Real Stories, Real People
Patient Testimonies
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 […]
Patient Testimonies
My name is Deanna Robinson and I am a 72-year-young woman living with leukemia. When I was first diagnosed in 1998, I was immediately worried about leaving my family behind. But I quickly found out that wouldn’t be my only worry. Early in my treatment, I started taking an oral chemo drug, Imbruvica, for my […]
Patient Testimonies
I worry that I will not be able to afford to live.
My name is Steven Hadfield. I am a long-time North Carolinian, a husband, a grandfather of three, a football fanatic, and a rare cancer patient as well as a diabetic. I have been a hard worker for all of my life. I work full-time at Walmart. I also work part-time at Bank of America stadium […]
Patient Testimonies
We shouldn't have to jump through hoops.
My name is Temple Riddle and I am a resident of Gillette, Wyoming. I am 79 years old and view myself as being fortunate in this life. My husband and I receive a fixed income each month, and we have a roof over our head. However, we do still face a lot of problems in […]
Patient Testimonies
I spend hundreds of dollars each month.
I’m Wendy Moffitt and I am a 40-year-old resident of Bismarck, North Dakota. I am a diabetic with both cardiovascular and pulmonary issues as well. I am disabled and can no longer work. My prescriptions cost $7,000 per month. Some of these include Tresiba, Novolog, Jardiance, Breo Ellipta, Ventolin, Combivent, and gabapentin. I’m on over […]
Patient Testimonies
I desperately need my medications.
My name is Darlene and I am a 74-year-old retiree from Van Buren, Arkansas. I am an avid outdoors person and I love to exercise. Since I’ve retired, I’ve spent a lot of time at the gym –– and have even hiked up and down the canyons in Arizona. I greatly value my health, and […]
Patient Testimonies
The costs really add up for us seniors.
My name is Beverly McClure and I am from Grand Junction, Colorado. I am 87 years old and have type 2 diabetes. When I was first diagnosed, the medicines for my diabetes were quite inexpensive. I don’t work any longer because I can’t, and I live on a fixed income. My insurance covers the majority […]
Patient Testimonies
We had to put most medical costs on my credit card.
My name is Jennifer Hepworth and I am a mother from Layton, Utah. My daughter Penny lives with cystic fibrosis. When she was 3 weeks old she began taking pancreatic enzymes every time she ate. At her young age, her small dose was about $800/month but increased to about $4,000 by the time she was […]