About

By

My name is Jennifer Ballard. I'm a licensed Esthetician and business owner here in Fort Worth, Texas. For years, I have worked professionally in the skincare industry and, like many, I believed cosmetic neurotoxins were a safe, routine part of a modern wellness regimen. Before my injury, my life was full—focused on my work, my faith, and spending time with my family and friends.

That belief—and my life as I knew it—was shattered in 2023. Following a standard Botox treatment, I was upended by a sudden and debilitating cascade of neurological and autonomic symptoms. For seven months, I was dismissed, misdiagnosed with anxiety, and left to navigate a terrifying medical journey through what I now know to be iatrogenic botulism poisoning (IBP).

Today, I am still on my healing journey. The years since my injury have been a battle, leaving me unable to live the life I once enjoyed. I often have to miss out on important events and time with my children, and I still contend with the fear of another terrifying episode while I'm on my own.

Facing disbelief, even from people close to me, forged a new purpose in me. My goal is not to tell people what to do, but to share my hard-won knowledge so that no one else has to make this choice uninformed. I feel a deep responsibility to make these hidden dangers public, and I believe that if my story can save just one person from this ordeal, it is worth any criticism I might face.

"A Toxin's Toll" was created to be that voice and to fill that void. This site is a public service project dedicated to providing meticulously researched information, a platform for patient stories, and a resource for advocating for better informed consent and medical care. Its mission is to:

  • Educate the public and the medical community about the full range of potential risks.

  • Validate the experiences of those who have been harmed and silenced.

  • Empower patients with the language and data needed to advocate for themselves.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is based on my personal experience and extensive research. It is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

You are not alone.

— JB