Patient Testimonies

Real Stories, Real People

Patient Testimonies

Are we worth nothing at all?

My name is Rachel, I am 24 years old, and I am from Pittsburgh, PA. I live with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) called Crohn’s disease. For over 15 years, I have been on numerous medications, had countless tests, and survived two bowel resections. But this is minor compared to the impending anxiety that comes […]

Patient Testimonies

A Not-For-Profit Vaccine From Johnson & Johnson? Not so fast.

 BY DAVID MITCHELL, CANCER PATIENT AND FOUNDER, PATIENTS FOR AFFORDABLE DRUGS Ronald Reagan made an old Russian proverb famous when he said, “Trust but verify.” It’s good advice — especially when talking about Johnson & Johnson (J&J), the world’s largest health care company with a record of unethical marketing and price gouging. J&J and its […]

Patient Testimonies

I will die without this drug.

My name is Dirk Last and I am a full-time college student from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have been type 1 diabetic for 19 years now. I’ll be 24 in April, and I’m terrified of being kicked off of my parents’ insurance when I turn 26 –– and what that will mean for the price of […]

Patient Testimonies

It's a lot for me to manage.

My name is Jayme Thode and I am from Taftsville, Vermont. I am disabled and live with multiple health problems. I take over 30 medications a day, not including antibiotics and other meds I need during the month for acute issues.  It’s just awful. I spend a good amount of my disability money to pay […]

Patient Testimonies

COVID-19: Why Drug Corporations didn't invest in vaccines until a global pandemic

by DAVID MITCHELL AND BEN WAKANA As the COVID-19 crisis grows, Big Pharma is trying to position itself as the key to ending this pandemic. But drug corporations have been uninterested in fighting infectious diseases for decades.  In this blog, we examine pharma’s deep disinterest in combating infectious diseases and why drug corporations are suddenly […]

Patient Testimonies

The cost was just too high.

My name is Mary Combellick and I am a grandmother and retiree living in Gettysburg, South Dakota. I wanted to share with you today the story of my struggles to afford my diabetes medication.  I have had diabetes since 2006, and it has completely altered my life. My doctor prescribed me a number of diabetes […]

Patient Testimonies

I worry constantly.

My name is Douglas Kooiman and I am a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I do my best to be an active member of my community and take care of my health. Unfortunately, I have been dealing with cardiovascular issues for many years, and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2005. My doctor […]

Patient Testimonies

COVID-19: Follow The Money

by DAVID MITCHELL AND BEN WAKANA Two weeks ago, we wrote about the importance of affordable vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. Since then, the pharmaceutical industry has positioned itself as a hero stepping up to end the COVID-19 crisis. They trumpet their progress toward a vaccine and announce their unprecedented focus on the pandemic.  But […]