Shortage Stories

Every drug shortage has patient warriors fighting for their lives. Every warrior has a story. See more videos of warriors here.

Spotlight: Angelos & Elisabeth

Spotlight: Angelos & Elisabeth

As parents, we lost the ground under our feet. How can crucial medicines for treating children suffering from cancer not be available? How do hospitals specialized in treating kids not have alternatives or a mechanism to prevent these kinds of shortages? Why do patients, like us, basically depend on one source supplying this medicine?

Spotlight: Jeff Vander Zanden

Spotlight: Jeff Vander Zanden

My name is Jeff Vander Zanden, and I’m a lifelong resident of Wisconsin. In 2000, my depression and severe anxiety led to panic attacks. I was started on a common antidepressant, and while that helped, my anxiety was barely under control. My psychiatrist added a medication called nefazodone, and within a couple of weeks my anxiety decreased substantially—with no side effects. This was life-changing!

Spotlight: Aileen

Spotlight: Aileen

My name is Aileen and I am married to my husband, Nick. We both work and live in the Boston area with our almost 3-year-old daughter. We are a very typical family and enjoy a love of the outdoors and traveling with our little girl. She loves spending time with her family and friends and her most beloved cat, Belle.

Spotlight: Michael Thompson

Spotlight: Michael Thompson

Hello my name is Michael Thompson I’m from Ankeny, Iowa and I am 61 years old. My cancer story began with a recurring, minor throat irritation and earache. They would come and go over the course of several months. I did mention them to my family doctor a couple times, but there was no resolution. I eventually went to an ear, nose and throat doctor suspecting that I had some sort of inner ear infection, but instead I was diagnosed with cancer.

Spotlight: Tiffanie & Finn

Spotlight: Tiffanie & Finn

My name is Tiffanie. I am a mom of two (Harper and Finn), wife and nurse. In January of 2020 myson, Finn, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. No amount of medical education,training or experience prepares you for the news that your child has cancer. It feels like an out ofbody experience. I felt helpless, heartbroken, and numb.