Carl T. Bergstrom

carlbergstrom.com

14 October 2026 01:40

I worked with—and deeply admired—Helen for almost 30 years. She was hands down *the best source* about emerging infectious diseases that I've ever known. My first warning of COVID was when on Dec 28, 2019 she reposted a ProMED mail report of an atypical pneumonia cluster: "This doesn't look good."

Kai Kupferschmidt

kakape.bsky.social

13 October 2026 22:14

Hard to find the words tonight. Helen was an amazing journalist, smart, hard-working, clear-eyed. She was also a kind, generous person and a good friend. Sad beyond words.

anil oza

aniloza.bsky.social

13 October 2026 20:15

Such a sad day here at stat When i came back as a fellow, and learned that I would be sitting at the desk next to Helen, I was a little star struck and very intimidated. When I was in college, I had closely read her work during the pandemic and learned so much from it

Dr Emma Hodcroft

firefoxx66.bsky.social

13 October 2026 19:47

There are some people you just feel better knowing that they're out there. Helen was one of those people. The outpouring among so many tonight, is testament to that. The world is a little emptier tonight without her. Thank you for everything @helenbranswell.bsky.social!

Isabella Cueto

isabellacueto.bsky.social

13 October 2026 19:47

The kind of person Helen was. Gutsy, whip-smart, and generous without needing credit for it. I wouldn't be at STAT if not for the Begley fellowship. It is so bittersweet to lose another legend while knowing her gifts will bless the next gen of science writers. www.statnews.com/2026/10/13/h...