sofia Aldinio. South Berwick United States

Science Magazine - New Long Covid trials aim to clear lingering virus—and help patients in dire need

Science Magazine - New Long Covid trials aim to clear lingering virus—and help patients in dire need

Science Magazine - New Long Covid trials aim to clear lingering virus—and help patients in dire need

Science Magazine - New Long Covid trials aim to clear lingering virus—and help patients in dire need

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Science Magazine - New Long Covid trials aim to clear lingering virus—and help patients in dire need

sofia aldinio

Apr 12, 2024

Jaxson was one of the first COVID-19 cases in the state, in early 2020 when he was 5 years old. A previously energetic little boy, he now has asthma, celiac disease, joint pain, nausea, intense fatigue, and other health conditions, all of which doctors believe were caused by the virus.

In August 2023, Jaxson enrolled in Yonker’s trial, after testing confirmed SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in his blood. “To watch your child go through the type of pain that Jaxson goes through” is excruciating, Riley says.

“He says, ‘Mom, I can’t walk today,’ and I can’t do anything about it.” Riley doesn’t know whether Jaxson received treatment or placebo pills, but she says regardless, the trial “is what I was looking for”—a ray of hope.

Link to Web Story

Photograph for Science Magazine
Photo Edit: Emily Petersen

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