My name is Erika Garnto. I’m 48 years old and I’m from Highland Lakes, NJ. I’ve had two bouts of breast cancer; I was diagnosed the first time five years ago, and again more recently late last summer. I also suffer from diabetes, asthma and fibromyalgia.
During the time of my first breast cancer diagnosis, I worked as a practice administrator for a dental office. I was able to see firsthand, and unfortunately experience myself, the struggle that some patients go through to afford their medications while trying to make ends meet.
I spend about $24,000 a year on medications; I find myself at times having to skip doses to stretch my medications and maxing out my credit card to afford them.
My family helps me push forward, but what I’m up against is impossible –– and no one should have to go through this.
After recently learning that Bob Hugin, a former drug company CEO, is running for Senate in my state, I was taken aback.
He made $140 million by repeatedly raising the price of a cancer drug, Revlimid. Patients are going into debt to afford this drug.
How could a man that profited from the lives of so many sick people now claim to want to represent them?
Such a person could never have the welfare of New Jerseyans at heart. Electing Bob Hugin would be a mistake.